Discover Colditz through its castle history, historic trails and forest landscapes. The permanent exhibition at Colditz Castle explores the building’s eventful history, while the animal park and the Colditz-Glasten Forest offer different highlights. Cultural history and nature are thus presented as distinct interests that can be combined.
Castle History and Museums
The permanent exhibition focuses on the escape attempts of Allied officers held at the castle during the Second World War. The Renaissance period and the building’s later use as a hospital are also among the topics. The historical overview therefore spans several periods in the castle’s history rather than focusing on a single era.
A HistoPad is also available for visits to the castle. As visitor offerings can change, check before your trip whether it will be available when you visit. For a different perspective on craftsmanship, visit the carpentry museum at Schlossgasse 2, which contains a complete, working carpentry workshop with equipment dating from 1908. The birthplace of Johann David Köhler houses an exhibition on the history of coins. The two museums therefore have different focuses: workshop technology in one, numismatic history in the other.
Animal Park and Forest Landscape
Colditz Animal Park was established as a game reserve below the castle around 500 years ago. It was first mentioned in writing in 1523. Today, it is considered one of the oldest and most significant sites of its kind in Germany. A cultural-history walk in the animal park is also offered; check in advance whether it will take place during your travel dates.
The Colditz-Glasten Forest covers more than 3,000 hectares. Its landscape features streams, lowland mires, mixed forest and diverse vegetation. If you prefer to plan your visit around a route, consider the Colditz Circular Hiking Trail: it passes Podelwitz Water Castle, the confluence of the Mulde rivers, Colditz Forest, Colditz Castle and the historic animal park. Check route conditions and access options before setting out.
Hiking, Cycling and Other Routes
Several ways to reach Podelwitz Water Castle are listed: nearby, it can be reached on foot through ThĂĽmmlitz Forest, by bicycle via the Mulde Cycle Route, or by canoe. The right option depends first on your preferred mode of transport; check route conditions in advance. Canoe rental is also among the sports activities available in Colditz. Operators and availability can change, so it is worth checking the latest information before your trip.
The Heimatturm on Töpelsberg has a viewing platform 21 metres high. Guided city walks offer another way to get to know Colditz. Dates and booking arrangements may change, so check in advance. Colditz’s dining scene is considered small-scale, refined and traditional. Individual businesses and their availability may also change.
Arriving by Car
For travel by car, the stated route is to take the A14 to the Grimma exit, then follow the B107 towards Colditz. Check road conditions and any temporary closures before setting off. A guided tour, a walk in the animal park and the circular hike are different ways to plan your visit; you can decide which to combine based on your interests and current conditions.
The Wider Region: Leipzig District
In Leipzig District, the Leipzig New Lakeland comprises 22 new lakes with a total water surface area of 70 km². The district’s cycle-tourism network includes two long-distance cycle routes, eleven regional main cycling routes and additional themed cycle routes. In the eastern part of Leipzig District, the confluence of the Zwickauer and Freiberger Mulde rivers, along with green floodplains and forests, shapes the landscape. This information describes the wider Leipzig District region, not Colditz as an individual town.
The Luther Trail in Saxony also provides a regional connection: as a pilgrimage and hiking trail, it passes through several places in Leipzig District, particularly Colditz, Grimma, Trebsen, Wurzen, Neukieritzsch, Borna and Gnandstein.
Discover more destinations: Regis-Breitingen, Borna, Groitzsch, Großpösna, Machern, Naunhof, Narsdorf, Böhlen.
Go to the regional travel overview: Leipzig District.
