Koźlice near Zgorzelec holds the Stalag VIII A memorial site, a prisoner mass grave and a riding centre. Here is what to see and how to prepare.
What was Stalag VIII A?
Stalag VIII A was a German prisoner-of-war camp of the Second World War. It was set up on 26 August 1939 and ran until 9 February 1945, when the Red Army liberated it. At its peak it held nearly 50,000 prisoners of many nationalities, including Poles, French, Belgians, British, Americans and Soviet soldiers. Soviet prisoners suffered the harshest conditions. Today the site is a memorial with an education centre, and the remains of the buildings survive as ruins.
Where is the Jewish cemetery near Koźlice?
Around Koźlice the name Jewish cemetery refers to a mass grave from the Second World War, where murdered Jewish prisoners of Stalag VIII A were buried. You will not see gravestones. The historic Jewish cemetery for this area lay in Görlitz, on the German side of the Lusatian Neisse. Entry is free, and the visit calls for quiet and respect.
Can you ride a horse in Koźlice?
Stajenka Koźlice teaches riding to people of different ages and levels under instructors. The horses have constant access to hay and stay on open pastures. These are outdoor lessons without the facilities of large centres, so check the current offer before you travel.
You reach Koźlice from Zgorzelec, and farther along the route lie Bogatynia and Węgliniec.
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