Stalag III C Prisoner of War Cemetery (Alt Drewitz)

Yes, while the memorial itself is a solemn site for reflection, there are various walking paths that lead through the surrounding woodlands. These paths offer a chance for quiet contemplation and allow visitors to explore the area where the camp once stood. They are generally suitable for historical walks rather than strenuous hiking.

Access to the cemetery is possible via an asphalt road from the center of Kostrzyn to the hamlet of Szumiłowo. The memorial is located in a wooded area, and while the main paths within the cemetery are likely manageable, the surrounding woodland trails may vary in terrain. It's advisable to wear comfortable footwear.

The site is accessible via an asphalt road from Kostrzyn nad Odrą towards Szumiłowo, with signposts indicating the way. While specific parking facilities aren't detailed, visitors typically find space near the memorial. Public transport options directly to the site are limited, so driving is often the most convenient method.

The site is accessible year-round. To fully absorb the solemn atmosphere and for a more reflective experience, visiting during calmer periods, such as weekdays or outside of peak tourist seasons, is recommended. The memorial is somewhat hidden in a wooded area, which naturally contributes to a quieter environment.

The site is a solemn historical memorial, making it suitable for families who wish to educate children about World War II history in a respectful manner. However, due to its nature, it may not be engaging for very young children. Regarding dogs, there is no explicit information, but typically, well-behaved dogs on a leash are permitted in outdoor memorial sites, provided owners clean up after them.

The Stalag III C Prisoner of War Cemetery is primarily a memorial site in a somewhat secluded, wooded area. There are no direct amenities like restrooms or cafes on-site. Visitors should plan to use facilities and purchase refreshments in the nearby town of Kostrzyn nad Odrą before or after their visit.

A visit to the Stalag III C Prisoner of War Cemetery typically takes between 1 to 2 hours. This allows sufficient time to reflect at the monument, explore the mass graves, read the commemorative plates, and walk around the immediate vicinity of the memorial.

Today, the original camp barracks and infrastructure are gone. The site primarily functions as a commemorative cemetery. You will find six mass graves, a central monument depicting three busts of prisoners of war, and various commemorative plates and crosses erected by veterans and associations. It serves as a poignant reminder of the suffering that occurred there.

Yes, the region around Kostrzyn nad Odrą has historical significance. Kostrzyn itself was heavily damaged during WWII and has remnants of its past. For those interested in WWII history, exploring the broader area can reveal other sites related to the war's impact in the former Neumark region, now part of Poland.

Stalag III C was a German Army World War II prisoner-of-war camp that operated from 1939 to 1945. It held an estimated 70,000 prisoners of various nationalities, including Polish, French, British, Yugoslav, Belgian, Italian, American, Dutch, and Soviet soldiers. The site is particularly significant for the immense suffering of Soviet prisoners, with an estimated 12,000 deaths occurring at the camp, primarily due to brutal treatment, starvation, and disease.