Hotel Zittauer Hof

Saxony's most improved hostelry

From 1943 till 1945 I was a British prisoner of war in a working party (Arbeitskommando) housed in what is now Zittau Neustadt, a large square in the town centre. We drew our rations (black bread, margarine and swede soup) from the Munchner Hof, a somewhat seedy guest house on the opposite side of the square. The only attraction was a young Russian 'slave worker' called Anna wsho worked there!

I had the opportunity to revisit Zittau at the end of March 2007. The old Munchner Hof was clearly recognisable but had been transformed into the Zittauer Hof, an attractive modern hotel with every amenity and a much more imaginative menu! The only downside - no Anna!

Yes, I would recommend it. It is a comfortable modern hotel in the centre of Zittau - an attractive small town in itself which I right on the border of both Poland and the Czech Republic. Hence it is known as the 'Dreilandeckestadt' - the three country corner town.

Prague and Dresden are both only about 60 miles away and two or three miles from Zittau are the Zittauer Gebirge, the Zittau mountains, not very high mountains but with some spectacular rock formations and ideal for those who enjoy hill walking or cycling. The proximity of both Poland and the Czech Republic make it possible for you to become much-travelled with minimal effort.

If you visit Zittau don't miss the narrow gauge railway up into the mountains and the unique Zittau Gross Fastentuch or Lenten Veil on permanent display in the Church of the Holy Cross, just a few yards from Zittau Neustadt.

The 'natives' are warm hearted, friendly and hospitable though few speak English. Mind you, they weren't personally hostile to me between 1943 and 1945.

Unique Quality: see above