Red Baron's Plane in Świdnica

On the main avenue of General Władysław Sikorski Park in Świdnica stands a red triplane that is hard to walk past. It is a replica of the Fokker Dr.I, the aircraft forever linked with Manfred von Richthofen, the "Red Baron", who spent part of his childhood a few minutes' walk from here. The plane was installed in March 2019 and quickly became one of the most photographed spots in town.

History: the ace who grew up in Świdnica

Manfred von Richthofen was born on 2 May 1892 in Borek, today part of Wrocław. In 1901 his family moved into a villa on what is now Sikorskiego Street 19 in Świdnica, built in the late 19th century and surrounded by a garden. During the First World War Richthofen scored 80 officially confirmed aerial victories, more than any other pilot of that war. He received the Pour le Mérite in January 1917 and was killed on 21 April 1918. In 2022 the Lower Silesian heritage authority added the former Richthofen villa to the register of historic monuments.

A replica from Witoszów

The Fokker Dr.I triplane was produced in 1917–1918. The Świdnica replica was built by Stanisław Gabryś of the Museum of Weapons and Military Items in Witoszów Dolny. It cost PLN 47,500, of which about PLN 4,700 came from the town budget, and it was part of the Polish-Czech project "High-flying towns – Świdnica and Trutnov". The location was chosen in an online consultation from three options, and the idea of promoting the town through a German airman divided councillors and residents from the start.

Did you know?

• Just days after the plane was installed, the town had to put up rules next to it: climbing onto the wings, the tail or into the cockpit is forbidden, because visitors were treating the replica like a playground.
• A CCTV camera watches the aircraft, yet in 2021 it still needed repairs after damage caused by tourists.
• In spring 2026 another renovation began: the propeller was taken to the workshop by staff of the Witoszów museum that built the replica, and the plane is to be repainted in its original colours.
• In 2016 a different triplane replica was displayed on Świdnica's Market Square.

Tripto tips

The plane stands in a public park, so you can see it free of charge at any time. Allow 30–45 minutes for photos and a short walk to the Richthofen villa at Sikorskiego 19 (a residential building, seen from outside). Remember that climbing on the plane is not allowed. The visit combines easily with sightseeing in Świdnica and its Church of Peace.