Allied officers in a German prisoner of war camp during World War II make a daring plan for a mass escape by hundreds of POWs hoping to draw German personnel and resources away from combat operations.
The WWII classic dramatises a real mass breakout from a German POW camp – and was filmed in Bavaria, where the camp was purpose-built and the surrounding countryside staged Steve McQueen’s legendary (stunt-doubled) motorcycle leap.
Where was The Great Escape filmed?
The Great Escape was filmed in Bavaria, Germany – at the Bavaria Studios near Munich and in the countryside around Fussen.
Every Great Escape location, explained
1
The POW camp – Bavaria Studios
The prison camp was purpose-built at the Bavaria Studios at Geiselgasteig near Munich.
2
The motorcycle chase – Fussen
Steve McQueen’s famous motorcycle escape used the countryside around Fussen in southern Bavaria.
3
The railway scenes – Kipfenberg
The escapees’ train journey used railway locations around Kipfenberg in Bavaria.
4
Munich and the country
The wider escape used Munich and the Bavarian countryside.
Planning a visit
Fussen in southern Bavaria – near the fairytale castle of Neuschwanstein – is a beautiful, accessible area, and the Bavaria Film Studios near Munich run tours.
The Great Escape Fun Facts
1
The famous jump was a stunt double Steve McQueen wanted to do the motorcycle leap himself, but the iconic jump was performed by stuntman Bud Ekins.
2
Based on a true escape It dramatises the real 1944 mass breakout from Stalag Luft III.
3
The camp was purpose-built The POW camp was constructed at the Bavaria Studios near Munich.
4
A rousing theme Elmer Bernstein’s march became one of cinema’s most recognisable tunes.
5
An all-star cast The film featured Steve McQueen, James Garner and Richard Attenborough.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is The Great Escape based on a true story?
Yes – the real 1944 mass escape from the Stalag Luft III POW camp.
Did Steve McQueen do the motorcycle jump?
No – the famous leap was performed by stuntman Bud Ekins.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – the Fussen area of Bavaria is accessible, and the Bavaria Studios run tours.
Where was the POW camp?
It was purpose-built at the Bavaria Studios near Munich.
