Destination Vogtland

Destination Vogtland

Key Facts

• The name derives from the former administration of the lords of the surrounding cities Gera, Plauen, and Weida.
• In addition to wooded hilltops, rivers, bridges, and volcanic landscapes shape the character of the region.
• Important towns in Vogtland include Plauen, Gera, Greiz, and Bad Elster.
• A mix of East Franconian, Northern Bavarian, and Central German dialects, referred to by speakers as 'Vogtlandish', is spoken in Vogtland.
• Vogtland is considered one of the most volcanically active zones in Central Europe.

Sights and Popular Travel Destinations

Top Excursion Destinations in Vogtland

Bad Elster

• A visit to the Soletherme & Saunawelt, which has provided weightless relaxation and well-being for just over a year.
• Numerous theater performances, such as those regularly held at the König Albert Theater or in the Nature Theater.
• The Chursächsische Philharmonie, which has long been an important part of Saxon culture.
• The Saxon Bath Museum, which informs about the development of the Saxon state baths over two floors.
• The historic spa park, which was established in 1850 in the style of an English landscape garden and boasts six different park areas.
• A variety of hiking trails, such as the historic Ring Trail that leads through the forests in and around Bad Elster over 18 kilometers.
• The Vogtland Arena, where not only ski jump professionals will find plenty to enjoy.
• During winter, the Christmas market and matching Advent festival.

Klingenthal

• Numerous hiking trails, including the circular Heights Trail, the Vogtland Panorama Path, and the Ridge Path, which spans 289 kilometers through, among other things, the Ore Mountains-Vogtland.
• Biking paths and popular routes that lead active vacationers to the Vogtland Arena, along the themed Musician Path, or through the Western Ore Mountains.
• In winter, 100 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails, modern ski lifts, and ski slopes.
• The advantages of a music city, where elegant accordions, harmonicas, and other musical instruments are manufactured.
• Musical events include the 'International Accordion Competition', the Music and Winter Sports Museum, or the 'Muha Festival - Live' (Harmonica Live on the third weekend in September).
• A variety of high-profile events at the Sparkasse Vogtland Arena, as well as the annually recurring 'International Ridge Run-Euroloppet' in cross-country skiing.

Plauen

• The landmark and center of the city is the Old Town Hall with its beautiful Renaissance gable and the adjacent Old Market.
• Also a must-see in Plauen is the Lace Museum. Founded in 1984, it is home to the largest lace tablecloth in the world and exhibits evidence from 120 years of textile production, making it the only lace museum in Germany.
• The ruins of the castle of the lords, which you can see from the square by St. John's Church.
• The Old Elster Bridge attests to the city's long history, having been built in 1244 as part of the original city fortifications.
• The historic buildings under the Malzhaus, which have shaped the cityscape of Plauen for centuries.
• Further remarkable architecture includes the baroque Weisbach House and the historic convent building.

Reichenbach

• The 43.9-meter-high castle tower, which, together with the towers of the Town Church and the Catholic Church, shapes the silhouette of the city.
• The historic town center featuring the Nikolai Church, the Old Market, and the New Market.
• Numerous visible historical houses that impress with their facades.
• The second-largest contiguous forest area in Germany, which you can explore on foot or by bike.
• Numerous festivals and markets, such as the Spring Festival, the historic Old Town Festival, or the Auerbach Fair.
• Especially the medieval Old Market Festival is known far beyond the borders of Auerbach.
• The Brunn Forest Pool, which attracts people in the summer with diving towers and sunbathing lawns.
• The Grünheide Forest Park, an oasis of relaxation in the midst of the Vogtland forest.

Auerbach

• The many museums and notable buildings in the former residence city, which still attest to the wealth of former times.
• Noteworthy are the Upper Castle Museum, the Lower Castle Museum, and the Summer Palace in Greiz.
• A visit to the Vogtlandhalle Greiz, which impresses from the outside with its imposing glass facade.
• For nature lovers, a stroll through the Prince Greiz Park, whose history dates back to the 17th century.
• Numerous Art Nouveau ensembles can be found throughout the city.
• Hiking trails in and around Greiz, such as the Elster Pearls Trail or the Vogtland Panorama Path.
• City tours along the most beautiful and exciting places in the city. A total of 11 guided tours are available, which can also be customized to your wishes.
• Sports pools and sauna landscapes in the Aubachtal spa complex.

Greiz

Events

• Festive atmosphere: Christmas spirit spreads across the numerous Christmas markets in the region, including in Plauen and the Reichenbach Advent Market. The Christmas markets open between November 21 and 23.
• Autumn Festival: Plauen hosts another festival that attracts visitors - the 25th Folksherbst, which has taken place every year since 1991 featuring stalls and smaller events.
• For jazz lovers: From May 18 to 21, 2017, Greiz will host JazzWerk#18. A true must for music enthusiasts.
• Carnival Parade: Carnival is celebrated in Vogtland as well, including in Plauen. On February 26, 2017, the highlight of the 5th season will be celebrated here.
• Cultural program: The Chursächsischen Festspiele are one of the highlights of the event year in Bad Elster. In 2017, the festival will take place from September 8 to October 3.
• Enjoy a free program: How is that possible? From June 16 to 18, 2017, Greiz will host the Park and Castle Festival. Expect 15 event areas, 8 stages with full programs, about 100 market stalls, a parade, carving demonstrations, and much more.
• Hiking experiences: Throughout the year, you can explore the region on foot, in summer with hiking and in winter with snowshoes. Dates for guided tours can be found at the respective tourist information centers.
• MDR Music Summer: In the music city of Klingenthal, everything revolves around melodies and rhythms, also on August 18, 2017, when the MDR Music Summer takes the stage in front of the Round Church 'Zum Friedefürsten'.

Map

Destination Vogtland