Plauen - the Lace City
Plauen – a name that is well known to connoisseurs of the finest German craftsmanship. But the town in the heart of the Saxon Vogtland is much more than just the home of the world-famous Plauen lace. A short trip to Plauen reveals a charming mix of proud industrial history, surprising architecture and idyllic nature. Anyone looking for a break from everyday life will find a rewarding destination full of discoveries here.
75% of Plauen was destroyed in the Second World War. This is not immediately obvious when strolling through the town, but there are some really beautiful buildings to discover. The old town in particular, which nestles picturesquely along the Weiße Elster, has some beautiful corners. A stroll through the alleyways leads to the Old Town Hall. The magnificent Renaissance gable and the ornate clock are a popular photo motif. Right next to it, it is worth climbing the town hall tower. What a view over the roofs of the town and the surrounding hills!
A visit to the show embroidery is an absolute must for every visitor. Historic machines still clatter away here today, bringing the delicate art of lace-making to life. Of course, a small, precious souvenir made of genuine Plauen lace is a must.
Those interested in culture will get their money’s worth at the Vogtland Museum, which sheds light on regional history in magnificent old patrician houses. A visit to the Erich-Ohser-Haus will put a smile on your face. Here, the work of the illustrator Erich Ohser, better known as e.o.plauen, and his unforgettable “Father and Son” picture stories are honored.
A vacation in the lace city of Plauen is not just a city break with the opportunity to visit numerous museums or cultural events, but also offers numerous attractive excursion options thanks to the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Sights in the Lace City Plauen
Plauen can be discovered wonderfully during a city walk. The distances are not particularly large and there is something to discover at almost every corner.
Plauen has some very beautiful churches, which can be easily visited during a city walk. We were in the Lutherkirche and the Johanniskirche, both of which are within easy walking distance from the old town.
Standing on the Altmarkt in Plauen, you can not only admire the beautiful Old Town Hall, but will also find there the entrance to the Plauen Lace Museum. A unique museum that you should plan to visit during your stay in the city.
Plauen lace is known all over the world. In Plauen you can learn everything about the production and watch how the lace was made in the show embroidery Plauener Lace.
Below the Plauen Malt House and St. John's Church runs the Mühlgraben. Here stands a row of houses that are over 500 years old and are now known as weavers' houses.
In the immediate vicinity of the large pedestrian zone is the entrance to the former alum mine Plauen. Here you can take part in individual guided tours and learn about the mining history of the city.
The city of Plauen is located in the beautiful Vogtland. In the Vogtland Museum Plauen you can learn not only about the history of the city, but also about the Vogtland.
Restaurant and accommodation tips for Plauen
During our time in Plauen we visited some restaurants, cafes and pubs. Eating in Plauen, everyone will find something for his taste.
Looking for a hotel in Plauen? During our visit we stayed at the Hotel Alexandra directly in the pedestrian zone of the city center.
Best Western Hotel Am Straßberger Tor
Parkhotel Plauen
Hotel Alexandra
DORMERO Hotel Plauen
Plauen travel information
Arrival
By plane
The nearest airports are in Leipzig and Nuremberg.
By train
There are two train stations in Plauen. The upper station at Rathenauplatz is mainly served by regional trains on the Hof-Dresden route. Regional trains that go to Zwickau or to Cheb in the Czech Republic also stop here. The Mitte station on Reichenbacher Straße is a stop on the Elstertalbahn line from Gera to Weischlitz.
By bus
All regional bus lines stop at the bus station. The long-distance bus station is located on the eastern edge of the city at the Waldfrieden streetcar stop.
By car
The A72 freeway runs southeast of Plauen. The federal roads B92 (Gera-Bad Brambach) and B173 (Zwickau-Hof) lead through the city.
By bike
The Elster cycle path and the cycle path from Bayreuth to Chemnitz run through the town.
On the way in ...
Public transport
There are five streetcar lines and four city bus lines in Plauen. These run at fairly frequent intervals during the day.
By car
Plauen’s city center is a maze of one-way streets and somewhat confusing.
If you are looking for a free parking space in the city center, you really have to look hard. There is extensive parking management here, with parking garages and paid parking. The parking lots of most hotels are also subject to charges.
There is also free parking just outside the downtown area.
On foot
The central area, where most of the tourist destinations are located, can be easily explored on foot. The destinations that are a bit outside can be easily reached by public transport.