Holiday in the Vogtland
In the south-west of Saxony lies the Vogtland, which extends to Thuringia and Bavaria. If you are looking for a break in a dreamlike landscape and interesting places, you should take a holiday in the Vogtland.
Where is the Vogtland located?
The exact territorial delimitation of the Vogtland differs depending on the point of view:
- From a historical perspective, the term “Vogtland” refers to the former domain of the bailiffs of Weida, Gera, Plauen and Greiz.
- From a natural perspective, areas in Thuringia and Bavaria also belong to the Vogtland natural region in addition to the Saxon Vogtland.
- Colloquially, the Vogtland is identical with the Saxon Vogtland district.
Here we look at the Saxon part of the Vogtland, an area that includes the south-western foothills of the Erzgbirge, the Elstergebirge and the Erzgebirge/Vogtland Nature Park.
The Saxon Vogtland inspires with its untouched nature. It is known for its picturesque landscape: vast forests, lush meadows and crystal-clear rivers invite you to go on long hikes or bike tours. A real highlight is the Vogtland-Panorama-Weg®, a 225-kilometre hiking trail that leads through some of the most beautiful corners of the region.
The Vogtland is not only scenically beautiful, but also culturally rich. Plauen, the largest city in the region, is home to the world-famous Plauen lace. This filigree craftsmanship has a long tradition and can be admired in exciting exhibitions. Visit the Vogtland Museum and stroll through the charming streets of the old town.
The imposing Göltzschtal Bridge, the largest brick bridge in the world, is a technical masterpiece in the region. The bridge is not only a popular photo motif, but also a testimony to impressive engineering skills.
Music lovers should not miss out on the Vogtland either: The region is internationally renowned for the construction of musical instruments. In places like Klingenthal or Markneukirchen, you can experience first-hand how violins, guitars and accordions are made.
The regional cuisine of the Vogtland is a real insider tip! Try specialties such as the hearty Vogtland sauerbraten, bambes (potato pancakes) or the sweet Vogtland Buchteln. In the many inns you will not only be spoiled with culinary delights, but also welcomed with the proverbial Vogtland hospitality.
Holidays in the Vogtland – excursion tips
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.
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.
A really unusual overnight stay can be found in Schöneck in the Vogtland. Spending the night in a Tinyhouse is already something special, but spending the night in a sea container was a wonderful time-out for us and a unique experience.
In pictures, the Göltzschtal Bridge already looks very impressive, but when you see it in reality, it is even more impressive and I can understand why it is the landmark of the Vogtland.
Schöneck/Vogtland is not far from Plauen. The town is the highest town in the Vogtland region and a popular recreation and winter sports resort that is just perfect for a time out.
Travel information about the Vogtland
Arrival
By train
If you want to travel to the Vogtland region by train, your journey will first end at one of the larger long-distance railway stations in Leipzig, Erfurt, Lichtenfels or Nuremberg. Regional trains then travel from there to the Vogtland region.
By car
The A 72 motorway crosses the Vogtland in the north. Numerous federal roads criss-cross the region.
By bike
The Bayreuth-Chemnitz cycle path and the Elster cycle path lead through the Vogtland.
On the way...
By public transport
The Vogtland region of Saxony is covered by the Vogtland Transport Association. This includes train and bus connections. The rail network has unfortunately been thinned out in recent years, but is still quite close-knit compared to other regions. All routes are served at least every two hours, most every hour.
Best time to travel
At high altitudes, the climate can be quite harsh. In the Schöneck ski area, for example, snow can still be falling in March.
The amount of precipitation is lower than in the Ore Mountains. It rains more often at high altitudes than in the valley.