Plauen
Bridges to cross, towers to climb and an old craft kept alive: Plauen surrounded by the green landscape of the Vogtland region is a delightful destination for a weekend off the beaten track.
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Day 1 in Plauen: Friday
Arrival, check-in and up the Bärensteinturm tower. Your first day is more or less covered.
After checking in at one of the town’s cosy hotels or holiday flats, we recommend stopping by the tourist information in the town hall to get all the information you need for your stay. Afterwards, try the delicious macarons (or other sweet delicacies) at "klein & fein" café.
Next on your agenda is a leisurely walk through Plauen’s green centre, namely the Syratal landscape conservation area and the Stadtpark, to get to Bärensteinturm Tower. Climb up for great views across town!
A German poet once said that, in pubs, the sun comes out of the taps. Particularly in Plauen’s old town, you will find many cosy inns to enjoy a hearty meal and a bit of “liquid sunshine” from the taps. The local version, brewed in Plauen, is called Sternquell beer.
Day 2 in Plauen: Saturday
Today, you’ll get to know Plauen on a guided city tour, sample some culinary specialties of the region and visit a very special museum.
You can either set off with an audio guide to discover Plauen on your own or join a guided city tour. The latter gives you the opportunity to ask any question you might have, particularly about the autumn of 1989 when the Wall came down and the role the town of Plauen played in this context.
For lunch, try some Vogtland specialities such as Sauerbraten (marinated and braised beef) with green dumplings or Bambes, pancakes made of grated potatoes with mushrooms, roast meat and egg, which you can get at Plauen’s oldest restaurant, “Matsch”.
© Martin ReißmannPlauen is the world capital of lace. For centuries, the most delicate works of embroidered lace have been created here by expert craftspeople. Examples of this art can be admired in the "Thread Factory".
Now that you know what the most beautiful Plauen lace looks like, it is time for a visit to a local show workshop to learn how the lace products are made. Some large embroidery machines from around 1900 are still in use here.
Plauen’s quaint old town is full of restaurants – just pick and choose. Weather permitting, we recommend “Vogtland-Garten” beer garden in the centre of town.
You like opera? Or maybe a concert or ballet? Then check out what’s on the agenda at Plauen’s cultural venues and enjoy!
Day 3 in Plauen: Sunday
On your last day, you’ll learn more about the Vogtland region and its people before enjoying yet another delicious lunch.
The Vogtland Museum in a listed 18th century building houses an extensive collection showcasing regional, art and cultural history.
This gallery provides insights into the life and work of the brilliant cartoonist Erich Ohser, who grew up in Plauen in the early 20th century and worked under the pseudonym E.O. Plauen. He is most famous for his delightful “Father and Son” comic strips which are wordless and transcend language barriers.
What a shame that you couldn’t try more of Plauen’s many restaurants. For your last lunch in town, we put another few options forwards, such as "Stilbruch","Ursuppe Imbiss", "Zur Scheune" or "Broiler Bar Thoss". Just enjoy – and come back for more!