Green, creative and full of tunes – the Vogtland region in southwest Saxony has a long tradition of musical instrument making and to this day, you can see how violins, tubas or trombones are manufactured by hand. Another centuries-old tradition, that of lacemaking, has also survived in this part of Saxony: head to the small town of Plauen and visit the “Thread Factory” (Fabrik der Fäden) to learn all about the history of Vogtland textile industry and Plauen lace. Not enough, the region’s green forests and hills are perfect for hiking, cycling and mountain biking. And for relaxation and recharging, the spa towns of Bad Elster and Bad Brambach are just the ticket.
High-speed ICE as well as regional trains take travellers to Vogtland destinations such as Plauen and Auerbach. The region is also easily accessible by car and offers direct access to the A72 and A93 motorways.
Within Saxony, travel times are short. The three major cities Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz are conveniently located, enabling visitors to quickly get from one attraction to the next.
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Plauen – Berlin: 307 km
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Plauen – Hamburg: 514 km
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Plauen – Munich: 314 km
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Plauen – Cologne: 493 km
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Plauen – Frankfurt am Main: 340 km
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Plauen – Stuttgart: 363 km
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Plauen – Dusseldorf: 501 km
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Here are some interesting specs for you: 26 million (!) bricks artfully arranged on top of each other, five years of construction and a height of 78 metres. The 19th century Göltzschtal Bridge is not just the largest brick-built bridge in the world but also unusually beautiful. Don’t miss! ✓ Accessible attraction
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At the German Aerospace Travel Exhibition in Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz visitors can embark on an interactive journey through the history of space travel and discover over 1,000 exhibits related to space. ✓ Accessible attraction
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The King Albert Theatre in Bad Elster is a true cultural gem and one of Central Germany’s most important court theatres. With its diverse programme and as the home of the Chursächsische Philharmonie orchestra, it serves as a vibrant meeting place for lovers of music and theatre alike.
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Klingenthal in the Vogtland region brings together a rich musical heritage, winter sports, and unspoilt nature. Highlights include the Vogtland Arena with its World Cup ski-jumping facility, the Baroque round church “Zum Friedefürsten” and the town’s long tradition of accordion making.
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Bike & Mountainbike
- On the Musicians‘ Cycle Route, you can discover the heart of German instrument-making on quiet side roads.
- At Bikewelt Schöneck, a wide range of trails awaits mountain bikers, including a daredevil “Roll & Rock” downhill track and a practice course for beginners.
- On the Musicians‘ Cycle Route, you can discover the heart of German instrument-making on quiet side roads.
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Hiking
- The Vogtland Panorama Trail® covers more than 235 kilometres, taking you through varied landscapes and charming villages while offering sweeping views.
- The "Höhensteig" Trail and Erzgebirge-Vogtland Ridgeway in the southwestern corner of the Vogtland region are alle about elevation gains, forest trails and panoramic views.
- The Vogtland Panorama Trail® covers more than 235 kilometres, taking you through varied landscapes and charming villages while offering sweeping views.
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Winter activities
- Skiwelt Schöneck and Kammloipe offer downhill skiing, tobogganing or cross-country skiing options. Just pick and choose your favourite slope or cross-country ski trail!
- For some, ski jumping is a peculiar sport. However, not in this part of the world where the Vogtland Arena ski jump features some of the most modern architecture among World Cup hills and has seen many of this sport’s best competing. The 35-metre-high ski jump can also be visited in summer. ✓ Accessible attraction
- Skiwelt Schöneck and Kammloipe offer downhill skiing, tobogganing or cross-country skiing options. Just pick and choose your favourite slope or cross-country ski trail!
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The Tannenberg mine southeast of Plauen is Saxony’s coldest visitor mine. The trip underground will impress – just don’t forget to wrap up warm!
No less than five Vogtland hiking trails have been awarded with a special German quality label (“Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland“), given only to trails that fulfil certain criteria for top hiking experiences:
Bad Elster in Saxony's Vogtland region is a traditional spa town with royal flair, inviting you to an elegant cultural retreat. Set amid historic spa architecture and beautifully landscaped parks, it offers a unique blend of relaxation and intellectual inspiration. The close interplay of culture, health, and nature creates an atmosphere where you can truly unwind, while a wide-ranging and sophisticated cultural programme unfolds against an impressive natural backdrop, all within easy walking distance.
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Königliches Kurhaus – or “royal spa house” is an architectural masterpiece in the Neo-Renaissance style featuring two historic event halls, a gallery and the tourist information office.
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Albert Bad is a modern therapy and wellness center in a historic setting offering natural moor mud treatments, mineral spring water, brine thermal baths, and a sauna complex. ✓ Accessible attraction
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King Albert Theatre is a jewel of Dresden Rococo and one of the last court theatres in Germany.
Welcome to the Vogtland region where unspoilt nature, living traditions, and forward-looking tourism come together. As a destination certified for responsible travel, Vogtland is committed to gentle tourism that protects its natural landscapes, preserves local heritage, and strengthens regional identity.
In partnership with 32 dedicated local businesses, the region champions mindful travel experiences that respect both people and nature. Whether you are hiking in peaceful forests, savouring regional cuisine, or discovering accessible and inclusive travel opportunities, you will feel what responsible travel truly means here.
Careful use of resources, fair regional value chains, and a strong commitment to quality define tourism in the Vogtland. Explore the region with awareness – and join us on our journey toward a more responsible future for tourism.
