The 5th stage of the Cultural Route of the Vogts takes us along the Saale through the former territory of the Vogts of Gera.
The stage starts in Schleiz. Particularly worth seeing here are the Bergkirche and the St. Wolfgang Chapel. But a city tour is also worthwhile. Via Plothen you reach the manor estate Knau. Now the Saale shapes this stage. For centuries it marked the western border of the Vogtland. Today, the Saale region is a popular holiday destination in Thuringia, mainly due to water tourism made possible by the dammed Saale.
Follow the Saale southwards. In Ziegenrück, the Kemmenate on a rock spur shapes the landscape. Visit the Hydropower Museum.
In Walsburg, you get to know a former robber baron's castle - today a popular hiking destination.
Then the route leads to the highlight of the stage at Burgk Castle. Here you should take time for a museum visit and a walk. Via Gräfenwarth (St. Martin's Church), Saalburg (remains of the former castle), Kulm (St. George's Chapel), and Friesau (church), you reach the former Reuss residence towns Ebersdorf (Moravian Church, castle with park) and Lobenstein (castle ruins, new castle).
Via Blankenberg (castle ruins), Sparnberg (St. Simon and Thaddaeus Church, castle ruins), and Hirschberg (castle) you reach the stage destination: Hof in Upper Franconia.
