Vogtland Travel Guide

A complete travel guide to Vogtland including places to visit, hiking and biking routes, best activities to do, local culture and customs, safety and health, how to get there and more.


Introduction to Vogtland

Vogtland, located in Saxony, Germany, is a region full of history, culture, and natural beauty. Nestled in the foothills of the Ore Mountains, Vogtland is known for its scenic countryside, impressive architecture, and famous music-makers. Visitors will find that Vogtland is the perfect destination for a peaceful and relaxing getaway.

List of Places to Visit in Vogtland

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

Vogtland is a region full of cultural gems that are worth a visit for history buffs and art lovers alike.

  • Vogtland Museum in Plauen displays local art, traditional crafts, and important historical artefacts.
  • The Syrau railway station museum is an excellent monument that depicts the former economic role of Syrau and its metamorphosis through time.
  • The Göltzsch Viaduct is the largest brick-built bridge in the world and a testament to the incredible engineering of the 19th century.
  • Plauen’s Luther Church has an impressive stone pulpit, a late Gothic altar, and an organ by Gottfried Silbermann, one of the most respected makers of the time.

Natural Attractions of Vogtland: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Vogtland is a natural wonderland waiting to be explored. Visitors have a chance to experience beautiful landscapes and adrenaline-pumping activities.

  • Vogtland Nature Park is a forested area full of breathtaking scenery, from the peaceful lakes to the rugged mountains, hiking opportunities await.
  • The Vogtland Arena is a ski jumping facility located in Klingenthal.
  • The Göltzschtal Bridge is a marvel for nature enthusiasts and hikers. From here, one can enjoy magnificent views of the Ore Mountains and the Zwickauer Mulde river.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Vogtland

Vogtland offers a diverse range of hiking and biking trails, making it a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Vogtland Panorama Weg is an 18km trail located in the Vogtland Nature Park, offering picturesque views.
  • The Elsterperlenweg is a 185 km long cycling wolf that runs through Vogtland’s cities, countryside and rivers.
  • Nature Trail Plauener Spitze mit Aussicht in Plauen is a 1.5km hike near Plauen famous for its great views of the region.

Best Things to Do in Vogtland: Activities and Tours

Vogtland is full of activities that cater to both adrenaline seekers and those looking for a more relaxed experience. Some of the best things to do include:

  • Visit Vogtland’s thermal baths to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing and hiking.
  • Take a trip to the Syrau mill and join one of the fresh bread-making workshops or the guided walking tour in the fields.
  • Go Nordic walking through the Greizer Park and marvel at the beautiful Vossenbachtal.

Week-Long Itinerary for Vogtland

Visitors looking to spend a week exploring Vogtland can follow this itinerary as a guide:

  • Day 1: Explore the Syrau railway station museum and take a guided tour of the fields and bread-making workshops.
  • Day 2: Visit Plauen and experience Vogtland Museum or take a relaxing walk through the city’s old town.
  • Day 3: Explore the Vogtland Nature Park and enjoy a picnic or hike the 18km Vogtland Panorama Weg.
  • Day 4: Go downhill skiing in Klingenthal, take a guided tour of the Vogtland Arena and try out Nordic Skiing.
  • Day 5: Visit the Göltzschtal Bridge and discover the best views of the Ore Mountains and the Zwickauer Mulde River.
  • Day 6: Visit Greiz and explore its beautiful castle, botanical garden and the Elster Valley Railway Museum.
  • Day 7: Relax in the Vogtland thermal baths or visit the local jazz club for a live show.

Food and Drink Scene of Vogtland

Vogtland has several local culinary specialties that any visitor should try while visiting the region.

Must-Try Dishes

  • Vogtland Shepherd’s Pie, a classic dish with potato dumplings, sauerkraut and pork roast.
  • Plauener Spitze, a pastry dough filled with nougat and covered in chocolate.
  • Vogtland Beef Rouladen, a traditional Beef Roll Up with Carrots, Bacon, Onions, and Serve with Gravy.
  • Leberknödel, a liver dumpling, boiled and then sliced and fried, has been a staple of Vogtland cuisine for several decades.

Local Beverages

  • Vogtland Mineral Water is a mild and high-quality mineral water out of the Vogtland region.
  • Vogtland’s fine wines and beer produce locally are popular with both residents and visitors.

Where to Stay in Vogtland: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Vogtland has a wide range of available accommodation options that include hotels, hostels, and guesthouses. Some top picks for travellers include:

  • Hotel Alexandra in Klingenthal, a 4-star hotel with luxurious rooms and spa facilities.
  • Landgasthof Gutshof in Hohndorf offers spacious accommodation and guests can get to taste the breakfast buffet or local delicacies on offer.
  • Hostel Spiegl is the perfect choice for budget travellers looking to stay in Plauen and explore the surrounding area.

What to Buy in Vogtland: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some of the best souvenirs and local products to bring home include:

  • Plauen lace, a delicate handmade lace from Plauen.
  • Porcelain, Vogtland is famous for its fine porcelain products.
  • Beer or wine, Vogtland’s local beverages can be brought home to as a souvenir.

Local Culture and Customs of Vogtland

  • Vogtland’s inhabitants are gentle people and expect the same from the visitors. Respect locals’ traditional customs and the cultural heritage of the region.
  • A great love for music runs deep in Vogtland, the home of many musicians, including Robert Schumann, Richard Wagner, and Johann Sebastian Bach.

Best Time to Visit Vogtland

The best time to visit Vogtland is between May and September when the weather is warm, and the natural landscape is in full bloom. Winters can be cool and wet, but they are perfect for winter sports enthusiasts.

Do’s and Don’ts of Vogtland

Do:

  • Try the local wine and culinary specialties.
  • Respect the local customs and traditions.
  • Take the bird’s eye view from the Vogtland Arena in Klingenthal.

Don’t:

  • Don’t litter, take proper care of the environment.
  • Don’t touch the art exhibits in the Vogtland Museum.
  • Don’t be loud or disruptive in public places.

Safety and Health

Safety in Vogtland

Vogtland is generally a safe region to visit, with low crime rates and a generally helpful and friendly community. Visitors should take sensible precautions to protect themselves and their belongings.

Health in Vogtland

Medical care in Vogtland is generally good, and there are several clinics and hospitals located throughout the region. Visitors should ensure their travel insurance is up-to-date and covers potential medical expenses while travelling.

Getting to Vogtland: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Vogtland

  • Leipzig/Halle Airport is the closest international airport to Vogtland.
  • Dresden Airport is another option that’s a little bit further, but provides more direct connections to German destinations

Bus Stations Near Vogtland

There are several bus stations located in Vogtland, and long-distance coaches connect Vogtland to Dresden, Leipzig, and Berlin.

Other Options

Travellers looking to get around the Vogtland region can rent a car, travel by bicycle, or take local buses and trains.

How to Get Around in Vogtland

Public transportation is the most convenient way to get around Vogtland, with regular buses and trains travelling to most destinations. For those who prefer to cycle, rental bicycles are widely available, and the region’s well-marked cycling routes are perfect for exploring Vogtland on two wheels.

Where to Go Next from Vogtland: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

There are several destinations nearby which are worth a visit, including Dresden, Leipzig, Berlin, and the famous Ore Mountains.

Conclusion

Vogtland is a fascinating region in Germany waiting to be explored. With deep-rooted cultural traditions, beautiful landscapes, and sophisticated culinary delights, it’s no wonder Vogtland is a favourite destination among travellers. Whether you choose to visit its museums, relax in one of its thermal baths, or hike through its natural parks, Vogtland is the perfect place to unwind and experience the best of all worlds.

Old townhall of Plauen Old townhall of Plauen ''Weltmeister'' piano accordeon made in Klingenthal ''Weltmeister'' piano accordeon made in Klingenthal Pond in the Bad Elster spa garden Pond in the Bad Elster spa garden Bismarck tower, Markneukirchen Bismarck tower, Markneukirchen ''Bambes'' with apple sauce ''Bambes'' with apple sauce