Hikes in the Vogtland offer a varied nature experience, well-developed and signposted hiking trails and many highlights along the way. Three particularly beautiful hikes are presented here.
The Vogtland is made for hiking. On the one hand, its location in the four-country corner of Saxony, Thuringia, Bavaria and Bohemia in the middle of Germany makes it easily accessible for many people. On the other hand, hiking enthusiasts will find a lot of untouched nature here. It is not for nothing that a whole 70 places in the Vogtland bear the word “green” in their names.
Natural forests, wide green mountain meadows and idyllic river and stream valleys can be discovered on hikes in the Vogtland. Culinary delights are also on offer, such as the ” Green Dumplings”, whose name fits perfectly into the program.
Also interesting: Long distance hiking on the Goldsteig
Hiking area Vogtland
With five certified quality trails, several theme trails and nature trails, the Vogtland is well developed for hiking. Nestled between the Ore Mountains and the Fichtel Mountains, the landscape is predominantly hilly and offers breathtaking panoramic views again and again. From relaxed walks to more challenging hikes lasting several days, you can find everything here.
The Vogtland Panorama Trail
One of the most famous hikes is probably the one on the Vogtland Panorama Weg. Divided into twelve daily stages between 12 and 24 kilometers, experienced hikers can easily complete the circular route in one piece. For shorter hiking tours and day trips, partial sections are ideal.
The trail begins at the Göltzschtal Bridge, the largest brick bridge in the world. Via the Köhlersteig, the trail first leads toward Greiz in the Thuringian Vogtland region through „Vogtland Switzerland“ and west past the lace town of Plauen.
On the following stages, you will cross the legendary Burgstein area, pass the Pirk Dam and the town of Oelsnitz before reaching the Saxon state spas of Bad Elster and Bad Brambach. After a short detour to the Czech Republic, the Vogtland Panorama Trail leads you to Markneukirchen. You will experience the traditional „music corner“ with the towns of Erlbach and Klingenthal and cross the 936 meter high Aschberg.
Through Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz with the German Space Exhibition you continue around the forest park Grünheide. Now the route aligns itself towards the Westerzgebirge mountains and you head towards Schönheide. After the village of Wernesgrün, known for its Wernesgrüner beer, Rodewisch and Lengenfeld soon come into view. Passing the imposing Mylau Castle, you will finally reach the starting point at the Göltzschtal Bridge.
Hiking around the Pöhl dam
There are several dams in the Vogtland. One of them is the Pöhl dam, which you can hike around on a circular trail about 20 kilometers long. On numerous ascents and descents you will have fascinating views of the dam again and again. You will cross meadows and forests and pass several viewpoints.
Thanks to the landing stages of the passenger boat service in Altensalz, Gansgrün and on the castle peninsula, you can easily shorten the route in several places.
The surroundings of the Pöhl Dam are also ideal for hiking. With the individual tour planner of the tourism association you can, for example, explore the two adjacent nature reserves Triebtal/Eisenberg and Steinicht. The adjacent Elster Valley is also ideal for hiking.
You can find more information on the website of the Zweckverband Talsperre Pöhl.
Vogtland hiking tour for children: Drachenrundweg Syrau
Hiking with children is great in the Vogtland – for example on the Drachenrundweg Syrau, which always offers adventures along the way. From the dragon cave in Syrau it leads past a windmill over open fields and dark forest. Active stations and lovingly made information boards tell again and again about the legends and myths that entwine themselves around the Vogtland.
For example, children learn all about the dragons, which are said to have wreaked havoc in the area as voracious monsters in ancient times. The dragon cave, Saxony’s only dripstone cave, does not bear its name for nothing. The windmill on the hill is also said to have been haunted by a dragon before a brave miller’s boy overcame it with a pitchfork. A chapel still reminds us of the story today.
Even more Vogtland hikes
Under the name „Vogländische Grüntöne“ (Vogtland Green Tones), the Vogtland Tourism Association has published a brochure with 22 selected day hikes. Interested parties can order it free of charge. You can also view the various day hikes online, graded according to their route length.
The hikes are circular routes. Whether it’s a herb trail, a mushroom trail or the Vogtländischer Knollensteig – all of the hikes offer something to learn, exciting natural spectacles along the way or an exciting story about their past. So there is a lot to discover in the Vogtland!
