The Vogtland
The Vogtland is characterised by an expressive, picturesque landscape. The region is located in the south-western foothills of the Ore Mountains, making it largely defined by low mountain ranges. Part of the Vogtland belongs to the Ore Mountains/Vogtland Nature Park. The gently rolling hills are dotted with traditional health resorts and renowned medicinal springs which attract a number of visitors. The people of the Vogtland are known worldwide for their instrument-building, handicrafts and traditions, which, like their dialect, they foster with care.
The Vogtland region is home to some particularly tall bridges. One of the largest, and also a symbol of the Vogtland, is the Göltzschtalbrücke. Located between Mylau and Netzschkau, it's the world's largest brick bridge, and masterpiece of engineering. Workers piled 26 million bricks to a height of 78 metres – over a distance of more than half a kilometre. After five years of construction, the bridge was completed in 1851.
The Vogtland is particularly known for its masterful instrument-building. Violins, guitars, zithers, French horns and harmonicas have all been made here, in the region known as the »music corner« around Markneukirchen, Klingenthal and Schöneck, since the 17th century. The local instrument-builders successfully market their products to the rest of the world under the trade name of »Musicon Valley«.
But the Vogtlanders are also gifted craftspeople in other areas. The Plauen region, for example, is traditionally home to the textile industry, as well as printer-building and the automotive industry. Its most famous product is undoubtedly the delicate Plauen lace, which was awarded the Grand Prix at the World Fair in Paris in 1900. The traditionally crafted lace today continues to be synonymous with exclusive interior fabrics, exquisite fashion and premium accessories in the textile industry.
Along with health, treatments and rehabilitation, the Vogtland also has a lot to offer in terms of local recreation and holidaying. A vast network of well developed riding, hiking and bike tracks takes visitors through hundreds of kilometres of vast forests and romantic valleys to the finest lookout points and interesting historic monuments all year round.
In winter, the region attracts athletes and sports enthusiasts from all over the world. Since 2006, it has been home to Europe's most modern ski jump, the Vogtlandarena, which has seen it host international competitions and World Cups. Amateur athletes can enjoy descents or cross-country skiing in one of the many well equipped winter sports areas.
Further information
- www.natuerlich-vogtland.de Natural experiences and events in the Vogtland, tours, day trips – all revolving around nature
- www.musiconvalley.de Instruments have been made in the so-called »music corner« around Markneukirchen, Klingenthal and Schöneck since the 17th century, and are marketed under the trade name »Musicon Valley«.
- Interactive Vogtland map Interactive Vogtland map, hiking trails, cycling trails, day-trip destinations, accommodation
- www.vogtlandkreis.de The Vogtland District Office provides information to the region's citizens and visitors.
