Discover Vogtland

Winter sports: distinguishing between a ski jump and a cross-country trail

The Sparkasse Vogtland Arena Klingenthal is one of Europe’s most modern large ski jumps. An experience lift takes visitors to the 32-metre-high inrun tower, from which spectacular views open up over Klingenthal. The arena thus combines a specific winter sports structure with a view over the town. The ski jump, tower and view are different aspects of the same destination.

The Kammloipe Erzgebirge/Vogtland offers a different kind of winter sport. Within the broader travel destination of Saxony, it runs for about 36 kilometres between Johanngeorgenstadt and Schöneck and has been awarded the “Excellent Trail” designation. The two winter sports options differ: the arena is a large ski jump, while the Kammloipe is a trail with named endpoints. As trail conditions vary by season, check them before setting out on a specific tour.

Instrument history and distinctive buildings

Musical instruments have been made in the Upper Vogtland for more than 350 years. In Markneukirchen, the Musical Instrument Museum displays the world’s largest playable violin. These are two different ways to explore the subject: a long regional tradition of instrument-making and a single, exceptional museum exhibit. If you are interested in music and cultural history, you can consider these perspectives separately.

The Göltzschtal Bridge offers a different architectural theme: it is one of the two largest brick bridges in the world. This sets it apart from the museum and instrument history: the focus here is a large structure, not a single exhibit. This can help you choose excursions based on whether you are more interested in a remarkable museum piece or architecture.

Bad Elster: parks, architecture and natural features

The Royal Gardens of Bad Elster combine extensive historic parks with spa architecture of cultural and historical significance. Bad Elster also has ten mineral springs and natural moorland. These offer different ways to shape a visit: historic parkland and spa architecture sit alongside the natural features mentioned. Depending on your interests, you can explore Bad Elster from a landscape, architectural or cultural-historical perspective.

Regional cuisine and getting around

Green dumplings are a Vogtland speciality made from raw, grated potatoes. Gündel’s Kulturstall in Reichenbach regularly hosts potato tastings, as well as a potato market in the autumn. This gives you both a specific regional dish and potato-themed events to enjoy during your trip. Check the current dates for the tastings and market before visiting.

If you would like to include cycling and public transport in your travel plans, two regional details may be helpful: most cycle paths in Vogtland are near bus or train stops, and bicycles can be carried free of charge, subject to vehicle capacity. The Vogtland Panorama Trail is 225 kilometres long and offers another route to consider when planning. These details can help you choose between cultural destinations, landscapes and outdoor activities.

Discover more destinations: Auerbach/Vogtland, Bad Brambach, Bad Elster, Eichigt, Grünbach, Klingenthal, Tirpersdorf, Schöneck/Vogtland, Zwota, Morgenröthe, Erlbach, Steinberg, Tannenbergsthal, Markneukirchen, Rebersreuth, Falkenstein/Vogtland, Hammerbrücke, Adorf/Vogtland, Bergen, Grünheide, Neustadt/Vogtland, Gottesberg, Rodewisch, Mühlental.

View the broader travel overview: Saxony.