Zwota between hiking trails, musical history and nature

Zwota combines well-signposted hiking trails, the natural surroundings of the Hüttenbach Valley and regional musical history. This is complemented by dialect literature, museums and events connected with the area.

Hiking routes with specific distances

There are well-signposted hiking trails in and around Zwota. These include the certified Klingenthal–Zwota circular hiking trail (Höhensteig), the Vogtland Panorama Trail and six local routes. Their lengths range from approximately 9.2 to 13.5 km. The local routes include “Around the Zwota Valley”, “Hoher Brand” in the Elster Mountains, “St. Peter’s Well near Kottenheide”, “Raubschloss in the Klausenbach Valley”, “Source of the Zwota” and “Glasbach Valley and Herrenberg”. The Höhensteig circular trail is certified as a “Quality Trail Wanderable Germany”.

Route 6, “Glasbach Valley and Herrenberg”, is 9.2 km long. The kilometre figures provide a clear framework for planning a hike without specifying a particular walking time. For your own daily planning, the specific distance is a fixed starting point; your personal pace and breaks determine the actual duration.

The Hüttenbach Valley natural area

The Hüttenbach Valley nature trail runs at elevations between 600 and 800 m above sea level. Its 21 information panels provide information about flora, fauna, history and geology.

Nature observation and local history stand side by side here, complemented by a geological perspective on the valley.

The 43.44-hectare “Hüttenbach” nature reserve is part of the Ore Mountains–Vogtland Nature Park. The “Lange Bank” is 40.13 m long and offers panoramic views over Klingenthal and Zwota.

Music, dialect and collections

The Zwota Dialect and Experience Centre presents books featuring dialect literature, films from the region and constantly changing special exhibitions. The Zwota Accordion Museum has a collection of more than 1,000 instruments.

The collection includes harmonicas, diatonic button accordions and concertinas from the 19th century. It also includes instruments from the “Arnold” bandoneon factory in Carlsfeld in the Ore Mountains, as well as accordions in various designs, including top-of-the-range models from the former Klingenthal Accordion Works.

In the centre of Zwota, the Eibisch Depot is located in the former Denk brewery. It houses an extensive exhibition of historic woodworking tools and historic toys, as well as an annual Christmas exhibition. The location in the former Denk brewery in Zwota adds a historical connection to the area to the exhibition, alongside the tools and toys.

Festivals and guided local history

The Zwota Kirmes is a three-day festival with music and festivities in a marquee from Friday to Sunday. It takes place ten weeks after Whitsun. Its connection to Whitsun makes it easier to place the festival in the annual calendar.

On 21 August 2021, the first event was held at the Zwota Forest Stage in the open-air theatre; regular performances resumed there from 2022.

Georg Carsten Eibisch guides visitors through Zwota either in the guise of a night watchman by the light of a dark lantern or as a hurdy-gurdy man accompanied by music.

Steinberg · Markneukirchen · Auerbach/Vogtland · Tirpersdorf · Eichigt · Grünbach · Klingenthal · Hammerbrücke

FAQ

When is the dialect and film evening held?

The dialect and film evening in Zwota takes place every year on 27 December.

To the higher-level travel overview: Vogtland.