Vogtland Attractions

The Vogtland, long a zone of transit between north and south, is a densely settled upland region, partly wooded and partly open, lying on both banks of the Weisse Elster at the point of junction between the Thuringian Forest and the Erzgebirge. At the higher levels exposed to the prevailing strong winds the climate is harsh, but rainfall is low, thanks to the shelter of the hills.

Linen and other cloths were already being produced here in the Middle Ages, and textiles are still the main source of income in many parts of the area. At Plauen, the largest town in the Vogtland, the production of machine-made embroidery was introduced in the mid 19th century, and Plauen is also famed for its lace.

The rivers of the Vogtland have long been harnessed to provide power and water supply. The largest modern dam is the Pöhl Dam (1958-64) in the valley of the Trieb, northeast of Plauen. The lakes formed by this dam and the Pirk Dam, west of Oelsnitz, are now popular recreation areas.