The Klingenthal Trail & Zeulenroda Dam – Hiking in Vogtland in Germany

Between Saxony, Thuringia, Bavaria, and Bohemia lies the fairytale region of Vogtland. With gentle hills, extensive forests, and fields bursting in colour throughout the seasons, the landscape is the perfect backdrop for a varied hiking holiday. You can expect excellently developed paths along meandering streams, through historical sites, and up to the Ore Mountains with its almost 1,000-metre-high (3,280 feet) peaks.

To show you a small selection of the wide range of hiking trails in the Vogtland region, we present two particularly beautiful three-day hikes in this Collection. On the trail around Klingenthal on the Czech border, you hike for three days along hilly and panoramic paths which showcase the holiday resort and the region’s eventful history.

Nordic skiing has been a tradition here for over 100 years. This legacy is visible today in the many ski jumps, which range from very modern, to hidden and forgotten jumps in the forest. Klingenthal also has a diverse musical history. Bohemian immigrants brought their knowledge in violin making with them, which is why the area was called the "Sounding Valley".

The second three-day hike takes you around the Zeulenroda Dam. Originally, the Zeulenroda Sea was built as a drinking water reservoir, but the protection zone has since been lifted and you can go pedal boating on the lake. There are also many small and large beaches and bathing spots where you can take a refreshing swim. From the lookout points above the dam, you can enjoy unique panoramas. The dense forests are reflected in the water and clouds of mist often drift along the shore. The beautiful hiking trail is so well developed that it has received three awards from the German Hiking Association.

It doesn't matter which of the two walks you choose, or whether you hike both. The Zeulenroda and Klingenthal are easy to reach by train and you will find numerous accommodation options and traditional restaurants serving hearty, local cuisine. And since the Vogtland is one of the most volcanically active areas in Central Europe, there are also several healing springs to discover along the way. Spending a few relaxing days in the Vogtland is a wonderful adventure.