Plauen

Day Trips

Start your day with fresh coffee and traditional Saxon pastries at a charming bakery near the market square. Stroll through the historic Altmarkt and admire the ornate facades of 19th-century buildings bathed in soft morning light. Feel the lively pulse of the city as local shopkeepers open their doors.

Head to the New Town Hall and ascend its tower for panoramic views over Plauen and the Vogtland region. Explore the pedestrian zone’s boutiques and linger in artisanal shops showcasing lace and woodcraft. Savor a light lunch at a cozy café and watch the locals go about their day.

Dine at a riverside restaurant on the banks of the White Elster, sampling hearty Plauen specialties like Vogtländischer Sauerbraten. After sunset, join a guided twilight walking tour to learn legends of medieval Plauen. Cap the night with a nightcap at a historic beer cellar, savoring regional brews.

Immerse yourself in Plauen’s industrial past at the Vogtland Museum, where exhibits chronicle the rise of lacemaking and textile production. Marvel at antique weaving machines and intricate lace samples dating back to the 19th century. A friendly guide will share tales of local artisans who built the town’s reputation.

Cross the bridge to the German Lace Museum housed in a grand villa, and join a workshop to learn basic lace-making techniques from skilled craftsmen. Admire delicate bobbin lace creations displayed in century-old cabinets, each piece telling a story of patience and artistry. Enjoy lunch at the on-site café, indulging in traditional Saxon sweet treats.

Treat your senses at a cultural evening concert in the museum’s garden courtyard, where chamber music floats under starry skies. Sample fine Saxon wines as you mingle with locals and museum enthusiasts. End the night with a serene stroll along the Elster promenade, illuminated by soft lantern glow.

Set off early to the historic Obere Mühle (Upper Mill) perched on the banks of the White Elster. Listen to the gentle rush of water and capture photographs of the restored watermill set against lush forests. A local guide will point out native flora as you wander along the scenic mill ponds.

Follow the marked hiking trails through dense woodland leading up to panoramic viewpoints over the Vogtland valley. Pause for a picnic lunch by a sun-dappled clearing, savoring artisanal bread, local cheeses and crisp apple cider. Keep an eye out for deer grazing quietly at the forest edge.

Return to Plauen for an alfresco dinner at a riverside beer garden, sampling seasonal dishes made with foraged ingredients. As dusk falls, join a family-owned farm brewery tour to taste freshly tapped craft beer. Share stories around a fire pit before heading back to your hotel.

Begin your day in the bohemian Mockritz quarter, known for vibrant street art and independent boutiques. Pop into a hip café and sip a perfectly brewed cappuccino while planning your route. Greet local artists who open their studios for impromptu morning gallery visits.

Embark on a guided walking tour of Mockritz’s transformed industrial sites, now home to creative workshops and design studios. Stop for lunch at a hidden courtyard restaurant serving seasonal vegetarian dishes and freshly baked bread. Explore quirky vintage shops for one-of-a-kind souvenirs.

As evening arrives, settle into a trendy bar tucked beneath a repurposed factory wall. Sample craft cocktails infused with regional herbs and berries while a local DJ spins chill tunes. End the night dancing alongside residents in this lively creative enclave.

Drive or take the regional train west to the imposing Westtor (Western Gate), Plauen’s medieval entrance standing guard over the city’s outskirts. Walk along the preserved ramparts and imagine knights patrolling the walls. Enjoy tea and homemade pastries inside a quaint tearoom set within the gatehouse.

Continue on to nearby Oelsnitz, a charming town where baroque architecture and serene parks abound. Visit the Evangelical Church and admire its soaring spire before enjoying lunch in a riverside café overlooking the Elster. Wander through manicured gardens at Schlosspark, photographing sculptures and fountains.

Return to Plauen for a farm-to-table dining experience at a countryside guesthouse just outside town. Sample regional game dishes and seasonal vegetable stews around candlelit tables. As night deepens, relax on the terrace and gaze at the star-filled Vogtland sky.

Wake up early and head to the iconic Elstertalbrücke, Europe’s largest brick arch railway viaduct towering above the valley. Capture the morning sun glinting off its 40-meter arches and dynamic train crossings. A local railway enthusiast will share fascinating engineering facts.

Hike along the White Elster riverbank path that winds beneath the bridge and through lush woodlands. Stop at a hidden waterfall to dip your feet in crystal-clear pools, enjoying a picnic spread of local charcuterie. Listen to birdcalls and watch fishermen casting lines into calm pools.

Dine at a river-view restaurant offering inventive takes on Saxon classics like potato dumplings and trout. Afterwards, embark on a guided night hike back to town, using lanterns to illuminate your riverside route. Share stories with fellow hikers around a portable fire pit before returning to your lodgings.

Begin at the famous Plauen Lace Store’s flagship building, admiring its ornate stonework and Art Nouveau details. Explore interior showrooms displaying modern lace fashion innovations. Enjoy coffee in the store’s café, surrounded by lace-patterned décor.

Stroll to the Jugendstil villa district near Landestheater, where pastel-colored mansions showcase early 20th-century elegance. Join an architectural walking tour that illuminates hidden details like stained-glass windows and carved wooden balconies. Stop for lunch at a sunny terrace bistro, soaking up the refined atmosphere.

Attend a performance at the historic Theater Plauen-Zwickau, where operas and plays unfold in a richly decorated hall. Before curtain time, dine at the theater’s restaurant, savoring seasonal ingredients sourced from local farms. After the show, chat with actors over a digestif in the opulent foyer.

Set off in a rented car or guided coach to the breathtaking Saxon Switzerland National Park, an hour’s drive from Plauen. Hike the Bastei Bridge trail, marveling at sandstone rock formations rising above the Elbe River. Snap photos of dramatic vistas framed by forested cliffs.

Descend into the narrow gorges of the Schwedenlöcher, following wooden walkways carved into the rock face. Pause for a picnic lunch featuring regional sausages and rye bread, unpacked in a shaded clearing. Feel the cool mist of hidden waterfalls and listen to the echo of rushing streams.

Return as dusk falls to Plauen and dine at a cosy tavern specializing in hearty mountain-style fare. Warm up by a crackling fireplace with a bowl of goulash soup and fresh rye rolls. Cap the day with a nightcap at a local distillery tasting bar, sampling fruit brandies made from Saxon orchards.

Tour the modern Vogtlandhalle event center, admiring its sleek architecture and panoramic windows overlooking the city. Attend a morning workshop on traditional Vogtland bread baking and knead your own dough. Taste freshly baked loaves paired with regional honey and butter.

Explore the adjacent parkland and enjoy lunch at the hall’s terrace café, serving innovative salads and hearty meat platters. Wander along tree-lined paths to discover sculptures by local artists. Capture Instagram-worthy moments under the canopy of towering oaks.

Return to the Vogtlandhalle for an evening concert or cultural event, from jazz ensembles to classic dance performances. Indulge in a pre-show tasting menu at the on-site gourmet restaurant, which highlights seasonal produce and local game. Conclude the night with a leisurely walk back through the illuminated grounds.

Spend your final morning browsing Plauen’s bustling weekly market at the Altmarkt square, where farmers and artisans sell fresh produce, cheeses and handcrafted souvenirs. Chat with vendors and sample locally smoked sausages and sweet plum strudel. Pick up lace bookmarks and wood-carved trinkets as keepsakes.

Stroll through specialty shops along Lutherstraße, from vintage lace boutiques to modern design stores. Settle into a riverside café for a farewell lunch of trout fillets and potato salad paired with crisp local beer. Reflect on your journey while watching boats glide along the White Elster.

Dine at a fine-dining restaurant housed in a lovingly restored patrician mansion, celebrating your 10-day adventure with a gourmet tasting menu. Complement each course with regional wines recommended by a knowledgeable sommelier. Toast to new friendships and unforgettable memories before bidding Plauen goodbye under a sky painted with sunset hues.