Plauen is the biggest city of the Vogtland in the federal-state of Saxony (Freistaat Sachsen). It is famous for its lace industry.
Plauen was founded by Sorbs. It was a booming Germany city in the early 20th century because of its lace industry. At this time it was one of the biggest cities in Germany and was a home to a lot of rich people. World War I and World War II destroyed more than 75% of the city. Because of its proximity to the inner German border during the cold war it was a base to Russian soldiers. The first demonstrations against the DDR and divided Germany started here. Today it is home to around 66000 people. It's the most important city in the "kreis" of saxony.
After the reunion of Germany a lot of old buildings have been restored.
- Theater Plauen-Zwickau. Is a beautiful theatre in Plauen.
- Spitzenmuseum, Altmarkt 2. if you are interested in the lace industry this might be an interesting place for you.
- Vogtlandmuseum, Nobelstraße 9-13. if you are interested in the history of Plauen and the Vogtland. It is probably the biggest museum in Plauen.
- Alte Rathaus. is the old city hall and a very beautiful building in the heart of the city. There is also the entrance to the Spitzenmuseum.
- Johanneskirche. a church with a nice twin tower.
- Malzhaus. A very nice old building with galleries, music and a small cinema.
- Alte Elsterbrücke. oldest bridge in Saxony.
- Friedensbrücke. largest stone arch bridge in the world.
- Elstertalbrücke. second largest brick bridge in the world but a bit outside the city center. Best reached by train from “Plauen unterer Bahnhof” towards Gera. Get out at Barthmühle.
Theater Plauen-Zwickau. Is a beautiful theatre in Plauen.
Spitzenmuseum, Altmarkt 2. if you are interested in the lace industry this might be an interesting place for you.
Vogtlandmuseum, Nobelstraße 9-13. if you are interested in the history of Plauen and the Vogtland. It is probably the biggest museum in Plauen.
Alte Rathaus. is the old city hall and a very beautiful building in the heart of the city. There is also the entrance to the Spitzenmuseum.
Johanneskirche. a church with a nice twin tower.
Malzhaus. A very nice old building with galleries, music and a small cinema.
Alte Elsterbrücke. oldest bridge in Saxony.
Friedensbrücke. largest stone arch bridge in the world.
Elstertalbrücke. second largest brick bridge in the world but a bit outside the city center. Best reached by train from “Plauen unterer Bahnhof” towards Gera. Get out at Barthmühle.
- The Spitzenfest the biggest festival in Plauen and is normally held in June with 3 stages with different music.
The Spitzenfest the biggest festival in Plauen and is normally held in June with 3 stages with different music.
If you want to buy some “Plauener Spitze” there is a factory outlet for lace. In the city center you can find a typical German Shopping Mall (Stadt Galerie) with lots of shops. On the Bahnhofstrasse and around the city hall you will find some smaller shops.
There are many Restaurants within the city. Some famous ones are:
- Manana. A very good restaurant in the city center.
- Altes Handelshaus. Even the German chancellor ate here already.
- Tennera. With some traditional food from the region.
- Heinrichs. In the old town hall.
- Haus Vogtland Syrau. Without car its not easy to get there because it is a bit outside of Plauen in Syrau. Its one of the best restaurants you can find with such a big menu that takes you half an hour to read through.
Manana. A very good restaurant in the city center.
Altes Handelshaus. Even the German chancellor ate here already.
Tennera. With some traditional food from the region.
Heinrichs. In the old town hall.
Haus Vogtland Syrau. Without car its not easy to get there because it is a bit outside of Plauen in Syrau. Its one of the best restaurants you can find with such a big menu that takes you half an hour to read through.
There are a lot of places to drink. Once you are in Plauen or in the Vogtland you should try the local beer called “Sternquell”.
Plauen is very safe in general. You can also walk around the city center and most other parts late at night without having any worries. Simply enjoy the city.
Local telephone code is 03741.
- Tourist information, Unterer Graben 1, +49 3741 291-1027.
Tourist information, Unterer Graben 1, +49 3741 291-1027.
- Dresden, beautiful old city in the east (approx. 1.5 hours with car via Autobahn or by train)
- Leipzig, it is the industrial center a cultural center, offering interesting sights, shopping possibilities and lively nightlife (approx. 1.5 minutes with car via Autobahn or by train)
- Erzgebirge hiking and craftwork (Christmas)
- Vogtland - a hilly region south of Plauen with some small ski resorts and a ski jump in Klingenthal
- Czech Republic just 30 min ride by car from Plauen
- Talsperre Pöhl, is a dam 5km east of Plauen. There are a lot of camping grounds and you can go swimming in summer. In the "Kletterwald" you can go climbing in a small forest between the trees.