A reservoir in the wooded Vogtland countryside, trails through the Geigenbach valley and seasonal opportunities on the slopes: Werda offers a variety of reasons to stay close to nature. When choosing a destination, you can consider whether you mainly want to hike and explore the landscape, or whether a winter visit with a lift and cross-country ski trails better suits your plans.
Werda Reservoir and its history
Werda Reservoir, also known as the Geigenbach Reservoir, dams the Geigenbach stream. It provides raw water for drinking-water production and lies within a drinking-water protection zone. Swimming, fishing and water sports are therefore not permitted at the reservoir. If you are planning a visit, the landscape and trails are a better focus than the water itself.
The structure’s origins are also part of the character of the place: the reservoir was built between 1904 and 1909 and commissioned in 1910. Its current role in the drinking-water supply is thus linked to more than a century of infrastructure history. The name Geigenbach Reservoir also refers to the stream dammed by the structure.
Hiking and cycling in the Vogtland
The Felsenweg 3b trail starts near the sports field in Werda. It runs along the reservoir and dam through the Geigenbach valley, then continues through Vogtland landscapes featuring rock formations and wide views. The route thus combines the reservoir’s surroundings with varied scenic impressions. Other hiking trails from Werda lead towards Schöneck and Grünbach.
The area’s green forests also offer space for walks, cycling and hiking, including excursions towards the Valley of the Ten Mills. If you would rather explore a regional cycling route, the Oelsnitz–Falkenstein Cycle Path is in the wider Vogtland region. It follows a former railway line, connects the Göltzschtal Cycle Path with the Elstertal Cycle Path and has only a few changes in elevation. This route is a separate option for planning a tour in the wider region; it should not be confused with the trails in Werda.
Seasonal winter activities
In winter, Werda offers around 10 kilometres of cross-country ski trails alongside its ski lift. The approximately 400-metre slope is particularly suitable for families with children and beginners. There is a ski hut at the top station where you can warm up and get refreshments. These winter activities are clearly distinct from hiking and cycling: they depend on the winter season, while the forests and excursion trails shape the area’s broader appeal as a nature destination.
As the winter activities are seasonal and details may change, it is worth checking the latest information before your trip.
Choosing Werda as a destination
Werda Reservoir is considered a destination for nature lovers. When deciding whether Werda is right for your stay, the combination of forests, hiking trails and the history of the drinking-water reservoir is particularly useful to consider. If you enjoy walking, you can choose between the Felsenweg 3b route and other trails towards Schöneck and Grünbach. Cyclists can find options both in the local forests and on the longer route between Oelsnitz and Falkenstein in the Vogtland.
If winter sports are important to your trip, the seasonal activities add another focus, though only for a limited time: the slope and cross-country trails are for winter, while excursions through the landscape offer Werda’s broader connection with nature. When looking for hotels in Werda, you can first decide which of these interests will shape your trip and what time of year you plan to visit.
More destinations
Discover more destinations: KottengrĂĽn, Mittelbach, Chemnitz.
Back to the main travel overview: Chemnitz.
