At an elevation of 905 metres, Carlsfeld Reservoir is considered Germany’s highest drinking-water reservoir. It was built between 1926 and 1929, combining a remarkable location with a distinctive local history. Its dam crest can be crossed in both summer and winter, creating a loop of about six kilometres around the reservoir. Carlsfeld also offers a range of things to explore for a stay that gives equal importance to culture and trails.
Reservoir, landscape and hiking
The reservoir is a drinking-water reserve: swimming and other water sports are not permitted there. The dam is also a listed monument. You can therefore experience it as an engineering structure and as part of a loop around the reservoir, without making water sports the focus of your visit.
Two circular routes of different lengths and with different starting points may be of interest when planning your hike. The approximately six-kilometre loop crosses the accessible dam crest. Another circular route around the reservoir is classed as moderately difficult, is 8.62 kilometres long, and starts and finishes at the Trinity Church in the town centre. You can take the length and starting point into account when choosing your route. Route details may change, so check the latest route information before setting out.
Carlsfeld lies within an extensive nature reserve of ancient forests, mountain meadows and raised bogs. This landscape provides a setting for hiking as well as winter excursions. The connection between the town centre and its surroundings can also be seen on a signposted hike: it starts at the car park in the town centre, leads to Trinity Church and then follows the marked Three Reservoirs hiking trail.
Bandonion history and architecture
Carlsfeld is regarded as the birthplace of the bandonion worldwide. Production of the instrument began there in 1847, initiated by Carl Friedrich Zimmermann. To this day, the instrument remains a defining part of the town’s history: the Bandonion Trail is one of the local attractions, and the International Bandonion Festival has been held every October since 1993. If you would like to plan your trip around the festival, check the specific dates in advance.
Trinity Church also brings together architectural history and a distinctive connection to the town. It was built between 1684 and 1688 to a Baroque design by Wolf Caspar von Klengel. Nearby, a historic locomotive shed recalls Carlsfeld’s former role as the terminus of the Wilkau-Haßlau–Carlsfeld narrow-gauge railway. The railway was 41.9 kilometres long and the longest narrow-gauge railway in Saxony.
Winter trails and cross-country ski trails
In winter, snow-reliable cross-country ski trails run through the protected landscape area by the reservoir and across its dam crest. Carlsfeld has three trails of different lengths: the Reservoir Trail is six kilometres long, the SchneehĂĽbel Trail is five kilometres long, and the Sonnen Trail at P2 is two kilometres long. The listed circular trails therefore range from two to six kilometres. Feeder trails to the Kammloipe also lead from several car parks in Carlsfeld.
The reservoir, Bandonion history and historic buildings offer different focal points for a visit. Those who enjoy walking will find routes with clearly stated lengths and starting points; those interested in cultural history can connect the instrument-making tradition, the church and the railway. In winter, the cross-country ski trails offer another option.
Discover more destinations: Wildenthal, WeitersglashĂĽtte.
Return to the overview of destinations: Eibenstock.
