Auerbach/Vogtl. combines a distinctive three-tower identity with a museum that brings together many chapters of the town’s history. Recurring markets add further highlights. When planning your trip, you can choose a focus: are you especially interested in local history and architecture, or would you like to plan your stay around an event date?
Local history in the museum and town centre
The Auerbach Museum presents more than 1,000 objects relating to the history of the castle, town, guilds, postal service, associations, mining and industry. Its themes therefore range from urban development to crafts and trade. The medieval cellar, with its barrel vault, houses a mineral collection and mining models. There is also a reconstructed 1980s East German apartment, adding a glimpse into a more recent era to the historical themes. Together, these areas make for a wide-ranging museum visit that is not limited to a single chapter of Auerbach’s history.
The historic centre is also shaped by a named ensemble: Auerbach’s identity as the “Town of Three Towers” refers to the castle tower, the tower of St. Lawrence Church and the tower of the Church of the Holy Cross. These three buildings provide a clear architectural point of reference for describing the town. Those interested in the townscape can connect this focus in their minds with the museum’s diverse historical themes, without treating the two as one and the same subject.
Markets with different focuses
Recurring events include the annual Altmarkt Historical Festival and a pottery market. The Altmarkt Festival features medieval-style stalls and performances. The pottery market offers demonstrations by pottery and ceramics workshops, focusing on craftsmanship. Dates and programmes may change; check the latest information if you would like to plan your visit around one of the festivals.
If you are visiting for an event, it is a good idea to plan your trip around the latest dates. This allows you to choose a focus for your trip without treating the two markets as the same experience.
More to explore in the wider Vogtland destination
The wider Vogtland destination offers other distinct ways to explore. In Klingenthal, the Sparkasse Vogtland Arena is one of Europe’s most modern large ski jumps. An experience railway takes visitors to the 32-metre-high inrun tower, which offers spectacular views over Klingenthal. In Markneukirchen, the Musical Instrument Museum displays the world’s largest playable violin. Musical instruments have been made in the Upper Vogtland for more than 350 years—a distinct regional cultural connection alongside Auerbach’s town history.
Other attractions also offer very different experiences: the Royal Spa Gardens in Bad Elster combine extensive historic parks with spa architecture of great cultural and historical significance; Bad Elster also has ten mineral springs and natural moorland peat. The Göltzsch Viaduct is one of the two largest brick bridges in the world. For longer routes, the 225-kilometre Vogtland Panorama Trail is a regional point of reference.
Practical mobility information applies to the Vogtland as a wider destination: most cycle paths are close to bus or train stops. Bicycles can be carried free of charge, subject to vehicle capacity. This condition is relevant when planning a cycling tour, but does not refer to any specific route in Auerbach. Regional cuisine is another possible theme: green dumplings are made from raw, grated potatoes. Regular potato tastings are held at Gündel’s Kulturstall in Reichenbach, and a potato market takes place there in autumn. Check the latest dates before visiting.
Discover more destinations: Beerheide, Gottesberg, Tannenbergsthal, Mylau, Heinsdorfergrund, Bad Elster, Erlbach, Reichenbach Im Vogtland
Back to the wider travel overview: Vogtland.
