Neuensalz combines the recreational landscape around Pöhl Dam with historic cultural sites in several districts. Neuensalz shares the recreational area around the reservoir with the municipality of Pöhl; Altensalz lies directly on the dam. This gives you two distinct areas to focus on when planning your trip: trails and leisure activities by the water, or architectural and cultural history at the chapel, church and castle. These include the approximately 20-kilometre circular trail around the reservoir, Neuensalz Chapel, Altensalz Church and the ruins of Mechelgrün Water Castle.

Waterside Landscapes and Hiking Trails

The names Altensalz and Neuensalz also tell the story of the landscape: the historic salt springs to which both places owe their names now lie beneath the waters of Pöhl Dam. The reservoir is therefore not only part of the recreational area, but is also connected to the origins of the place names.

The circular trail around the reservoir is approximately 20 kilometres long. It crosses meadows and passes through forests, offering views of Pöhl Dam. The route thus brings together a range of landscapes along a single trail. As trail conditions can change, it is advisable to check the current trail status before setting out.

Leisure activities at Pöhl Dam include surfing, sailing, swimming, boating and pedal boating; availability may vary by season. The sailing area covers more than four square kilometres and is open to both beginners and experienced sailors. Its size and the range of experience levels it welcomes are two useful points to consider if you are thinking of sailing as one of several water activities.

The Neuensalz pre-dam lies below the Neuensalz settlement and impounds the Rabenbach. The crests of the Neuensalz and Thoßfell pre-dams are accessible on foot. Boat trips offer views of both pre-dams, although routes may change. Check the current route in advance if you would like to see them from a boat.

Chapels, Organs and Local History

Neuensalz Chapel was first documented in 1529 and served as an estate chapel. It was reconstructed between 1981 and 1987. Today it serves as a concert and exhibition centre; individual programmes may change. Its distinctive acoustics and historical use give the chapel a cultural character of its own, in addition to its architectural history.

Altensalz Church features a Gothic wooden ceiling with Baroque ornamentation dating from around 1660. The organs also mark different points in time: the Dresden Jehmlich organ in Neuensalz Chapel dates from 1993, while the Eule organ in Altensalz Church was built in 1909 and installed in 1910. The construction and installation dates of the second organ are therefore recorded separately.

You can visit the ruins of Mechelgrün Water Castle in the district of Mechelgrün. The castle was built in the 13th century. This is a different kind of historical dating from the first documented mention of Neuensalz Chapel: 1529 marks its first recorded mention, not its year of construction.

Discover more destinations: Tannenbergsthal, Netzschkau, Markneukirchen, Bergen, Rebersreuth, Hammerbrücke, Erlbach, Muldenhammer

For the main travel overview: Vogtland.