Reichenbach im Vogtland offers different ways to enjoy a stay: early city history, museums in historic buildings, parks and paths through the hilly landscape. Depending on your interests, you can focus on the city’s cultural history or outdoor activities.
History in the Museum and Cityscape
The first documented mention of Reichenbach dates back to 1212. A document from 1271 describes the settlement as a fortified market town and mentions rights relating to defense, trade and fortifications. An early mention and a later description of the market town thus provide two distinct historical reference points.
The Neuberin Museum is a theater, art, city history and regional museum for the northern Vogtland. It is located in Reichenbach’s oldest secular building. The building is the city’s historic courthouse and the birthplace of Friederike Caroline Neuber. The museum also covers Reichenbach’s textile, printing, publishing and railway history. Here, you can explore several perspectives on theater, art and the development of the city.
At the central Postplatz, the Church of the Holy Trinity, Trinitatis Park, the old post office and Schenkerhaus come together. The Church of the Holy Trinity was built about 400 years ago as a cemetery chapel. The square itself is often the setting for family events, including concerts. A visit offers the chance to take in both architectural history and public city life.
The Alaunwerk MĂĽhlwand visitor mine offers a distinct cultural and historical experience. During guided visits, you can explore the remains of historic black shale mining and alum production, including tunnels, shafts, secondary minerals and stalactite formations. The site is protected as a natural and cultural monument, and interpretive trails enhance the visit.
Parks and Trails
In the Raumbach valley, the Generations Park occupies the former site of the 2009 Saxon State Garden Show. Facilities include playgrounds, a miniature golf course and a skate park. As park facilities can change, it is best to check which amenities are currently available before your visit. The city park offers a different experience: during the warmer months, its music pavilion hosts concerts by the Vogtland Philharmonic. If attending a concert is important to your travel plans, it is worth checking the current schedule.
In Reichenbach’s district of Mylau, the Mylau Castle Garden is being reconstructed as a medieval castle garden in the former dry moat. For walking, Reichenbach offers circular routes and sections of the Vogtland Pilgrimage Route through the hilly landscape; cycling routes are available in and around the city. You can choose between circular routes, sections of the pilgrimage route and cycling routes, depending on whether you want to get around on foot or by bike.
The city’s economic history is also part of its story: Reichenbach’s water resources supported the development of clothmaking and the cloth trade. This offers an additional perspective alongside the textile collections at the Neuberin Museum; the printing, publishing and railway history covered there also draws attention to other aspects of the city’s development.
The Vogtland as a Regional Setting
The wider Vogtland travel region offers other points of interest. In Klingenthal, an experience railway takes visitors to the 32-meter-high takeoff tower at Sparkasse Vogtland Arena, which offers views across Klingenthal. The Musical Instrument Museum in Markneukirchen displays the world’s largest playable violin. Musical instruments have been made in the Upper Vogtland for more than 350 years. These regional cultural themes are quite distinct from Reichenbach’s city and industrial histories.
The Göltzsch Viaduct is another distinctive Vogtland landmark: it is one of the two largest brick bridges in the world. Regional specialties include green dumplings made from raw, grated potatoes. Those interested in hiking can also explore the 225-kilometer Vogtland Panorama Trail.
For route planning across the Vogtland, keep in mind that most cycling paths are close to bus or train stops. Bicycles can be carried free of charge, subject to vehicle capacity. These regional travel tips complement the circular routes, sections of the pilgrimage route and cycling routes in and around Reichenbach.
Discover more destinations: Treuen, Tirpersdorf, Netzschkau, Triebel/Vogtland, Markneukirchen, Bergen, Zwoschwitz, GrĂĽnheide.
For the wider travel overview: Vogtland.
