Carlsfeld: Reservoir, Bandonion and Nature

Carlsfeld combines a high-altitude drinking water reservoir, a landscape of ancient forests, mountain meadows and raised bogs, and a remarkable Bandonion history. Nature, trails and winter cross-country ski tracks offer a different travel experience from the area’s musical and railway history. If you are looking for accommodation, you can first consider which of these aspects of Carlsfeld you would like to shape your stay.

Reservoir and Landscape

At an elevation of 905 metres stands the Carlsfeld reservoir, built between 1926 and 1929. It is considered Germany’s highest drinking water reservoir, and its dam wall is a listed monument. The top of the dam is accessible on foot and can be crossed in both summer and winter, making for a circular route of about six kilometres around the reservoir.

Carlsfeld lies within an extensive nature reserve with ancient forests, mountain meadows and raised bogs. The reservoir also serves as a drinking water store, so swimming and other water sports are not permitted there. When planning a visit, you can therefore focus on the trails and the top of the dam rather than activities on the water.

Hikes and Route Choices

Circular routes of varying lengths can help you plan your hike. The route around the reservoir is about six kilometres long. Another circular route is listed as 8.62 kilometres and rated moderate; it starts and ends at the Trinity Church in the town centre. This lets you match your preferred distance with the stated difficulty level and a specific starting point and destination.

A signposted hike starts at the car park in the town centre, leads to Trinity Church and then follows the marked Three Reservoirs Hiking Trail. Route details may change, so check the current route before setting out. You can then decide whether to follow the route around the reservoir, the circular route rated moderate, or the signposted hike.

Bandonion, Church and Railway History

Carlsfeld is considered the birthplace of the Bandonion. Carl Friedrich Zimmermann began making the instrument there in 1847. An International Bandonion Festival has been held in Carlsfeld every October since 1993. If you would like to combine your trip with the festival, check the specific event dates. The Bandonion Trail is also one of the town’s attractions.

Carlsfeld’s Trinity Church was built between 1684 and 1688 to a Baroque design by Wolf Caspar von Klengel.

A historic locomotive shed near the church recalls Carlsfeld’s former terminus on the Wilkau-Haßlau–Carlsfeld narrow-gauge railway. The line was 41.9 kilometres long and was Saxony’s longest narrow-gauge railway. Those interested in the town’s history will find here a notable chapter in railway history alongside its musical instrument-making tradition.

Cross-Country Ski Trails and Travel Planning

In winter, snow-reliable cross-country ski trails run through the protected landscape at the reservoir and across its dam wall. The Talsperre trail is six kilometres long, the Schneehübel trail five kilometres, and the Sonnenloipe trail at P2 two kilometres. Connecting trails to the Kammloipe also lead from several car parks in Carlsfeld. The different lengths give you a practical guide when choosing your preferred route.

For travel planning, bus route 371 is listed as a connection between Aue, Eibenstock and Carlsfeld. Check the timetable before travelling. This allows you to plan your journey alongside your preferred focus—hiking trails, winter cross-country skiing or cultural history—without confusing route information with a bus timetable.

If you are considering Carlsfeld as a place to stay, you can choose your location based on the experiences you have planned: the reservoir and hiking trails, the cross-country ski trails in winter, or the history of the Bandonion, church and narrow-gauge railway.

Discover more destinations: Wildenthal, Weitersglashütte.

For the main travel overview: Eibenstock.