Discover Eichigt: A Bell and Stone Monuments

Eichigt appeals to travelers who want to discover history through tangible signs: a bell is still rung twice a day here, and stone memorials offer a glimpse into the village’s ecclesiastical past. When planning your trip, it is worth distinguishing this local focus from the wider travel horizon of the Vogtland.

An old bell that rings twice a day

In Eichigt’s district of Bergen, a bell more than 700 years old is displayed in a wooden structure built specifically for it, next to the war memorial. It is rung twice a day. This makes it more than just a historical exhibit: its sound is still part of daily life. Those interested in local history will find a single, vivid testament here, where the bell’s age and present-day function come together.

Stone markers in Untereichigt

The municipality highlights a historic border shared by three bishoprics, associated with Bamberg, Regensburg, and Naumburg/Zeitz. Three stone steles in Untereichigt are part of the local Stone Trail and commemorate Eichigt’s ecclesiastical significance before the Reformation. The border history and the steles offer different ways to explore the past: one tells of the connection to the three episcopal sees, while the other recalls the village’s pre-Reformation significance.

This allows you to explore Eichigt according to a range of interests. The bell combines great age with a sound that still rings twice daily; the steles invite you to learn about ecclesiastical history. Together, they form a clear local focus on history, although the two monuments do not tell the same story.

The Vogtland as a wider travel horizon

In the Vogtland, hiking, cycling, and mountain biking are among the regional activities for active days. Wooded areas and green hills provide the landscape setting; certified routes are characterized by forest trails and natural panoramas. The Vogtland Panorama Trail is 225 kilometers long. This gives it a different scale from Eichigt’s individual historical landmarks and may help you decide whether to focus your trip on specific cultural themes or a longer route.

There is also practical information for cyclists: most cycle paths in the Vogtland are near bus or train stops. Bikes can be taken on public transport in the Vogtland free of charge, subject to vehicle capacity. If you would like to combine cycling with public transport, you can factor both details into your route planning; free bike transport is explicitly subject to available capacity.

This helps you shape your trip idea before comparing accommodation. You can then choose locations based on the destinations that matter to you.

Culture, architecture, and views in the Vogtland

Musical instruments have been made in the Upper Vogtland for over 350 years. The Musical Instrument Museum in Markneukirchen displays the world’s largest playable violin. The long history of instrument-making and this exceptional museum piece offer different points of interest: you can explore the region’s established instrument-making culture or focus on a single extraordinary exhibit.

In Bad Elster, the Royal Grounds combine extensive historic parks with spa architecture of cultural and historical significance. Bad Elster also has ten mineral springs and natural peat. This combination of parkland, architecture, and natural features differs distinctly from the instrument-making and history themes found in other places in the Vogtland.

The Göltzsch Viaduct is one of the world’s two largest brick bridges. At the Sparkasse Vogtland Arena Klingenthal, a visitor train takes visitors to the 32-meter-high ski jump tower, from where spectacular views over Klingenthal open up. The viaduct is a striking example of architecture, while the arena and tower appeal to a different interest: the combination of a large ski jump, a ride, and views across the town.

Regional cuisine and potato events

Green dumplings are a Vogtland specialty made from raw, grated potatoes. Those interested in regional cuisine will also find a specific event tip in the Vogtland: Gündel’s Kulturstall in Reichenbach regularly hosts potato tastings, and a potato market is held there in the fall. Check current dates before visiting.

Discover more destinations

A subordinate destination is Hundsgrün. Discover more destinations: Jössnitz, Zwoschwitz, Heinsdorfergrund, Falkenstein/Vogtland, Plauen, Markneukirchen, Hammerbrücke.

For the overview of the parent destination, see: Vogtland.