--- title: "Plauen Travel Guide – City of Lace & Clothmakers" url: "https://www.visitsaxony.com/destinations/cities-and-towns/plauen" description: "Discover Plauen with its exciting Art Nouveau architecture, Plauen lace, and the diverse Vogtland Museum. Includes a 48-hour travel guide!" language: "en" breadcrumb: "Root > Home > Destinations > Towns and cities > Plauen" --- Keeping old traditions alive Plauen ====== Plauen: where embroidery is an art ---------------------------------- Textile manufacturing has a long tradition in Plauen, going back to the 15th century when this small town in the Vogtland region enjoyed a first period of prosperity. However, things really took off in the late 19th century when lace “made in Plauen” started to conquer the world. A **multitude of lacemakers** launched their businesses in town and within a few years, the population doubled to over 100,000. Today, Plauen lace is still appreciated within the textile industry around the world, the “big rush”, however, is over. Nevertheless, the **tradition of lacemaking** is very much alive and the love for these delicate items made from the finest yarn is very visible in places such as the "" (Fabrik der Fäden) where textile production, fashion, technology, as well as social and culture history are presented in a multifaceted way. Other highlights in the town centre are the **Old Town Hall**, the **Vogtland Museum**, some fine **historic patrician houses**, and the double-towered St. Johannis Church. The latter was consecrated in 1122 and is one of the oldest churches in the Vogtland region. *Play video*Play external content Please accept all necessary cookies to watch this video. Plauen impressions ------------------ - - - - - - - - - - - ### Plauen's location in Saxony ### Distances and how to get to Plauen **In Saxony, you benefit from short distances,** making it easy to explore the region. The three major cities Dresden, Leipzig, and Chemnitz are all a short journey from one another, allowing you to travel quickly and conveniently from one attraction to the next. - Plauen – : 150 km - Plauen – : 150 km - Plauen – : 75 km - Plauen – : 45 km - Plauen – : 65 km - Plauen – Jößnitz: 5 km - Plauen – Kürbitz: 8 km - Plauen – Leubnitz: 15 km - Plauen – Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz: 40 km - - Not to be missed Sights and attractions in Plauen -------------------------------- More about Plauen thread factory Discover Plauen's textile soul ### Thread Factory “Fabrik der Fäden” (Thread Factory) in Plauen's listed Weisbach House combines history and innovation across 1,200 square metres. Visitors can experience the development of the textile industry from Plauen lace to modern technologies. Interactive stations and historical machines bring technology to life. - More about Museum of the Vogtland Between Baroque and Bauhaus ### Vogtland Museum The Vogtland Museum in Plauen presents the history of the region in magnificent patrician houses. In addition to arts and crafts and paintings, the Louis XVI-style ballroom is particularly impressive. Special exhibitions that change annually complement the diverse offerings. A cultural highlight for history buffs. - Details about the e.o.plauen Gallery Erich Ohser Art Museum ### Galerie e.o.plauen The e.o.plauen gallery in the Erich Ohser House in Plauen invites you to discover the diverse work of illustrator Erich Ohser. Particularly well known for his humorous “Father & Son” picture stories, the exhibition also features landscape sketches, portraits, and caricatures. A film and personal items belonging to the artist round off the visit. - Secret histories of Plauen ### Air-Raid Shelter Museum Discover a fascinating chapter of history at the Plauen Air-Raid Shelter Museum. Taking visitors back to the times of World War II through interactive displays and authentic wartime artefacts, it offers an educational and engaging day out for all the family. Perfect for anyone looking to understand the past, this unique heritage site is a must-visit during your time in Plauen. - To the Weavers' Cottages Insights into Plauen’s craft heritage ### Weavers' Cottages Nestled in the historic heart of Plauen, just beneath the Malzhaus and St. John’s Church, lies a row of cottages built centuries ago. While time seems to stand still here, these charming little buildings are brimming with life today. It is a truly unique spot, rich in history and atmosphere. - Unforgettable moments ### 48 hours in Plauen Unique architectural monuments, exciting museums, and culinary delights. Take a look at the most beautiful sights, things to do and insider tips for a long weekend in Plauen! - Hidden treasures off the tourist trail Insider tips for Plauen ----------------------- - is one very special carriage of Plauen's local tram, known as "Bier-Elektrische", which features six tables and space for 18 passengers to enjoy their beer in unusual surroundings. The carriage is also available for exclusive hire. - **Bridges in Plauen:** Plauen features some eye-catching bridges such as *Alte Elsterbrücke* from the 13th century, one of the oldest stone arch bridges in Central Europe, or the 100-year-old *Friedensbrücke* (peace bridge) as the widest stone arch bridge in the world spanning across the Syratal valley in an arch of 90 metres. - The 900-year-old features stunning Gothic architecture, the famous Resurrection window by Michael Triegel, and a vibrant cultural programme. Definitely a must-visit attraction! - Discover where tradition meets technology at the . Explore historic machine halls to see the creation of world-famous lace firsthand and unleash your own creativity. Stunning sights and scenery Places to visit around Plauen ----------------------------- Plauen is the perfect starting point for exploring the Vogtland holiday region and its attractions. Take a trip to the state spas of Bad Elster or Bad Brambach. Or plan a visit to Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz and check out the German Space Exhibition. The iconic Göltzschtal Bridge, Vogtland’s landmark, is also nearby and easy to reach. Your local contact ### Plauen Tourist Information - - - Unforgettable moments 48 hours in Plauen ------------------- Bridges to cross, towers to climb and an old craft kept alive: Plauen, surrounded by the green landscape of the Vogtland region, is a delightful destination for a weekend off the beaten track. ### Day 1 in Plauen: Friday Arrival, check-in and up the Bärensteinturm tower. Your first day is more or less covered. Best Western Plauen Check-in, Tourist Information and something sweet After checking in at one of the town’s cosy hotels or holiday flats, we recommend stopping by the Tourist Information in the town hall to get all the information you need for your stay. Afterwards, try the delicious macarons (or other sweet delicacies) at "klein & fein" café. Bärensteinturm, Plauen Bärensteinturm tower Next on your agenda is a leisurely walk through Plauen’s green centre, namely the Syratal landscape conservation area and the Stadtpark, to get to Bärensteinturm tower. Climb up for great views across town! Sternquell Bierverkostung Dinner A German poet once said that, in pubs, the sun comes out of the taps. Particularly in Plauen’s old town, you will find many cosy inns to enjoy a hearty meal and a bit of “liquid sunshine” from the taps. The local version, brewed in Plauen, is called Sternquell beer. ### Day 2 in Plauen: Saturday Today, you’ll get to know Plauen on a guided city tour, sample some culinary specialties of the region and visit a one-of-a-kind museum. Wendedenkmal Guided city tour You can either set off with an audio guide to discover Plauen on your own or join a guided city tour. The latter gives you the opportunity to ask any question you might have, particularly about the autumn of 1989 when the Wall came down and the role the town of Plauen played in this context. Matsch Lunch For lunch, try some Vogtland specialities such as Sauerbraten (marinated and braised beef) with green dumplings or "Bambes": pancakes made of grated potatoes with mushrooms, roast meat and egg, which you can get at Plauen’s oldest restaurant, “Matsch”. Fabrik der Fäden, Plauen The Thread Factory Plauen is the world capital of lace. For centuries, the most delicate works of embroidered lace have been created here by expert craftspeople. Examples of this art can be admired in the "Thread Factory" museum. Schaustickerei Plauen Embroidery Demonstration Workshop Now that you know what the most beautiful Plauen lace looks like, it is time for a visit to a local show workshop to learn how the lace products are made. Some large embroidery machines from around 1900 are still in use here. Altmarkt mit altem Rathaus Dinner Plauen’s quaint old town is full of restaurants – just pick and choose. Weather permitting, we recommend “Vogtland-Garten” beer garden in the centre of town. Vogtlandtheater Plauen Culture You like opera? Or maybe a concert or ballet? Then check out what’s on the agenda at Plauen’s cultural venues and enjoy! ### Day 3 in Plauen: Sunday On your last day, you’ll learn more about the Vogtland region and its people before enjoying yet another delicious lunch. Vogtlandmuseum Vogtland Museum The Vogtland Museum in a listed 18th century building houses an extensive collection showcasing regional, art and cultural history. Galerie e.o. plauen Gallery e.o.plauen This gallery provides insights into the life and work of the brilliant cartoonist Erich Ohser, who grew up in Plauen in the early 20th century and worked under the pseudonym E.O. Plauen. He is most famous for his both delightful and heart-warming “Father and Son” comic strips which are wordless and transcend language barriers. Biergarten Matsch Lunch What a shame that you couldn’t try more of Plauen’s many restaurants. For your last lunch in town, we put another few options forwards, such as "Stilbruch","Ursuppe Imbiss", "Zur Scheune" or "Broiler Bar Thoss". Just enjoy – and come back for more! This might also be of interest to you -------------------------------------