Discover Carlsfeld: Reservoir, Bandonion and Nature

Carlsfeld combines an impressive reservoir landscape with an unusual musical history and readily accessible hiking and winter experiences. The reservoir lies at an altitude of 905 metres, was built from 1926 to 1929 and is considered Germany’s highest-elevation drinking-water reservoir. This makes the town a special starting point for anyone who wants to combine nature, regional history and different forms of activity during their trip.

Reservoir and Trails through the Landscape

The top of the reservoir dam can be crossed in summer and winter. This creates a circular route of around 6 kilometres around the reservoir. Those who prefer a longer, signposted hike can also take the 8.62-kilometre circular route around the reservoir. It is classified as moderately difficult and starts and ends at the Trinity Church in the centre of Carlsfeld. The two figures refer to different route descriptions and help you classify the tour you want more accurately.

Another signposted hike starts at the car park in the town centre, leads to the Trinity Church and then follows the marked Three Reservoirs Hiking Trail. Carlsfeld lies in an extensive nature reserve with primeval forests, mountain meadows and raised bogs. Depending on your plans for the day, you can therefore combine a loop around the water with a longer hike through the landscape. Important for planning: swimming and other water sports are not permitted at the reservoir.

Bandonion, Church and Railway History

Carlsfeld has a distinctive cultural profile. The town is considered the birthplace of the Bandonion worldwide; production began here in 1847 under Carl Friedrich Zimmermann. The Bandonion Trail explores this special feature. The International Bandonion Festival has been held every October since 1993. Those interested in regional craftsmanship and musical history can gain a special insight into the town’s history through it.

The Trinity Church is also a prominent feature of the townscape. It was built from 1684 to 1688 according to a Baroque design by Wolf Caspar von Klengel, is considered Saxony’s oldest central-plan church and served as a model for Dresden’s Frauenkirche and the Round Church in Seiffen. A historic engine shed near the church commemorates Carlsfeld’s former terminus of the Wilkau-Haßlau–Carlsfeld narrow-gauge railway. The railway was 41.9 kilometres long and was considered the longest narrow-gauge railway in Saxony.

Winter Holidays and Planning the Right Trip

Carlsfeld can also be explored in winter via specific trails and landscape experiences. Available options include the 6-kilometre Talsperre cross-country ski trail, the 5-kilometre Schneehübel cross-country ski trail and the 2-kilometre Sonnenloipe at P2. Feeder trails to the Kammloipe also lead from several car parks in Carlsfeld. In winter, snow-reliable cross-country ski trails run through the landscape conservation area at the reservoir and across the top of its dam. When choosing a holiday apartment or holiday house, the key consideration is therefore whether you want to focus on reservoir loops, cultural history, longer hikes or cross-country skiing.

Bus route 371 is listed as a connection between Aue, Eibenstock and Carlsfeld. For further orientation in the overview, you can also visit Weitersglashütte and Wildenthal. This makes it possible to compare Carlsfeld, a destination with a clearly recognisable character, with other suitable pages.

To the higher-level travel overview: Eibenstock.