The Elsterperlenweg hiking trail takes you on an 80 kilometre (50 mile) journey of discovery through the Thuringian Vogtland in the central Elster Valley in Germany. The circular trail, which is a certified Wanderbares Deutschland premium trail, runs along both sides of the White Elster River from the residential town of Greiz, the ‘Pearl of the Vogtland’, to Neumühle, Wünschendorf, and Berga an der Elster before returning to Greiz.

The trail consists of six stages, which you can combine together or plan as individual day tours. The Elsterperlenweg trail has many cross-connections, allowing you to easily combine stages together. In Neumühle, for example, you can go to the opposite side of the White Elster after the first Stage and hike back to Greiz via Stage six.

The Vogtland region straddles the border of Bavaria, Saxony, Thuringia, and Bohemia. Its name refers to the former dominion of the Reeves’ of Weida, Gera, Plauen, and Greiz. On the way through the wild and romantic valley of the White Elster, you pass dreamy villages steeped in history with countless unique buildings. Charming panoramic views reveal the beautiful low mountain range landscape, interrupted again and again by the White Elster.

In addition to the numerous natural wonders, you can also marvel at many historical sights on the Elsterperlenweg. At the northern turning point of the Tour, there is the thousand-year-old St. Vitus Church, the Mildenfurth Monastery, and the covered wooden bridge in Wünschendorf which is more than 225-year-old.

In the middle of the densely wooded Elster Valley, you can visit the Clodra Mill, which is still in operation, the town of Berga an der Elster or the imposing Elster weir in Neumühle an der Elster. To the south of the hike you will reach the 800-year-old residential town of Greiz with its internationally renowned Greiz Park, the Upper and Lower Castle and the Church of St. Mary's.

The six stages are between 10 and 16 kilometres (6 and 10 miles) long and you never conquer more than 440 metres (1,440 feet) in altitude. With an average level of fitness and good surefootedness, the trail does not present any major difficulties. The short duration of the stages means that you can either start later in the morning after a hearty breakfast or enjoy a cup of coffee and cake in the afternoon before relaxing in an inn in the evening.

You can reach Greiz or Wünschendorf by train and continue by bus to the actual starting point. If you arrive by car, you can park it close to Greiz Park. Look forward to a break in the Vogtland, walk in the footsteps of the bailiffs, immerse yourself in the nature and history of a uniquely beautiful region!