Today’s route ran along the amazing forested mountains that flank the Czech border and was like stepping into a fairy tale. Our destination was the town of Plauen, situated near the border of Bavaria and the Czech Republic. Another adventure in this blissfully rural corner of Saxony and the first of three long days to finish the first stage of our Napoleon Cycling Tour.
Schwabthal to Plauen
DAY #12 of 35 Germany 679 miles total
Our ride continued to follow the valley floor before rolling up into the abundant hills. Once again, we got the chance to marvel at the orderliness of the mountain-sequestered villages, as we explored the Frankenwald forests – which no doubt provided inspiration for the many fables that originated from this area.
From Bavaria into Saxony – Behind the Former Iron Curtain
A momentous event occurred on our ride today that wouldn’t have been possible before 1989: we crossed into Saxony which was formerly part of East Germany and behind the Iron Curtain until “The Wall” (not to be confused with the US/Mexican Wall) fell. No wall, no guards, no guns – whew!
Shortly after we crossed the Bavaria border into Saxony we began to glimpse our destination ahead in the distance. The peaceful and attractive town of Plauen, one of the most regularly destroyed and rebuilt towns in all of Europe.
The delightful setting of Plauen is a treat for those fascinated by history. The town became incorporated into the Kingdom of Saxony in 1806 during the Napoleonic Wars. Residents celebrated the Napoleonic Jubilee in May 2012 and the Vogtland museum boasts a kaleidoscope of historical artifacts from Napoleon to Saxon King Frederick Augustus. Museum director Dr. Silke Kral, spent two years setting up for the occasion.
Plauen Trivia: One of Europe’s genuine historical hotspots, Plauen is famous for hosting the first chapter of the Nazi Party outside of Bavaria (1930) and known also for being the first town of the GDR (German Democratic Republic) to have a McDonald’s restaurant following the collapse of the Berlin Wall!
Noteworthy sights and attractions in Plauen include the Old Town Hall (pictured above), Museum Plauener Spitze, and the Embroidery Machine Museum, where you can see all the historic embroidery machines that are still running despite being well over a century old. Plauen became known for its embroidery in the late 1800s and early 1900s, and its reputation was sealed with the emergence of the world-famous Plauen lace.
Our Route
Tomorrow we depart for the White Monk town, a popular tourist destination.