J8 - hike to the Pöhl dam

Route course: Jößnitz Castle – Fabrikstraße – Röttiser Straße – Lohbach Gorge – Confluence Döhlaubach/Lohbach – Barth Mill – Crossing White Elster – NSG Trieb Valley – Loreley Rock – Pyramid Meadow – Dam of Pöhl reservoir – Crossing the White Elster – Devil's Pulpit – Nymph Valley – Pfaffen Mill Path – Parish Path – Jößnitz Castle

After starting at Jößnitz Castle, the route initially leads through the Lohbach Gorge – a valley with untouched nature – and continues towards Barth Mill. Halfway, at the confluence of the "Döhlaubach" into the "Lohbach," it proceeds downstream along the river to the "White Elster." Right at the stop of the lower railway, the hiking trail runs towards the impressive Elster valley bridge into the Trieb valley, the core area of the Vogtland Switzerland.

The route begins at Jößnitz Castle, leads through the Lohbach Gorge, a part of untouched nature, following Lohbach and Döhlaubach, into Barth Mill. Here we get an extraordinary view of the Elster valley bridge structure before crossing the Elster and continuing the hike towards the bridge. After crossing the railway tracks, impressive impressions of landscape and natural forces open up upon entering the Trieb valley.

We walk upstream along the Trieb river course. On arriving at the Loreley bridge, the mighty Loreley rock towers up; the route continues to the Pyramid Meadow. There, covered seating groups invite you to rest and linger. At the foot of the Pöhl reservoir dam with the plunge pool, the steep ascent, partly with steps, leads to the dam crest. The dam was built from 1958 to 1964; it is 59 m high and 312 m wide.

The Pöhl reservoir offers various recreational possibilities. Our hike passes the 435-meter-high Eisenberg. There has stood the 14 m high Julius Mosen observation tower for over 100 years. Then we reach the boat dock and the climbing forest. The return route goes over the Lochbauer, an old Vogtland three-sided farm with a timber-framed house from the 17th century, and through the Elster valley—past the Devil's Pulpit—and the Nymph Valley, with a short break at the Pfaffen Mill, back to Jößnitz.

In the Trieb valley, water bubbles left over huge moss-covered stones, and impressive rocks covered with old trees rise on the right.

Other dining options:

• Snack bar at the anchor spot, at the boat dock, Pöhl, April - October, Tel.: 0151 - 7055505

Path of the trees in the immediate vicinity of the Lochbauer 

ATTENTION!!!!!

a hiking trail below the Loreley rock is currently closed