Carlsfeld: Bandonion History and Reservoir

Carlsfeld brings together natural and cultural attractions: the reservoir, Trinity Church and the history of the bandoneon offer visitors a range of points of interest. If you are planning a stay, you can include hiking routes, winter cross-country ski trails, and Carlsfeld’s musical and technical history in your travel plans.

Reservoir and Landscape

Built between 1926 and 1929, the Carlsfeld reservoir lies at an elevation of 905 metres and is considered Germany’s highest-altitude drinking water reservoir. Its dam crest can be crossed in summer and winter, making for a circular route of about six kilometres around the reservoir. Another source gives the circular route’s length as 8.62 kilometres: this route, rated moderate, starts and ends at Trinity Church in the town centre. The two routes described therefore differ in length and in their stated starting points. Swimming and other water sports are not permitted at the reservoir, as it serves as a drinking water supply.

Carlsfeld lies within an extensive nature reserve of primeval forests, mountain meadows and raised bogs. The landscape extends beyond the reservoir. A signposted hiking route starts at the car park in the town centre, leads to Trinity Church and then follows the marked Three Reservoirs Hiking Trail. The church is also the starting and finishing point of the 8.62-kilometre circular route.

Bus route 371 is listed as a connection between Aue, Eibenstock and Carlsfeld. Check the timetable before travelling so you can plan your journey accordingly.

Bandoneon, Church and Railway History

Carlsfeld is considered the birthplace of the bandoneon worldwide: Carl Friedrich Zimmermann made the instrument there from 1847 onwards. This craft tradition also has a regular place in the events calendar. The International Bandoneon Festival has been held every October since 1993. If you would like to include the festival in your travel plans, check the dates for your intended visit. The Bandoneon Trail is one of Carlsfeld’s attractions and offers another way to explore the instrument’s history.

Another historic landmark is Trinity Church. It was built between 1684 and 1688 to a Baroque design by Wolf Caspar von Klengel. Near the church, a historic engine shed recalls Carlsfeld’s former role as the terminus of the Wilkau-Haßlau–Carlsfeld narrow-gauge railway. The railway line was 41.9 kilometres long and the longest narrow-gauge railway in Saxony. Together, the church and engine shed offer two different glimpses into the town’s history: the architecture of the late 17th century and its former railway connection.

The dam is also part of the town’s historic character: it is a protected monument. The reservoir thus brings together drinking water supply, landscape and a protected structure—a different focus from the musical and railway history in the town centre.

Hiking and Cross-Country Ski Trails in Winter

The Talsperrenloipe is six kilometres long, the Schneehübellope five kilometres, and the Sonnenloipe at P2 two kilometres. Their lengths make the differences between the three named trails clear: the Talsperrenloipe is the longest, while the Sonnenloipe at P2 is the shortest. Feeder trails from several car parks in Carlsfeld also connect to the Kammloipe. In winter, snow-reliable trails run through the protected landscape area around the reservoir and over its dam crest. The designated winter sports routes can therefore be distinguished by length and route, while the hiking trails offer further options for a trip in another season.

Discover more destinations: Wildenthal, Weitersglashütte.

To the main travel overview: Eibenstock.