Bad Elster and the picturesque Vogtland region are perfect destinations for lovers of beautiful scenery and those in search of rest and relaxation. Although the places along the "White Elster river", such as Bad Elster or Elsterberg have a magpie (Elster in German) on their coat of arms, the river did not get its name from the bird, it is Slavonic in origin. The Erzgebirge mountains/Vogtland nature reserve are great for active holidays in remarkable natural surroundings. The historical origins, discovery and mining of gemstones are illustrated on information boards at the "Schneckenstein" rock.The "White Elster" river
The White Elster, which winds its way through the centre of Bad Elster, rises to the west of Kapellberg mountain at an altitude of 724 metres in the Elstergebirge mountains. The 257-kilometre long river flows through the Vogtland in Saxony and into the Leipzig lowlands. It enters Saxony-Anhalt at Wetterzeube before joining the river Saale south of Halle. Camping by the Elster and water sports on and in it are extremely popular, as are river rafting and boat trips. The Elster Cycle Trail runs through beautiful scenery alongside the river from its source in Bohemia to the point where it flows into the Saale.Erzgebirge mountains/Vogtland nature reserve
The delightful upland region of the Erzgebirge mountains/Vogtland nature reserve covers an area of 1,495 km² extending along Saxony's border with the Czech Republic from Bad Elster in the Vogtland to Holzhau in the eastern Erzgebirge mountains. Hundreds of kilometres of well-maintained walking and cycling trails and bridle paths as well as cross-country ski trails take visitors through swathes of forest and pretty river valleys to the best viewpoints, historic buildings, monuments and museums in the region. A number of nature trails have been laid out here so that visitors can get close to nature and learn more about it. Mining information trails and numerous visitor mines provide fascinating insights into the heyday of mining in this area."Schneckenstein" rock
Schneckenstein rock is a 883-metre high geological feature close to the Tannenbergsthal valley and is Europe's only topaz rock. From 1737 to 1751 gemstone mining was carried out under the authority of the Saxon Elector, and at times the annual yield was up to 40 kilograms of topaz gems. This isolated rock, far off the beaten track, consists of shale which was metamorphosed within a rising mass of granite about 300 million years ago. The finest, pale yellow, polished topazes can be seen in the Green Vault in Dresden. Nowadays the rock is in a strictly controlled preservation area and direct access to it is prohibited to protect it from rock collectors.