Vogtlandsee is a small forest lake tucked deep within a 30-square-kilometer woodland in the Vogtlandkreis district of southwestern Saxony. It's the kind of place you go for peace and quiet, far from crowds, surrounded by nothing but trees and birdsong.

The lake sits amid gently rolling forested terrain, with a small island near its northern shore separated from the bank by just a narrow strip of water. Its acidic, moor-fed waters mean no fish live here, but that hasn't stopped it from becoming a haven for waterfowl and dragonflies. In summer the shoreline buzzes with wildlife, autumn paints the surrounding forest in warm colors, and winter transforms the area into a cross-country skiing paradise thanks to an extensive network of groomed trails. Early mornings, when mist drifts over the still water, are especially magical.

How to get there

• From Beerheide, Schönheide or Morgenröthe-Rautenkranz — forest paths, approx. 30-45 minutes, easy difficulty
• A 3 km circular trail runs right around the lake, and the Waldparkrundweg passes nearby

Good to know

• The acidic water holds no fish but serves as a breeding ground for species like the little grebe
• The sedge-lined western shore is an important habitat for dragonflies, including the rare white-faced darter
• Because of its secluded location, the lake is informally used as a nudist bathing spot
• The Vogtland Panorama Weg and a section of the Eisenach-Budapest long-distance trail pass through the surrounding forest
• In winter the lake connects to an extensive cross-country ski trail network, including the Kammloipe, one of Germany's most snow-reliable routes

Built between 1935 and 1937 as a flood-control reservoir, the lake was originally known as Moorteich before receiving its current name in 1937, chosen to reflect its location in the Vogtland region.