The best waterfall hikes and walks around Vorsperre Thossfell

The Elsenfelsen is part of a striking series of greywacke quartzite formations and characterizes the well-known Grünbacher Felsenweg, along with other striking rocks such as the Wendelstein and the Genesenstein.

Originally, the "Riß", the gorge, was carved into the rock by human hands to allow timber to easily overcome the difference in altitude. Over the centuries, the water has worked its way deeper and deeper into the rocky soil of the Göltzsch Valley. This last section, the Riß Falls, fits charmingly into the surrounding forest landscape. The Riß Falls no longer carry as much water year-round today. However, after heavy rainfall and after the snowmelt, they are particularly beautiful to behold.

Originally built in the 1970s for domestic water supply, the reservoir is now a local recreation area. It is an EU-approved bathing water with a forebay as a children's paddling pool. Additionally, rowing boats can be rented during the summer months. Two snack bars are open in the summer.

Saxony is, or rather was, covered with triangulation pillars for surveying. One of them stands clearly visible here on the Wendelstein mountain.

Beautifully situated with a rest area, from here you can continue your hikes in various directions. At the double bridge, a stone bridge dating back to the time of rafting, the Gahlenbach flows into the Rote Göltzsch. An idyllic reservoir lies above the Gahlenbach. The Rote Göltzsch flows towards Hohofen and flows into the Weiße Göltzsch at the exit of Ellefeld. In the 16th century, processes for the extraction and processing of metals gradually developed below the double bridge. Ore (red iron ore) around the Röthelstein was crushed and smelted in a specially built blast furnace. It was then processed in a stamp mill (hammer). The required blower was powered by water. A wire mill, where brass blanks were formed into coarse wire, also operated with the same power.

At the double bridge, a stone bridge dating back to the time of rafting, the Gahlenbach River flows into the Rote Göltzsch. An idyllic reservoir lies above the Gahlenbach. The Rote Göltzsch flows towards Hohofen and, leaving Ellefeld, empties into the Weiße Göltzsch. In the 16th century, processes for the extraction and processing of metals gradually developed below the double bridge. Ore (red iron ore) around the Röthelstein was crushed and smelted in a specially built blast furnace. It was then processed in a stamp mill (hammer). The required blower was powered by water. A wire mill, where brass blanks were formed into coarse wire, also operated with a similar drive. (Information panel)

Beautifully located on Felsenweg 4. Many rest and seating areas around the pond. The circular path around the pond is integrated into the Felsenweg 4 Vogtland hiking trail. Bodies of water have always played a special and important role in mining and subsequent processing. In order to carry out uranium ore mining and processing, various changes were made to existing rivers and streams. This includes the Thierteich near Muldenhammer. It was remediated from March 2009 to September 2009. This involved the removal of radioactive ☢️ waste from the Wismut uranium mining era.

A striking viewpoint on the trail from Falkenstein to Grünbach. The Lochstein is a popular destination for both locals and visitors. A covered seating area sponsored by the town's residents always invites you to take a break, which is also greatly appreciated by hikers on Felsenweg 3b from Werda. Located in the Vogtland Geo-Environmental Park, the Lochstein is a greywacker quartzite rock – an impressive rock that can be climbed with a view of the Falkenstein town area. However, when climbing, the "Lochstein" is primarily for more experienced climbers because it has been left in its almost pristine state, which is why it is advisable to have a pair of slings, friends, or nuts handy. But even without this challenge, the Lochstein is simply beautiful in any season. (https://www.vogtland-tourismus.de/mobile/de/poi/aussichtspunkt/lochstein-bei-falkenstein-vogtland/23502738 )