Discover Sohl: Natural swimming lake, forest trails and primeval spring

The natural swimming lake, spruce forest trails, historic primeval spring and Easter Pyramid on the Vogtland Easter Trail each highlight a different feature of the village. Depending on whether you want to focus on outdoor leisure, walks or local history, you can take these themes into account when choosing your stay.

Natural swimming lake and leisure areas

Sohl’s natural swimming lake is open to the public and free of charge. The facilities include a sunbathing lawn, a playground, a football pitch with artificial turf and a basketball hoop, and an area for playing volleyball. The range of facilities makes it possible to plan a visit to the lake as one of several activities, depending on what you would like to do. Facility availability may vary by season; if you have a particular offering in mind, plan your visit around this seasonal availability.

Walks and a hiking suggestion

Sohl is surrounded by dense, evergreen spruce forests and has an extensive network of trails that are generally well marked and suitable for leisurely walks. The forest spring between the historic village of Raun and Sohl is one destination for such walks. One suggested hike starts in Sohl and, after crossing the B 92, follows the Sohler Weg. Check trail conditions before setting out, as they may change.

When choosing an outing, it is useful to distinguish between the general trail network, a specific walking destination and the described section of a route. The forest spring is named as a destination; the hiking suggestion gives a starting point in Sohl and the route that follows across the B 92 to the Sohler Weg. This lets you choose whether to orient yourself around a destination or a more specifically described hiking idea.

The primeval spring and its history

The primeval spring is considered the oldest known medicinal spring in the Vogtland; it was first mentioned in a document as early as 1538. For travelers who want to include local history in their travel plans alongside nature and outdoor activities, the spring offers a specific historical point of interest. Its distinction and the date refer to different things: its status as the oldest known medicinal spring describes its significance in the historical record, while 1538 is the year it was mentioned in a document. Unlike the natural swimming lake, which brings together leisure facilities, the focus here is on the spring’s historical significance.

Vogtland Easter Trail

Another local highlight is the decorated Easter Pyramid. Since 2025, it has been a new attraction in Sohl on the Vogtland Easter Trail; it was created through a community initiative launched by the village club. For travelers interested in local initiatives, how it came about is another aspect of the pyramid to discover. If the pyramid is a key reason for your visit, check the Easter Trail dates in advance.

Travel by local bus

Bad Elster’s local bus route 94 also serves Sohl. Check the timetable before traveling so you can plan your journey for your travel day.

For the broader travel overview: Bad Elster.