Lauter-Bernsbach was incorporated in 2013 when the former town Lauter merged with the Bernsbach community. That meant the former Lauter had to give up its town ordinances and privileges (since 1962) to Bernsbach. Lauter-Bernsbach is situated right on highway B101, a part of the “Silberstrasse” (Silver Street) in the West Erzgebirge. The town covers an area of 30.3 km² and is a popular residential area and home for approx. 9,200 residents.

Lauter-Bernsbach lies between the cities of Aue and Schwarzenberg on both sides of the Schwarzwasser River. The west edge of town is bordered by the Zwickauer Mulde River. Furthermore, the landscape is formed by two mountains —the Spiegelwald (728 m asl) in the north and the Morgenleithe (811 m asl). Due to its mountain restaurants, both ridges are popular destinations, and the observation towers (Morgenleithe 18 m; “König-Albert-Turm” on the Spiegelwald 40 m) opens up a panoramic view over the whole West Erzgebirge.

The complete forest area surrounding Lauter-Bernsbach reaching as far as the Erzgebirge ridge, with its mountains, romantic valleys and numerous forest glades, offers tourists excellent potential for recreation. Many well-marked trails, which are ideal for hiking and cycling, lead out of town in the beautiful environment.

Another place to enjoy is the idyllic hotel and restaurant “Danelchristelgut” which is a former historical estate farm.  From there you can take long hiking routes in the surrounding area.

Every year in late September / early October, the town Lauter-Bernsbach celebrates two major festivals. While Bernsbach celebrates the traditional “Kirmes” (a fun fair) with numerous attractions for young and old around the village square, in Lauter the 3-day “Vugelbeerfast” is celebrated. The national folk festival is dedicated to the rowan tree – called the “Vogelbeerbaum” (bird berry tree) in Erzgebirge. Special highlights here are the crowning of the “Vugelbeerkönigin” (rowan queen) and choosing the “Vugelbeerprinzessin” (rowan princess).  In addition, a lively market and numerous events are offered to visitors. Also, the special display of the spirits museum “Alte Laborantenkunst” (historical laboratory skills) of the company Lautergold Paul Schubert GmbH is always very popular. Of course this display can be visited all year round, as well as the liquor factory. According to the motto: “Every drop of Lautergold, luscious down the throat it rolled” you can try a “sip of honor” in the company’s own tasting room.

Furthermore, Lauter is known for its traditional handicrafts, especially the production of chip baskets. Bernsbach, however, has gained a good reputation in the past and in the present by numerous small and middle-sized sheet metal working businesses. In two museums, the “Spankorbstub” in Lauter and the “Heimatstube” of an Erzbegirge society in Bernsbach, visitors can gain insights into local history.

Have we made you curious? Then visit us sometime. We would be pleased.