Night watchmen patrol Plauen's Old Town

Armed with lanterns, horns, and halberds, night watchmen and tower guards paraded through Plauen’s Old Town. According to the city, around 30 participants from Germany and Austria attended the Eastern Regional Conference of the German Guild of Night Watchmen, Tower Guards, and Figurines. They had traveled from places including Leipzig, Eisenach, Soest, the Spreewald, and Bludenz, Austria. 

Dressed in their traditional costumes, they set out in the evening from the fountain in front of the New City Hall. Plauen’s night watchman, Uwe Rödel, led the group to notable sites and introduced them to the city. The guests also presented their hometowns and regions.

Old customs come to life

In the past, night watchmen patrolled the streets to maintain peace and order. Today, the guild keeps the tradition alive with gatherings and public tours.

The conference was opened in the morning on the Altmarkt by Mayor Kerstin Wolf and District Administrator Thomas Henning. Visitors were able to take photos with the participants there. The program also included a visit to the “Fabrik der Fäden” museum as well as to the artisans’ courtyards and weavers’ houses in the Elsteraue.