History 

Reichenbach im Vogtland originated as a settlement of the Franks and thanks its early growth to its convenient position in a valley near Mylau Castle. In 1212 it was officially named Richenbach, possibly because of the many wetland basins (German: Bächen) in the area which now hosts the Altstadt. It received town privileges around 1240 and a 1271 decree established "civitatis richenbach", a recognized small city with autonomous rights to defend itself, trade and hold municipal elections. Much of the Reichenbach history was lost in the city fires of 1720, 1773, and 1833. The foundations of the Peter Paul parish church still date back to the 12th century.

The rise of industrialisation allowed the city to grow further, again promoted by its accessibility. Sewing and weaving were Reichenbach's main trades, but in the 19th century the metal working industry settled in the this Saxony city and in the early 20th century, there was a rise of the pulp and paper industry and printing works. Some of Reichenbach's most remarkable structures date from this era, including its Rathaus (1837–1839), the railway station (1846), and world's largest brick bridge, the Göltzsch Viaduct (1846–1851).

After Germany was split up, Reichenbach im Vogtland became part of East Germany. The population has since declined from nearly 35,000 to little over 20,000 today. As was the case with many former East German industrial cities, the 1991 German reunification caused many workers to lose their jobs and they started to move away. Many initiatives have since been deployed to rebuild the local economy. There are still many industrial buildings in Reichenbach with a high historic value, but with little appeal.

Reichenbach includes the quarters Friesen, Brunn, Rotschau and Schneidenbach, and has had a collaborative relationship with Heinsdorfergrund since 2000.

Göltzsch Viaduct

Reichenbach station is part of the Leipzig–Hof line. This line includes the Göltzsch Viaduct, the largest brick bridge in the world, which lies 4 km (2.5 mi) west of the town.

Neuberinhaus (museum, theatre and concert hall)

The Neuberinhaus is a local historical and theatrical museum, named after the town's most famous citizen, actress Friederike Caroline Neuber (1697–1760), nicknamed "the Neuberin". Permanent expositions include her life and work, 18th century German theatre and the town's history.

Famous Reichenbach im Vogtland people

Georg Lenck (1685–1744), musician

Friederike Caroline Neuber (1697–1760), actor and director

Karl Böttiger (1760–1835), archaeologist and classicist

Richard Benz (1884–1966), historian

August Horch (1868–1951), automobile pioneer

Rudolf Krause (1907–1987), racing driver

Josef Bachmann (1944–1970), activist

Jürgen Fuchs (1950–1999), writer and DDR dissident