Together with the Saalekaskade, which stretches for around 80 kilometres and has been dammed five times, the River Saale forms Europe’s largest continuous reservoir area: the Thuringian Sea. The Bleiloch Reservoir also holds a superlative: it is Germany’s largest reservoir. Saale-Orla’s two striking reservoir superlatives offer a starting point for exploration; further discoveries bring nature watching, historical collections, technology and trails to the fore.
Pond landscape, forests and natural monuments
The Dreba-Plothen Pond District Nature Reserve, also known as the “Land of a Thousand Ponds”, covers 1,094 hectares. More than 250 bird species, 14 amphibian species, 23 dragonfly species and six bat species have already been observed there. These figures cover different groups of animals and give a concrete impression of the wildlife observed in this area.
The Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park is characterised by the blue ribbon of the Saale and the Thuringian Sea, the extensive forests along the Rennsteig, the Plothen Pond District and seemingly endless orchid meadows. The Ziegenrück Slate Fold is also part of the region’s natural landscape: it is a natural monument. Together, these names show the variety of nature to be found here—from water and ponds to forests and meadows.
Museums spanning history and technology
Museum Schloß Burgk houses historic living rooms and exhibition spaces with precious interiors, as well as collections and exhibitions. Its ex libris collection is particularly notable for its size: comprising more than 200,000 prints, it is the museum’s largest specialist collection. Museum Schloß Burgk also hosts concerts and festivals; if you plan to attend an event, check the latest event information.
In Wurzbach, the Heinrichshütte foundry is home to Europe’s largest and most powerful steam engine. Heinrichshütte is an interactive, hands-on museum that warmly welcomes families with children, as well as children from daycare centres and schools. Museum642 has a different focus: visitors of all ages can explore the history of Pößneck and every level of the museum on an individual multimedia tour. Burg Ranis Museum explores the geology of the Orla Valley, the Ice Age and the history of the castle.
Hiking trails, cycling routes and notable destinations
In Wurzbach, more than 120 kilometres of signposted hiking trails invite you to explore the beautiful low mountain landscape. Near Neustadt an der Orla, the Bismarck Tower stands 32.65 metres tall. The medieval Hohe StraĂźe ridgeway passes directly by the tower. The Rennsteig, meanwhile, is 168 kilometres long and begins or ends in Blankenstein.
Cycling routes also offer a clear sense of direction: the Orla Cycle Route passes through Neustadt an der Orla, while the Oberland Cycle Route runs from Schleiz to the Thuringian Sea. Before setting out, check current route conditions and signage. Those interested in archaeological history can visit the Wysburg near Weisbach, an excavation site at an old robber baron’s castle and a destination for a day trip. The Schleiz Triangle is considered Germany’s oldest natural race track. In Ziegenrück, the Hydropower Museum is regarded as the only museum of its kind in Germany.
Plan a trip on the mill ferry
On the Hohenwarte Reservoir, the mill ferry connects the landing stages at LinkenmĂĽhle and Altenroth. It operates seasonally. Check the timetable and crossing conditions before travelling.
Choose Saale-Orla as your destination
When looking for accommodation, you could start by considering which aspect of Saale-Orla you want your trip to focus on: nature watching, museum visits, hiking trails or cycling routes. The destinations and routes described offer a range of themes to build your trip around; plan according to your own interests.
Discover more destinations: Altengesees, Crispendorf, Gahma, Lausnitz bei Neustadt an der Orla, Tanna, Remptendorf, Ziegenrück, Schleiz, Stanau, Bad Lobenstein, Gefell, Neundorf, Wurzbach, Saaldorf, Triptis, Burkersdorf, Oppurg, Pößneck, Blankenstein, Burgk, Pottiga, Langenorla, Ranis, Kospoda, Neustadt an der Orla, Bucha, Knau, Plothen, Dittersdorf, Dreba, Peuschen, Keila, Krölpa, Saalburg-Ebersdorf, Moßbach.
Back to the main travel overview: Thuringia.
