Ziegenrück is a state-recognized health resort on the Saale, between the Bleiloch and Hohenwarte reservoirs. Geology, forests and hydropower give the town a range of themes to explore during a stay. If you are looking for accommodation, consider which of these discoveries you would like to shape your travel plans.
Explore the slate fold and forest
The Ziegenrück Fold lies just beyond the western edge of town, above a bend in the Saale and within the Slate Mountains National Geopark. Its structure is asymmetrical and tilted to the southeast; these features are characteristic of folds in the Thuringian Slate Mountains. This makes the geological form of the landscape a distinct theme alongside the Saale.
The Walderlebnis Insel (Forest Adventure Island) is right in the center of Ziegenrück. Its 2.5-kilometer adventure trail combines educational and play features with the forest ecosystem. It introduces local characteristics as well as native wildlife and plant life. Examples include various tree species and the protected stag beetle. The trail thus leads from the broad theme of forests to specific species and features of the region.
Hydropower at the museum and Fernmühle
The Ziegenrück Hydropower Museum presents a variety of ways to explore water energy. The museum includes a collection of turbines and water wheels. Its permanent exhibitions are called “The Saale Cascade” and “Crafts & Hydropower.” Visitors can try out a waterwheel model, and can also observe fish, bees, mice and sheep there. The collection, exhibitions and interactive model offer different ways to engage with the museum.
Fernmühle offers another perspective on hydropower: around 1900, it was converted into the first run-of-river power station on the upper Saale. Now a protected historic monument, the power station illustrates how electricity has been generated from hydropower for more than 100 years. While models, exhibitions and the collection are part of the museum’s offering, Fernmühle focuses on the history of the power station.
Architecture and routes through town
The vicarage at Kirchstraße 11 is also notable for two architectural features: it has a Renaissance portal and a timber-frame construction. For those interested in architectural styles, it offers another aspect of local history alongside the nature and water themes.
The Saale-Orla Trail runs through Ziegenrück, as does the Saale Cycle Route. This gives cyclists a specific route to follow; the Saale-Orla Trail is another option for including the town in a walking itinerary.
There is also an activity on the water: after a thorough briefing, Eiscafe Wasserziege launches canoes onto the Saale in Ziegenrück. From there, guests can explore the reservoir for one or more days. As the provider’s information may change, it is advisable to check availability and booking terms before making plans. The options are quite different: the cycling and walking routes mentioned pass through the town, while the canoe trip starts on the Saale and focuses on exploring the reservoir.
The wider Saale-Orla region
In the broader Saale-Orla destination, the Saale and its approximately 80-kilometer-long Saale Cascade, dammed five times, form Europe’s largest contiguous reservoir area, known as the Thuringian Sea. The Bleiloch Reservoir is Germany’s largest reservoir.
When planning, consider which of these themes you would like to combine, then look for a hotel as a base for your stay.
Discover more destinations: Blankenstein, Bad Lobenstein, Dittersdorf, Knau, Peuschen, Stanau, Altengesees, Gefell.
Back to the regional travel overview: Saale-Orla.
