Discover Artern/Unstrut: trails, brine and history

Artern/Unstrut combines routes along the Unstrut and Solgraben with local history and architectural discoveries. The Jüngkens observation tower, Lake Aratora and Salinepark offer different starting points for a trip: you can focus on outdoor activities, cultural history or the brine baths. The surrounding municipal area also adds natural and architectural history to the picture.

Hiking trails and cycling route around Artern

Green spaces along the Unstrut and salt meadows alongside the Solgraben invite you to hike the Borlach hiking trail or the Novalis hiking trail. The Novalis hiking trail runs from Artern to Tilleda; the described stretch within the Artern district is a clearly defined section of the route. If you enjoy spending your days on foot, these two trails offer different names and landscape features to guide your planning.

Artern is also connected by bike: the town is a stop on the Unstrut Cycle Path. Lake Aratora is not far from the Unstrut Cycle Path. For your cycling plans, Artern as a stop on the Unstrut Cycle Path and Lake Aratora, located not far from the cycle path, offer two different starting points. For a cycling trip, you can combine these options with hikes on the Borlach or Novalis hiking trail; it is up to you which experiences you want to focus on.

Local history and architecture

The Jüngkens observation tower houses a small local history exhibition. To arrange a guided tour of the tower, contact the town administration on 03466 3255-0 or Mrs Rückriegel directly on 03466/319333. Contact details may change, so please check the numbers before arranging a tour. The exhibition and the option to book a guided tour provide a specific cultural highlight alongside the trails and landscapes.

The Church of St Vitus is located in the northern part of Artern’s old town, within the surrounding municipal area. The medieval building has had its present appearance since the mid-13th century and is classified as Late Romanesque or Early Gothic. If you are interested in architectural history, it offers a different way to experience the region than a hike: here, the focus is on the building’s origins and architectural classification rather than the landscape and route.

Brine and Salinepark

The Artern brine outdoor pool is located within the surrounding municipal area, right next to the Salinepark recreation area. It offers swimming fun for the whole family; water from the natural brine spring gives it a salt content of 1.5 percent. Salinepark also includes an open-air stage, a stadium and a bowling alley. The open-air stage is therefore part of the park’s listed attractions, alongside the other facilities.

Also within the municipal area, the brine area along the Solgraben has been a nature reserve since 1935 and is home to rare flora and fauna. Together with the salt meadows alongside the Solgraben, it offers a connection to nature that differs from the architectural sights. Brine thus features in several of the topics mentioned: it is used in the outdoor pool, while the protected area and salt meadows offer a distinct connection to the landscape.

Which kind of trip suits your plans?

The cycle route and hiking trails appeal to different interests than the exhibition and church architecture; the brine outdoor pool and Salinepark offer another focus. Artern/Unstrut therefore offers a range of themes to plan around, without requiring you to settle on just one way of exploring. Find accommodation in Artern/Unstrut that suits the interests you want to focus on during your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Ebeleben, Heldrungen, Helbedündorf, Clingen, Kyffhäuserland, Steinthaleben, Westgreußen, Wiehe.

View the higher-level travel overview: Kyffhäuserkreis.