Saale-Orla: Discover reservoirs, landscapes and culture

Saale-Orla combines a distinctive reservoir landscape with natural and cultural attractions. With the Saale forming the approximately 80-kilometre-long Saale Cascade, dammed in five places, this is Europe's largest connected reservoir area, the Thuringian Sea. The Bleiloch Reservoir is Germany's largest reservoir. Water is therefore a defining theme of a trip here; the landscape, trails and museums also invite you to choose different areas of interest.

Reservoirs, ponds and nature

In Thuringia, 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 area and seemingly endless orchid meadows. More than 250 bird species, 14 amphibian species, 23 dragonfly species and six bat species have already been observed in the Dreba-Plothen Pond Area nature reserve, which covers 1,094 hectares and is known as the “Land of a Thousand Ponds”. These figures give a tangible sense of the area's natural diversity. The Ziegenrück Slate Fold is also a natural monument.

Water sports offered on the Thuringian Sea include surfing, diving, sailing, water skiing, fishing, canoe tours and canoeing trips in Canadian canoes. Offerings and conditions may vary depending on the provider. The signposted trails offer another way to experience the landscape: in Wurzbach, more than 120 kilometres of hiking trails invite you to explore the scenic low mountain landscape.

Trails and excursions with different themes

Cycling routes can also be distinguished by the areas they pass through: the Orla Cycle Route leads through Neustadt an der Orla, while the Oberland Cycle Route runs from Schleiz to the Thuringian Sea. Check the current route and signage when planning your trip. The 168-kilometre Rennsteig begins or ends in Blankenstein. Near Neustadt an der Orla, the 32.65-metre-high Bismarck Tower is a prominent landmark; the medieval Hohe Straße ridgeway runs right past it.

For an excursion focused on technology, the Heinrichshütte in Wurzbach is a special destination: its foundry houses Europe's largest and most powerful steam engine. The Heinrichshütte is an interactive, hands-on museum and is happy to welcome families with children, as well as children from daycare centres and schools. The Schleizer Dreieck offers a glimpse into motorsport history and is considered Germany's oldest natural race circuit.

Other excursion destinations offer different highlights. The Wysburg near Weisbach is an archaeological excavation site of an old robber-knight castle and a destination for day trips. The Burg Ranis Museum offers insights into the geology of the Orla Valley, the Ice Age and the history of the castle. The Hydropower Museum in Ziegenrück is described as the only museum of its kind in Germany.

Museums and cultural attractions

Schloß Burgk Museum houses historic living quarters and display rooms with valuable interiors, as well as collections and exhibitions. Its bookplate collection comprises more than 200,000 prints and is the museum's largest specialist collection. Concerts and festivals are also held there. If you would like to combine your stay with an event, check the dates for your trip.

At Museum642, visitors of all ages can explore the history of Pößneck and discover every level of the museum on a personalised multimedia tour.

Choose accommodation based on your travel interests

When looking for accommodation, you can first consider which experiences you want to shape your trip: water sports on the Thuringian Sea, nature and trails, or museums and cultural history. These different themes can help you tailor your search to your travel plans. The Mühlenfähre ferry on the Hohenwarte Reservoir has one practical feature: it connects the landing stages at Linkenmühle and Altenroth, and operates seasonally. Check the timetable and crossing conditions before you set off.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pottiga, Krölpa, 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, Knau, Plothen, Langenorla, Ranis, Kospoda, Neustadt an der Orla, Bucha, Keila, Peuschen, Dreba, Dittersdorf, Saalburg-Ebersdorf and Moßbach.

For the main travel overview: Thuringia.