Discover Ziegenrück: Forest, Saale and Hydropower

Ziegenrück is a state-recognised health resort on the Saale between the Bleiloch and Hohenwarte reservoirs. Geological features, forest themes and hydropower history shape its attractions; routes also pass through the town, and canoeing is available on the Saale. If you are looking for accommodation for a trip to this area, you can first consider whether nature, the history of technology or being active on the water will shape your stay. In Ziegenrück, these interests meet in a range of distinct, specific themes rather than just one reason to visit.

The Fold and Forest Themes

At the western edge of Ziegenrück, the Ziegenrück Fold lies directly above a bend in the Saale; it is also part of the Thuringian Slate Mountains National Geopark. The fold has an asymmetrical structure and is tilted towards the southeast. Both features are characteristic of folds in the Thuringian Slate Mountains. These two details describe different aspects of its structure: its uneven shape and the direction of its tilt. This adds a geological dimension to its location above the bend in the Saale, beyond simply being oriented towards the river.

In the centre of Ziegenrück is the Walderlebnis Insel (Forest Adventure Island), with a 2.5-kilometre adventure trail and learning and play features about the forest ecosystem. It introduces regional characteristics and native wildlife and plant life. Examples include various tree species and the protected stag beetle. This offers a different way to experience nature than the fold: here, the focus is on species and relationships within the forest ecosystem. The combination of learning and play features makes the forest theme engaging and hands-on.

Hydropower and Architectural History

The Fernmühle (Fern Mill) connects the landscape with the history of technology. Around 1900, it was converted into the first run-of-river power station on the upper Saale. Now a listed monument, the power station demonstrates how electricity has been generated from hydropower for more than 100 years. The conversion around 1900 gives this technical heritage a specific historical context.

The Ziegenrück Hydropower Museum complements the theme with the permanent exhibitions “The Saale Cascade” and “Crafts & Hydropower”. Its collection includes turbines and water wheels. Visitors can try things out for themselves at a water-wheel model, and they can also observe fish, bees, mice and sheep. The exhibitions, collection, model and animal observations offer different perspectives on the town and its connection with hydropower.

The town’s architecture also has a specific point of interest: the rectory at Kirchstraße 11 has a Renaissance portal and a timber-framed construction with infill panels. While the Fern Mill focuses on the technical use of water, the rectory draws attention to the architectural features of a single building. In this way, different aspects of local history come together in Ziegenrück.

Routes and Experiences on the Water

The Saale-Orla Trail and the Saale Cycle Route pass through Ziegenrück; the cycle route’s name itself makes its focus on cycling clear. Another activity to enjoy is the canoeing offered by Eiscafe Wasserziege: after a detailed briefing in Ziegenrück, canoes are launched on the Saale. From there, visitors can explore the reservoir for one or more days. Whether you prefer a route through the town or a one- or multi-day exploration of the reservoir also depends on how much time you want to spend on the water.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Bad Lobenstein, Gefell, Oppurg, Schleiz, Pottiga, Altengesees, Knau, Crispendorf.

For the main travel overview: Saale-Orla.