Plothen and the Pfahlhaus in Hausteich

Plothen is characterised by the listed Pfahlhaus in Hausteich, which is considered a landmark and a central destination for visitors. The house brings together a museum, exhibition and nature park information with the history of pond and fish farming. The 1000 Teiche circular trail between Dreba and Plothen is another attraction. Exploring Plothen lets you plan a visit around both its cultural history and a hike.

The Pfahlhaus in Hausteich

Since its restoration, the Pfahlhaus has served as a museum, exhibition space and nature park information centre. It presents the history of pond and fish farming, as well as the diverse interests of the people who lived and worked in the pond area. Its design is unique in Thuringia. The house therefore focuses on architecture and the use of the ponds as distinct but interconnected topics.

As a landmark and visitor attraction, the Pfahlhaus is a prominent cultural point of reference for Plothen. Those interested in the history of pond farming can also learn about the people who lived and worked in the pond area. The exhibition thus connects a specific building with a subject that extends beyond its architectural design.

Information and hiking at Hausteich

The nature conservation and environmental information centre is located at Hausteich near Plothen. It opens each year from May to visitors, hikers and nature lovers exploring the Plothen pond area. Admission and advice are free of charge. As opening is seasonal, check the latest details before your visit.

A 3 to 8-kilometre section of the 1000 Teiche circular trail between Dreba and Plothen starts at the Pfahlhaus. This gives you two different options for planning your day: the Pfahlhaus with its museum, exhibition and information, and a hike along the circular trail. Check the current route before setting out, as its length and course may change.

The wider Saale-Orla destination

Beyond Plothen, the wider Saale-Orla destination offers its own natural and cultural setting. The Saale, with the approximately 80-kilometre-long Saalekaskade, which has been dammed five times, forms Europe’s largest contiguous reservoir area, the Thuringian Sea. The Bleiloch Reservoir is Germany’s largest reservoir. These regional landscape features complement the more focused look at Plothen’s Pfahlhaus and pond farming.

The cultural attractions across the wider Saale-Orla destination also offer a variety of experiences. Schloß Burgk Museum houses historic living and exhibition rooms with valuable interiors, as well as collections and exhibitions. Its bookplate collection contains more than 200,000 sheets and is the museum’s largest specialist collection. Concerts and festivals are also held there; check the dates of individual events.

Wurzbach is home to Heinrichshütte, with Europe’s largest and most powerful steam engine. The museum is a hands-on, interactive place and welcomes families with children as well as children from nurseries and schools. Also in Wurzbach, more than 120 kilometres of signposted hiking trails invite you to explore the low mountain landscape. Another kind of destination is Wysburg near Weisbach: an archaeological excavation site at an old robber baron’s castle.

Discover more destinations: Krölpa, Ziegenrück, Burgk, Keila, Dreba, Knau, Tanna, Remptendorf.

View the wider travel overview: Saale-Orla.