Day trips · Lake Hohenwarte
Lake Hohenwarte winds in long loops through the forests of the upper Saale. All around are the dam and hiking trails, grottoes, castles and small towns. And in the evening, the way back to the water is never far.
By the water
Hohenwarte
This is where the Thuringian Sea begins. The wall of the Hohenwarte dam is 75 metres high and 412 metres long, built between 1936 and 1942. Behind it lie some 182 million cubic metres of water, which makes the reservoir one of the largest in Germany. From the wall the view stretches far across the water, and the passenger boats set off from here on their round trips.
Around the reservoir
Paths high above the loops of water, rest areas with wide views and quiet bays. The Hohenwarte circular trail takes you all the way around the lake.
At the upper end of the lake
The small town lies where the reservoir ends. This is as far as the Elvira sails. In the former Fernmühle, the hydropower museum shows one of Germany's oldest run-of-river power stations still largely in its original state, with historic turbines and water wheels.
On the water
With a canoe, kayak or SUP from Thomas you set your own pace. Or you go out with Captain Frank on the Elvira, whose waters stretch from the dam to Ziegenrück.
In the region
Saalfeld
In a former alum shale mine, dripstones glow in many colours. The grottoes have been open to visitors since 1914, and Guinness World Records lists them as the most colourful show caves in the world.
Ranis
The castle stands on a rock high above the town. Beneath it lies the Ilsenhöhle, one of the most important Palaeolithic sites in Central Europe. The museum in the castle shows what was found there.
Saalburg · further up the Saale
The second great reservoir on the upper Saale. Measured by storage volume, it is the largest reservoir in Germany, and it too is part of the Thuringian Sea.
Rudolstadt
The baroque residence stands high above Rudolstadt and the Saale. Today its museums and state rooms invite you to explore.
For opening times and admission, please check directly with each attraction.
Portenschmiede · below Wilhelmsdorf
Your place by the lake: SaaleSpa, Schmiedehafen and the Hafenbar sit side by side here, right by the water. Warmth on the water, a set table and a drink in the evening. A good place to arrive, and a good place to let the day come to an end.
