Cool water action

Waterside Thuringia

Besides the fact that the Thuringian countryside is pretty green, there are also a few crystal clear spots to discover – meaning our lakes, ponds and rivers. We even have "meres" in the form of huge reservoirs. All of them offer opportunities for taking a refreshing dip in the summer or are eminently suitable for the pursuit of more adventurous activities. It's up to you whether you prefer hiking and cycling along the banks or more vigorous exercise on the water, such as kayaking and stand-up paddling.

The Ilmtalradweg cycle route

The Ilm river flows leisurely past gently rolling hills, meadows humming with bees and romantic villages. You cycle through forests and vineyards, pass castles and palaces, and enjoy the picturesque scenery.
The ideal conditions for a relaxed, family-friendly riverside cycling tour..

Key facts:

  • 123km long
  • divided into sections
  • intermediate level of difficulty
  • family-friendly
  • plenty of culture along the way 

Learn more here

The Hohenwarte reservoir trail

The locals have lovingly named this reservoir their very own "Thuringian mere". In actual fact, viewed from a distance, the huge expanse of water framed by deep forests looks like a Scandinavian fjord landscape.

Challenging trails lead cross-country and through dense forests. You'll be rewarded for your efforts with far-reaching views of the Saale river's bright blue meanders from the top of steep cliffs such as the Bockfelsen.

Key facts:

  • 74km long
  • divided into sections
  • intermediate level of difficulty
  • geological & animal highlights
  • many viewpoints 

Learn more here

Other activities you can pursue at the Hohenwarte reservoir:

  • On the water: Motor or sailing boats, canoeing or kayaking, wind surfing, SUP
  • In the water: Swimming or diving
    www.rennsteigsaaleland.de

The SaaleHorizontale trail

On the SaaleHorizontale trail, you are always hiking between "city" and "jungle" – it runs around the student town of Jena and along the Saale river. From the trail's steep and narrow paths, you enjoy panoramic views across Jena. The town is nestled in the green of the countryside and surrounded by limestone cliffs. Along with the hillside vineyards that afford glorious views of the Saale river valley, the Dornburg Palaces are a historic highlight – the overall effect is very Mediterranean. 

Key facts:

  • 90km long
  • divided into sections
  • intermediate level of difficulty
  • numerous viewpoints
  • plenty of culture along the way

Learn more here

All around the Zeulenrodaer Meer

The dam in Zeulenroda and the huge reservoir it has created offer you a great number of options for working up a sweat. However, we'd just like to give you a quick insight into what's on offer here:

  • Hiking: You'll find the family-friendly Talsperrenweg trail or the accessible Promenadenweg trail just waiting to be explored.
  • Cycling: Bike riding fans can cycle full circle around Zeulenroda, which is a 30km tour.
  • Water sports: Sailing, surfing, boating, kayaking or canoeing, or a few more unusual activities such as giving stand-up paddling, pedalboarding or aqua cycling a try – contact the water sports training centre Wassersportschule Thüringen. Wassersportschule Thüringen
  • Swimming and bathing: No problem, thanks to the good water quality in the dam reservoir. Use the various lidos at Zeulenroda, Zadelsdorf or by the Bio-Seehotel to do so, see 
    www.zeulenroda-triebes.de

At the Kelbra reservoir

In the summer, you can get active at the Kelbra reservoir and go sailing, surfing and swimming. In the autumn, you can watch the cranes dance. There are not only grey cranes; you can also watch and even listen to other colourful birds here throughout the year. Maybe you'll hear the black-headed gulls "laugh" in the distance. If you are interested in the animals that live in and around the reservoir, there are several observation towers for birdwatching, as well as a mobile station. You can travel from one to the next on foot or by bike on the trail that runs around the reservoir.

The Haselbacher Lake

©Steven Götze, Haselbacher lake

At the beginning of the 1990s, the Haselbacher lake was far away from the water fun area because the lake on the border with Saxony is a former open-cast lignite mine and became a lively water area after the flooding. Simply relax on the sandy beach or do you prefer water sports? The various clubs offer you plenty of action around the most popular lake in the Altenburger Land.

Learn more here

Did you like this story?

Maybe, you'll like this too ...