Saalfeld- District Desire for the Future Dear Citizens and Friends of the -Rudolstadt District, Population in the Region 109,278 Total Jointly, we can work together to positively shape our region. We can achieve this with pride 53,769 Male and confidence by focusing on the strengths and characteristics of our home. Too few people 55,509 Female know that we have so much more to offer than our wonderful landscape, and beautiful Inhabitants of the Tri-City Area cities and villages. Our firms compete successfully on the world market, thanks to innovative Saalfeld, Rudolstadt, ideas and knowledge based on centuries of experience. Our cultural identity is characterised 55,638 through a variety of institutions, in particular, our theatre and orchestra. Our strong economy, cultural diversity, solid social infrastructure and the beauty of our landscape inspire Sunshine Hours a desire for the future of our region. This brochure is designed to raise awareness of this for 1,600 hours per year you, your families and friends. Let yourself be carried away by our region. Surface Area You are most welcome! 103,603 hectares

Yours truly, 1662 marks the first use of the term “Heidecksburg”. In a publication printed to commemorate the accession of a new Marko Wolfram sovereign, reference is made to the “Residence Heydekk”. Chief Executive, Saalfeld-Rudolstadt District Shaping our home! Saalfeld

With a history spanning more than 1,100 years, Saalfeld numbers Saalfeld’s slogan, “the Stone Chronicle of ”, is earned among the oldest cities in Thuringia. The attractive city on the River through its diversity of well- maintained historic buildings. is not only a family-friendly place to live and a successful hub One eye-catching example is the for business; it also offers plenty for tourists to discover. A tour of the gable of the Old Pharmacy in the historic city centre. former royal seat reveals numerous unique references to Thuringia’s history. Idyllically situated in the picturesque Saale Valley on the edge of Thuringia’s Slate Mountains, and surrounded by gentle hills and green forests, Saalfeld is an ideal starting point for day-trips and tours in and around the city. Visitors can follow in Martin Luther’s footsteps along the Luther Pathway. The city’s main tourist attraction is the 25,908 Feengrotten, translated as the Fairy Grottoes. The former mine’s inhabitants live in Saalfeld, making the city vibrant stalactites entice thousands of visitors, both large and small, the largest in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt region. every year and secure the grottoes’ entry in the Guinness Book of On occasion, the members of the Saalfeld City Guards – see above – travel back in time World Records as the most colourful caves in the world. to the Middle Ages to animate the history of the city for its guests. The Feengrotten’s Fairy Cathedral Upper Gateway Saalfeld Palace with Park

In times long past, Saalfeld’s wealth was based on mining and trade. Later, large industrial companies of world renown were developed here, specialising in sewing and washing machines. The Villa Bergfried is not the only lasting mark of the chocolate factory owner, Ernst Hüther, which remains important to the city. Today, delicious confectionaries such as nougat cones and white chocolate continue to be produced at the Schokoladenwerk on the Saale that he established. Currently, the largest employer in the region is the Thuringian Clinic “Georgius Agricola”. Saalfeld is also the cradle of many noble houses in Europe. Queen Victoria‘s husband, Albert, is a descendant from the dukes of Saxe-Saalfeld, who built the Saalfeld Palace between 1677 and 1726. Thus, Queen Elizabeth II is a great-great grandchild of the first Duke of Saalfeld, Johann Ernst. For Families 32,000 Saalfeld is actively planning for the future: and kilometres – the distance that would be reached schools are being invested in with the aim of offering families if all 174 million blocks of chocolate produced the very best in educational facilities. New building sites are each year in the Schokoladenwerk chocolate under in the region, while those who treasure short factory were laid out in a line. That’s roughly the distances and unique architecture can find numerous interesting distance from Saalfeld to Sydney, Australia – and properties on offer in the historic city centre. back again! Reschwitzer Saugbagger

Saalfeld is a hub for high technology: operating tables from Trumpf are in use worldwide; gear parts from Samag provide extra drive for Mercedes. Local success Reschwitzer Saugbagger manufactures oversized vacuum cleaners for use in particularly difficult mining extractions. The Reschwitzer suction dredges are mounted on chassis, allowing easy mobility. A stationary version has been used in Venice to ensure the gondolas have enough water under keel. In 1991, the electronic supplier Epsa emerged from Jenoptik Carl Zeiss in Saalfeld. With more than 200 employees, Epsa produces high quality electronic parts ranging from circuit boards to complex systems for the aerospace industry. The Bürgerliches Brauhaus Saalfeld is a regular medal candidate among beer connoisseurs. With its speciality creations, the traditional brewery offers something special for lovers of extravagant beers.

SamagSamag Epsa Bürgerliches Brauhaus 40,000 hectolitres - or 400,000 boxes of beer - leave the Bürgerliches Brauhaus in Saalfeld each year. To celebrate the birth of Prince George, the son of Prince William and Kate, a unique “Prince Beer” was brewed and sent to England. The gift also emphasised the connection between the Windsors and Saalfeld: Prince George is the ten-times great-grandson of Duke Johann Ernst of Saxe-Saalfeld. Saalfeld Titans

The district offers its inhabitants a wide variety of leisure activities. More than 17,000 members train in 160 clubs, covering 62 different sports activities ranging from traditional to exotic. The district has spent millions investing in gymnasiums and sports grounds to create outstanding training facilities. The Kreissparkasse Saalfeld-Rudolstadt is a generous supporter of numerous sports and cultural associations in the region.

The search for the “Fittest Primary School” Anniversary Concert “60 Years Saalfeld Music School”

Black Flash Archery from Könitz supplies 1,200 sportspeople from all over the world students are currently learning an instrument or receiving voice training with high-quality bows, arrows and crossbows in the District Music School’s two musical centres in Saalfeld and Rudolstadt. since more than 25 years. Regular concerts enrich the district’s cultural life. Rudolstadt

Production of Faust Thuringian Symphony Orchestra Saalfeld Rudolstadt

Rudolstadt is the district’s cultural capital, a claim underlined by Rococo en miniature – the lifework of the artists Gerhard Bätz and the imposing backdrop of Heidecksburg Palace. The former seat of Manfred Kiedorf – is a magnet for the Heidecksburg Palace, attracting government of the princes of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt attracted thousands of visitors every year. many famous personalities of the time. The legendary first meeting Inspired by the pompous court culture of the Baroque and Rococo of Goethe and Schiller took place in Rudolstadt, in the home of the periods, the fanciful “Palaces of the Praised Island” were created over a Chancellor of Beulwitz. Schiller was struck twice simultaneously by timeframe of more than 50 years. The artists even created a unique Cupid’s Arrow while in Rudolstadt. With a museum dedicated to his language for the island’s inhabitants life and the slogan “Schiller’s Secret Love”, the city has successfully – Pezanian. 1914 positioned itself as a vibrant tourism destination, spoken of in equal tones as Marbach and . However, Rudolstadt is not only a marks the date when the “Thuringian Farmhouses” were removed from place of historic encounters: for more than a quarter of a century, surrounding villages and rebuilt as a museum in the Heinrich Heine Park in tens of thousands of musicians and music lovers have flocked to the Rudolstadt. The oldest open-air museum city for the annual Tanz und Folk Festival – the largest in , peasant life is depicted here through original furniture and household festival in Europe. The event has now been renamed the Rudolstadt items dating from the 17th Century to the mid 19th Century. Festival in a bid to increase the city’s renown. 650,000 paper hand towels were used by the nearly 90,000 visitors to the Rudolstadt Festival in 2013.

Saalemaxx Schiller House Rudolstadt Vogelschießen

Every year in the first week of July, this small, placid city changes into a gigantic stage, thanks to the annual world music festival. And since 1722, at the end of summer the Rudolstadt Vogelschießen Funfair attracts up to half a million visitors, making it the largest public festival in Thuringia. Not to be outshone, the Theatre Rudolstadt, founded in 1793, and the Thuringian Symphony Orchestra are rich in tradition. With enormous amounts of creativity and bravery, the actors and musicians have worked hard to earn their reputation as the most exciting theatre troupe in Thuringia. Ingenuity and diligence provide the backbone to the economic success of the “finer things in life”. In this vein, the “Aelteste Volkstedter Porzellanmanufaktur” – established close to the royal court in Volkstedt more than 250 years ago – today continues to produce the finest figures and decorative items. Nearby, Anker building blocks are manufactured from sand, chalk and linseed oil. In 1919, the first factory producing x-ray tubes was established here, a connection continued today with Siemens’ involvement in the healthcare sector. Rudolstadt’s strength lies in its diversity of industries: chemical operations, paper manufacturing, medical technology and steel construction to name just a few. The Thuringian Research Institute for Textiles and Synthetics is breaking new ground by developing innovative materials. Thanks to its strong economy, exciting career possibilities, cultural diversity and appealing living conditions, Rudolstadt is particularly attractive for families. The industrial zone

The heart of the Schwarza industrial zone is chemical production. Modern synthetic fibre production with its myriad of uses is derived from the former viscose rayon industry. Today, BASF continues the tradition of chemical industry in the region, while TITK is developing future-orientated ideas and raw materials with its polymer research. With support from the regional development institute, the Landesentwicklungsgesellschaft, a number of newer companies have settled in the industrial zone, including the paper manufacturer, Adolf Jass. The EPC Group, are a family-owned international and construction company based in Schwarza. The company focuses on building turnkey industrial plants. The business incubator, the Innovations- und Gründerzentrum, accompanies entrepreneurs on the path to independence.

Paper Factory Adolf Jass Herzgut Rudolstadt Know-How: the Jewish Museum in Berlin

This mixture of sectors has helped Rudolstadt to develop a strong economic base with sound prospects for growth. Aeropharm (Sandoz) is currently expanding its employee base to more than 700, while each year, more than 70 million litres of 4,000 regional milk is processed by the Herzgut dairy factory in Schwarza tonnes of steel are reprocessed by the firm Rudolstädter Systembau each year into butter, cheese and yoghurt. into petrol stations, industrial and commercial buildings, and prestige properties such as the Jewish Museum in Berlin. From Remda to the Saale Kochberg Palace River meadow by Neusitz Chapel near Weißbach

Natural and classical, enchanting and mysterious - the region from Remda to the Saale Valley has plenty to offer. The area is best explored on foot or by bike, following one of several marked routes including the Saale-Ilm Mill Cycleway or the Saale Cycleway. Remda and Teichel number among the oldest settlements in the region. Sightseeing highlights include the remainder of Remda’s city walls, featuring two towers, and the church of pilgrimage in Heilsburg, with its restored carved sculptures. Kochberg Palace, formerly the country residence of Goethe’s lover, Charlotte von Stein, features a private theatre built in 1800, a unique treasure worldwide. Each year, thousands of visitors flock from around the globe to enjoy opera and theatre productions, chamber concerts and literary readings featuring well-known writers and artists. The theatre is included in the European Route of Historic Theatres. Hikers can enjoy a wonderful 28,000 view from the Luisenturm tower near Kleinkochberg or discover mythical places along metres – the distance travelled by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe from Weimar to the “Hohe Straße” trail such as the deserted medieval village “Spaal” and the legendary Großkochberg in order to visit Frau von castle ruins at Schauenforst. Stein. The route is now a walking route, 16 named after the famous poet. Uhlstädt Primary School Rafting on the Saale River Church ruins at the abandoned village of Töpfersdorf

Standing on the sun-warmed southern slopes of the Hexengrund, it’s easy to imagine the The Black Woodpecker, seen here carved in wood, is the wine-makers of yesteryear tending their grape vines. The countryside between Remda mascot of the “Explorer’s Trail Saale Route” project. and Uhlstädt, and the fertile river meadows along the Saale have long been blessed with Those who hike the route exceptional soil and expansive pastures for profitable agriculture. Well-maintained can discover the relatively unknown Roland Spring, enjoy Fachwerk (half-timbered) houses and churches pay testimony to this. Today, wide-ranging views of the Saale River Valley and explore agricultural and organic farms provide the region with fresh produce, and small and interesting features, such as the Hugo Path, the Groom’s medium-sized companies, as well as traditional crafts- and tradespeople are resident. Wall (Bräutigamswand) Log rafts, once the mainstay of a flourishing industry in Uhlstädt, are today used - a legendary sandstone escarpment – and the church to carry tourists along the Saale. The region’s history can be explored at the local ruins and abandoned village of Töpfersdorf. museum and during the annual rafting festival. The untouched forests surrounding the local moorlands are being charted as part of a project to develop an “Explorer’s Trail Saale Route”. From Kienberghaus high above Uhlstädt, a beautiful view emerges 22,300 over the Saale River Valley, the distant mountain ranges of the Thuringian Forest and dairy and beef cattle are farmed in the region, as well as the Castle Weißenburg, which stands on a rocky promontory of the Saale. 28,800 pigs, 10,350 sheep, 570 goats, 1,150 horses and 61,370 laying hens. The Capio Clinic nearby is the area’s largest employer. Bad Blankenburg

Market Square Park Fröbel House

The city on the Schwarza is the gateway to the Schwarza River Valley. From afar, the imposing Castle welcomes visitors to one of Germany’s oldest holiday regions. Falconers ensure the castle lives up to its name with impressive displays of flight by a variety of birds of prey. The Lavender Festival, celebrated every July, is a reminder of the tradition of lavender cultivation in the region. Even today, the scented plant’s abundant bushes lend Bad Blankenburg a Mediterranean flair in summer. With its large town hall and regional sports school, the Lavender City is a beloved location for 250 sporting and cultural events. metres long and approximately 80 metres wide, the Castle Greifenstein is an important landmark for the city of Bad Blankenburg and was one of the largest German feudal castles. Sp 1840 h was the year in which Friedrich Fröbel e established the first General German r in the Bad Blankenburg Town e Hall. Later, he obtained the “House Above the Cellar” for use as a kindergarten – today the site of the Fröbel Museum. A special stamp was produced in 2015 to commemorate the 175th anniversary of kindergarten.

In Bad Blankenburg, the first seeds were planted for a revolutionary idea for the education and care of children: it was here that Friedrich Fröbel established the world’s first kindergarten. Fröbel’s concept and coinage of Cylinder the term “Kindergarten” are the city’s most successful exports. Today, the Friedrich Fröbel Museum is housed in the very building gifted to him by the city in which Fröbel developed his educational theories. The museum not only preserves the treasured estate of Oberweißbach’s most famous Early on, Fröbel recognised that children son, it is also an internationally-recognised training centre for educators learn best through play. from Germany, Japan, Korea and many other lands. His educational toys, featuring a sphere,

Cube Alliance House may be slightly smaller, but it is just as important as the cylinder and cube, are not simple building blocks but similarly named football ground in Munich. Every year in August, geometrical figures, from which children can learn large numbers of evangelical Christians from around the globe basic mathematical and gather here for the important Alliance Conference. Prinz Heinrich von physical principles while playing. Mecklenburg kennen. Henry van de Velde war mehrfach zu Gast auf Schloss Schwarzburg. Friedrich Ebert verbrachte die schönste Zeit des Friedrich Fröbel Museum Schwarza River Valley

Cranes from the firm Meissner in use in Amsterdam Autobahn restaurant furnished by Tischlerei Jahn

Innovative firms – newly founded or in family-ownership for generations – characterise the economy in Bad Blankenburg and assert themselves successfully in the marketplace. Meissner Cranes are in use in the construction of the underground railway system in Amsterdam, while Tischlerei Jahn furnishes complete Autobahn restaurants as one of its many strengths. The Fröbel City has traditionally specialised in the construction of conveyer belts, marketed in years past under the name Transportgummi and today known as Phoenix Conveyer Belts. With the Regional Sports School, the city has at its command outstanding training facilities. It’s home to the HSV Bad Blankenburg handball team.

Regional Sports School

1.6 metres per second or 5.76 kilometres an hour – the Oberweißbach Mountain Cable Car quickly travels the 323 metres from river valley to mountain railway station thanks to ingenious engineering techniques.

Downhill route 2015 Railway Station of the Year, Obstfelderschmiede Fröbel’s birthplace in Oberweißbach

With more than 350 horses, the Haflinger Stud Farm The is one of Germany’s oldest tourism zones. The Schwarza River, with its crystal-clear mountain waters, is the largest of its kind in Europe. The versatile horses, easily recognised by their blonde manes, gives its name to the entire region. A pristine cycle route meanders from Rudolstadt Schwarza along the wildly have been reared in Meura for 50 years. Olitäten romantic river course, joining the hiking trail near Neuhaus. Those seeking serenity will enjoy the Panorama made from berries, herbs or honey, are mixtures of an oily consistency. Schwarzatal Route with its spectacular views: the trail was recently named by the MDR television channel as the most The trade in natural therapies is beautiful walking route in Thuringia. closely entwined with that of the Thuringian glass industry, which The Oberweißbach Mountain and Schwarzatal Railway (OBS) allows visitors to discover the region in comfort. enabled the medicines to be easily transported The railway was designed to connect the mountain communities to the main trunk line and is today the region’s in small glass bottles. According to tradition, most popular tourism attraction. With a 25% gradient over 1.4 kilometres, the route is potentially record-breaking production originated and attracts some 100,000 passengers each year. Many take their bikes on-board in order to ride back down the with Hugo Kümmerling, who produced herbal steep downhill route alongside the tracks. Others prefer to explore the mountain heights and the almost-forgotten liquors in in 1921. In 1938, traditional cottage industry of natural and herbal medicines that has long been a focus of the region. The trade, his secret recipe for the well-known known as Olitäten in German, can be discovered digitally or on-board the OBS’ “Olitätenwagon”, which features a glass Kuemmerling bitter roof, plant descriptions and scented boxes. The early childhood education reformist, Friedrich Wilhelm August Fröbel, liquor was created. who was born in Oberweißbach, later went on to found the world’s first kindergarten in Bad Blankenburg – the gateway to the Schwarzatal. The house in which he was born is today a memorial museum. The Schwarzburg armoury contains some 4,000 objects, which have been carefully 2019 restored in recent years. commemorates the 100th anniversary of the signing of the Weimar Constitution, which Reich President Friedrich Ebert signed while on summer holiday at Schwarzburg. Royal Worlds A “House of Democracy” is planned for the castle, a vision that exists at present as a computer graphic. Schwarzburg – for more than 150 years, holidaymakers have discovered the magical landscapes, relaxation and the legendary summer resorts of the Thuringian Forest. Goethe hiked from here through the Schwarzatal. Henry van de Velde was a regular guest at Castle Schwarzburg, the imposing ancestral seat of the noble family of Schwarzburg-Rudolstadt. Friedrich Ebert spent the best time of the year here, adding his signature to the Weimar Constitution at the castle in August 1919. The venerable building, almost destroyed through National Socialist lunacy, has since been rescued from total disrepair. Soon, the royal collection of armour and weapons will be on display in the recently restored arsenal. The castle’s architecture and its unique, complete armoury collection are of a quality that has no equal in Europe. The opening is planned for May 2018.

Castle Schwarzburg with its imperial hall and armoury is one of the most imposing castle complexes in Germany. Reich President Friedrich Ebert standing on the castle terrace in Schwarzburg Königsee-Rottenbach

View over Königsee

Königsee was officially recognised as a city in the year 1199. Through the merger with Rottenbach, the new city of Königsee-Rottenbach is now the 30 youngest member of the municipal region. It comprises 17 towns, nestled kilometres is the length of the in a side valley of the Schwarza River, in a north-eastern section of the Rinnetal Cycle Route, Thuringian Forest. The region’s most important historical building is the which passes through bright forests, beautiful, monastery ruins at Paulinzella, one of the most valuable memorials to the diverse landscapes, and small towns and villages. Romanesque style of architecture in Germany. The neighbouring hunting castle now houses the Monastery, Forestry and Hunting History Museum. The region is a popular destination for tourists. By the end of 2018, it is planned that the Thuringian Forest Edge Hiking Route will pass through the region. Another interesting hiking trail is the “Route of Strong Women” – a pilgrim’s trail leading from to Paulinzella and on to . The route is marked with European scallop symbols, indicating its inclusion in the Camino de Santiago. Solar panels on the roof of the Königsee Secondary School Königsee Implantate Products from Otto Bock

The city of Königsee has developed into a centre for medical technologies, contributed to by global Werkö, specialising in the production of cutting tools, numbers amongst the most companies rich in local tradition such as Otto Bock. In 1992, Dr Max Näder, the son-in-law of founder, successful Königsee enterprises. Possibly the world’s largest drill stands Otto Bock, repurchased the company’s former head office in Königsee and began manufacturing in front of the town hall, bearing the wheelchairs. From an initial 200 wheelchairs per year, the company now produces more than phrase: “Made in Königsee”. It weighs 88 kilograms, is 2.20 metres long and has a 45,000 products annually. From the nucleus of Otto Bock, a new company was grounded in 1993 diameter of 96 millimetres. – Königsee Implantate – which has received many awards for its innovations. In the same year, Der Schwarzburger Bahnhof, erbaut im Medizintechnik Sattler was established, a company which specialises in the production of surgical instruments. Bandages and other orthopaedic items are produced by Jahn. Werkö is a long-established Paulinzella company, producing high-precision tools for the metal construction industry. To ease the demand for The ruins of the monastery church skilled workers, a number of these companies have heavily invested in apprenticeships and training, at Paulinzella belong to the most important Romanesque structures in and have established a training facility. The region has a state-of-the-art educational centre, featuring Germany. Between 1102 and 1105, a Saxon noblewoman, Paulina, grounded both mainstream and elite secondary schools, and which works closely together with the region’s an abbey in the Rottenbach Valley in a companies. It is no coincidence that the elite secondary school carries the name “Dr Max Näder”. wooden building with a small chapel. The construction of the monastery church began at the same time and its official consecration was celebrated in 1124. TheThuringian Forest

Heinz Glas in The viaduct near

Steeped in legend, the Thuringian Forest is the subject of many a song. With its mountains reaching nearly 1,000 metres, its beautiful views and picturesque villages, it is not only the renowned Rennsteig song that awakes a desire for hiking. Thanks to outstanding touristic infrastructure, such as the Rennsteig Houses, the low mountain ranges can be explored in numerous ways. In winter, cross-country skiing trails lead through the forests, and the steeper slopes are perfect for snow- tubing and downhill skiing. In summer, brave mountain-bikers are challenged by downhill trails, while the former mine “Morassina” in provides a view of the world under the forest. Alongside tourism and forestry, glass manufacture has a long tradition in the region. The art of glass blowing continues to be practiced in numerous small workshops. A giant in the world market is Heinz Glas, which was founded in 1622 in Piesau.

1 billionhwarz- glass vials are produced by Heinz Glas every year. Rudolstadt native Christoph Stephan first strapped on The company employs some 3,000 employees at his skis for the local team, SV 1883 Schwarza. 15 sites in 12 countries. Approximately a third of all Later, he represented his country at the perfume bottles worldwide are manufactured Winter Olympics in Seoul. by Heinz Glas. The Green Belt Children learning in the Nature Park Haus des Volkes,

Thuringia’s Slate Mountains are located in a region deeply rooted in tradition. 1,400 Over the centuries, slate miners have left their mark on the landscape with slate- kilometres long, “The Green Belt” is the roofed villages and tall rock-piles. The history of the region can be explored in former internal border between West and . Today, the area is a refuge the Thuringian Slate Park in , which features a former quarry. Today, the for rare plants and animals. Green Belt of Europe connects the border between Thuringia and Franconia, where once the Iron Curtain divided the East from the West. In the Haus des Volkes in Probtszella, Thuringia’s largest Bauhaus memorial, a permanent border exhibition is displayed. The building is a living testament to the Bauhaus style of architecture. The Rennsteig, Germany’s most famous and beloved high-altitude hiking trail, crosses the region here. The route is ideal in summer for hiking and in winter, for cross-country skiing amid stunning landscape. Nature’s treasures are carefully maintained and presented for tourists at the Nature Park House in Thuringia‘s Slate Mountains by Naturpark Thüringer Schiefergebirge/Obere Saale. Proud castles, such as the Friedensburg in Leutenberg and the Wespenstein in Gräfenthal – the seat of the noted Pappenheim family – are evocative of the times when knights and damsels roamed the land. Today the world of the knights is more likely to be built from plastic, with help from the Gräfenthaler Kunststofftechnik; the company counts the toy manufacturer Playmobil amongst its clients. Innovation and the desire for success have enabled two firms from Leutenberg to become worldwide suppliers for the automotive industry. The BluechemGroup has evolved in the past 28 years into a corporation with partners in more than 100 countries. Thanks to clever marketing strategies, the firm Rameder has boosted Internet trade in car parts. Since 1965, circuit boards for astronautic and consumer electronic industries have been produced in Lehesten. Today, the Japanese Sumida-Group manufactures complete electronic components, devices and systems under one roof. Traditional craft industries are also popular in the region, with numerous companies along the Thuringian Porcelain Route producing artistic and everyday products from “white gold”. Leutenberg

2,388 hp is sponsored by the BluechemGroup from Leutenberg across a variety of motorsport disciplines, from Sauber’s Formula 1 speedsters to the GT Masters and Motocross. Here in the region, the company supports the “Saalfelder Feengrotten Classics” vintage car race.

Sumida in Lehesten „Altvaterturm“ near Lehesten 800,000 tonnes of steel are produced each year by the Stahlwerk Thüringen and delivered to dealers in more than 60 countries. The company’s high quality products are suitable for use under extreme conditions, including oil platforms.

Church in Bucha Kulturpalast

The mining and steel industries have long left their mark on the region surrounding Kamsdorf and Unterwellenborn. The mining industry can look back on a centuries-old tradition, as evidenced by the exhibition mine in Kamsdorf. Steel production began in the region in 1872, and today, a modern steel mill has emerged from the original Maximilianshütte foundry, known affectionally as Maxhütte. These heavy industries have generated jobs and wealth, as reflected in the magnificent Kulturpalast Unterwellenborn. A community group has recently begun the fight to restore and rejuvenate this unique cultural monument. Numerous innovative metal and engineering companies surround the steel mill, active in either the steel industry or as suppliers to the automotive industry.

100 per cent recycling: ore for steel production was originally sourced from the Kamsdorf mine. Today, raw material for the Stahlwerk Thüringen is Mining and Steel recycled scrap metal collected from a 200-kilometre radius. 182 millions cubic metres of water are contained by the Reservoir – making it the fourth Thuringia‘s Sea largest reservoir in Germany.ss Schwarzburg, The course of the Saale River has characterised the region for centuries. In It is the diversity of the Hohenwarte Reservoir that makes it so attractive for the 1930s, the Saale was dammed in several places in order to protect the tourists. One vista is reminiscent of the Norwegian fjords, another similar to villages downstream from flooding and to quell the hunger for energy the famous Saarschleife. Water sport activities are excellent, ranging from from local industries. The result was a large reservoir, fishing, swimming, sailing, wind-surfing and water-skiing to diving. Those today colloquially known as the Thuringian Sea. preferring a more sedate pace can enjoy the lake from the deck of a cruise ship. The Hohenwarte Stausee Hiking Route, as recommended by “Wanderbares Deutschland”, allows for easy access by foot. A communal committee is working together to strengthen the region’s potential for tourism. It is envisioned that the dam wall will act as a central information point, with Alter Bay the hub for water sports. The Hohenwarte Reservoir is a part of the 80-kilometre Saale Cascade, the largest connected reservoir system in Germany. The Castle Könitz, dating from the year 800, was originally constructed from timber. It was officially registered in 1125. Owner of a chequered history, the building has been put to a 452,580 variety of purposes, including as an aristocratic residence, overnight stays were registered in the Saalfeld-Rudolstadt a military billet during the Thirty Years’ War and a home for district in 2015, 11,394 from international guests. the elderly. In 1951, it was completely destroyed by fire and later rebuilt. It is currently in private ownership. Thuringia Clinic in Saalfeld

Saalfeld-Rudolstadt is a region for young and old. Some 950 babies are born each year in the delivery rooms at the Thuringia Clinic. Loving early childhood education is provided by a number of kindergartens for when Mummy and Daddy have to go to work. The basis for successful careers is laid in the region’s well- resourced schools. The previous pages have described the wide variety of professional opportunities available in interesting companies. For those at the end of their professional lives, an abundance of activities is available – the senior citizen theatre group, “Die Entfalter” is but one example. Those of an advanced age and reliant on help are well supported by voluntary and professional caregivers. Numerous providers offer modern facilities for seniors featuring independent living arrangements and Engaged in active service The senior citizen theatre group “Die Entfalter” Help in need professional help, when necessary. Saalfeld-Rudolstadt is a region in which its citizens matter – and the future here is exciting. 2,635 active members are engaged in the district’s voluntary fire service and spend countless hours helping save human lives in emergencies. The race Getting Tough, Rudolstadt Rudolstadt Festival Viewpoint in the Schwarza River Valley Summer theatre Bauernhäuser, Rudolstadt

Picture Credits Tourist Information Legal Notice

Title Page: Red leaves, butterfly, girl - C. Dudkowiak; applause - A. Stemplewitz; Luisenturm, rainbow, Königsee-Rottenbach: (32-33)townhall Königsee, church tower Königsee, view of the town - C. Thüringer Tourismus GmbH Tourismus Region Rennsteig-Schwarzatal e. V. Publisher: Landkreis Saalfeld-Rudolstadt Heidecksburg, landscape - A. Kachold; boy with bubbles - O. Jentsch; townhall Saalfeld - M. Miltzow; Dudkowiak; (34-35) church ruins Paulinzella - A. Kachold; solar panel - A. Kreher; Königsee implants - Willy-Brandt-Platz 1 c/o Tourist- und Service-Center Bad Blankenburg 2nd edition, copyright 2016 Cover and Introduction:Rococo hall - A. Kreher; portraits Marko Wolfram - R. Kallenbach; Saalfeld: C. Dudkowiak; handbikes - M. Milic; drills - Werkö; Thuringian Forest: (36-37) winter landscape, tree (4-5) market place, town guard, old pharmacy - A. Kachold; fairies - M. F. Schmidt; (6-7) Marco cutting - A. Kachold; skier - Christoph Stephan; glass production - P. Lahann; viaduct Lichte - A. Kreher; 99084 Erfurt Bahnhofstraße 23 Landratsamt Saalfeld-Rudolstadt Polo Elementary School - P. Lahann; Fairytale Grottoe - SFTG; town gate - A. Kachold, palace - C. Thuringia‘s Slate Mountain: (38-39) shaft - A. Kachold; green belt, Naturführer - Regionalverbund Tel.: 0361 37420 07422 Bad Blankenburg Presse- und Kulturamt Dudkowiak; chocolate - P. Lahann; (8-9) suction excavator - RSP Saalfeld; C-Klasse - Mercedes-Benz; Thüringer Wald e. V. A. Hub; Haus des Volkes - D. Nagel; knight - ©PLAYMOBIL/geobra Brandstätter www.visit-thuringia.com Tel.: 036741 2667 Schloßstraße 24, 07318 Saalfeld Samag machine, gearwheel - Samag; circuit board - Epsa; brewing kettle - P. Lahann, bottle - Saalfelder Stiftung & Co. KG.; fire salamander - S. Rath, VDN; (40-41) Formula 1 car - Sauber F 1 Team; Sumida www.rennsteig-schwarzatal.de Tel.: 03671 823209 Brauhaus; (10-11) Saalfeld-Titans - A. Kachold; arrows - Black-Flash-Archery GmbH Könitz; fencer - A. Lehesten - Sumida; Leutenberg, Altvaterturm Lehesten - A. Kachold; Mining and Steel: (42-43) roll [email protected] Langen, orchestra - P. Lahann, jumping children - A. Kreher; violin - Rainer Sturm_pixelio; Rudolstadt: train - J. Simanowski; miner, lore - C. Dudkowiak; chapel Bucha, Kulturpalast - A. Kachold; Thuringia‘s www.kreis-slf.de (12-13) Heidecksburg - A. Kachold; Schiller - C. Dudkowiak; Faust - Brachwitz/Theater Rudolstadt; Sea: (44-45) dam wall, boat - A. Kachold; water drops - Freni_pixelio; fish - kretamaris_pixelio (46- Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e. V. Tourismusverein Rennsteig/Saaleland e. V. www.facebook.com/landkreis orchestra - Theater Rudolstadt; miniature ladies - U. Fischer; (14-15) Heidecksburg TFF, Ferris wheel - 47) damm wall, fireworks, waterskier, Könitz castle - A. Kachold; paddlers - SFTG; boat - A. Kreher; Zellaer Markt 1 c/o Saalfelder Feengrotten und Tourismus GmbH A. Stemplewitz; diver - A. Stedtler; Schiller house - C. Dudkowiak; porcellain figures - P. Lahann; (16-17) Social Commitments: (48-49) Thüringen Klinik - Th. Müller; helicopter - S. Breidt; theatre project saalfeldrudolstadt industrial zone Schwarza - Wifag/LEG; Sandoz building - Sandoz AG; paper production - P. Lahann; “Die Entfalter“ - L. Stern; hydrant - Andreas Dengs_pixelio; nurse - JMG_pixelio; shoe - Alexandra 98544 Zella-Mehlis Feengrottenweg 2 Herzgut products - A. Kranert; Jewish Museum - Jüdisches Museum Berlin, J. Ziehe; From Remda to H._pixelio; stork Sven Richter_pixelio; Legal Notice and Picture Credits: Tel.: 03682 4776920 07318 Saalfeld Design: Carolin Dudkowiak the Saale: (18-19) play at Kochberg Palace theatre - M. Schuck; Kochberg palace - A. Kachold; meadow (50-51) Getting Tough, summer theatre - P. Scholz; singer TFF - S. Hauptmann; www.thueringer-wald.com Tel.: 03671 55040 Hexengrund - I. Krauße; church Weißbach - Picasa; altar statue - A. Kreher; (20-21) meadow - A. viewpoint - A. Kreher; farm house - A. Kachold; www.rennsteig-saaleland.de Text/Editing: Peter Lahann Kreher; cows - Margot-Kessler_pixelio; elementary school Uhlstädt - I. Krauße, rafting - Flößerverein Richtersche Villa - S. Lübcke; Back Cover: Susanne Spindler Uhlstädt e. V.; church ruins Töpfersdorf - H. Ahnert; black woodpecker - A. Hergeth; Bad Blankenburg: “Heaven‘s Meadow“ - TLDA Streitberger. Tourist-Information Rudolstadt Translation: Amanda Hurley (22-23) lavender - M. Pihan; child playing - A. Kreher; market Bad Blankenburg - C. Dudkowiak; park - G. Pfanstiel; Kindergarten “Fröbelhaus“ - C. Dudkowiak, castle Greifenstein - A. Kachold; falcon - Markt 5 Marcus Brauer_pixelio (24-25) Fröbel portrait lithographie - Archiv Friedrich-Fröbel-Museum; images 07407 Rudolstadt Printing: SDC Satz+Druck Centrum in sphere, cylinder and cube - A. Kreher; stamp - P. Lahann; Fröbel museum - A. Kreher; (26) Meissner Tel.: 03672 486440 Saalfeld GmbH crane - Meissner-Krane, Sportschule - M. Pihan; restaurant - Tischlerei Jahn; handball player - M. www.rudolstadt.de Am Cröstener Weg 4 Fleischhauer; Schwarzatal: (27) potholes - Archiv LRA; (28-29) 2 x Haflinger horses - A. Kachold; 07318 Saalfeld mountainbiker - P. Scholz; station - Allianz pro Schiene/A.Taubert.com; Fröbel house - Archiv LRA; Kuemmerling bottle - P. Lahann; Royal Worlds: (30-31) aerial image Schwarzburg palace - Stiftung Th. Schlösser und Gärten, Ralf Kruse & Thomas Seidel GbR; arsenal, armour - A. Kreher; Ebert in Richtersche Villa, Headquarters of Schwarzburg - Archiv Thür. Landesmuseum Heidecksburg; animation palace - Tectum Hille – Kobelt; the firm Zeilenwert, which specialises in E-Books 80 plants pictured on the ceiling of Saalfeld’s St John Church can be botanically identified. With more than 200 plants, the “Heaven’s Meadow” is the most comprehensive late Gothic ceiling fresco in the www.kreis-slf.de German-speaking world. It was painted in the 16th century.