Experience Saalfeld: Secrets of the fairy grottoes and historical treasures!

Experience Saalfeld: Secrets of the fairy grottoes and historical treasures!

The city of Saalfeld an der Saale continues to enjoy great popularity among tourists and locals. Known for the magical fairy grottoes, which are noted in the Guinness Book of Records as the “most colorful show grottos in the world”, the region offers a wealth of experiences. Jonathan Doll explores the fairy grottoes with an exciting flashlight tour and enjoys the atmosphere in the “fairy world” as well as with a singing bowl relaxation in the healing tunnel. It shows visitors how liberating and exciting it can be to discover the subterranean wonders that lie hidden beneath the city.

Steffi Peltzer-Büssow, on the other hand, has her own adventures in the city while relaxing with the alpacas from Roter Berg. Your exploration tour not only takes you from city gate tower to city gate tower, but also in the footsteps of the famous 17th century merchant Pelzer. Here she receives exciting information about the trade practices and healing arts of the past. St. John's Church is particularly interesting with its sky garden and the inviting choirs that characterize the cityscape.

Saalfeld steeped in history

The historical city tour also includes a visit by local personalities, such as Dani from “Dani’s Clothing Stories”. In the beautiful park of Villa Bergfried, Peltzer-Büssow finds an exhibition about the Hüther family of chocolate manufacturers, who made the love of chocolate known not only in the region but also beyond. An even more exciting piece of history is the historic chocolate vending machine, which offers a nostalgic look into the past.

The town of Saalfeld has a long history, dating back to the 7th century, when it may have been founded around a Gothic fortress called the Hoher Schwarm or Sorbenburg. With its first mentions dating back to 899, the city has undergone significant changes. Particularly impressive is the Kitzersteinburg, which watches over the Saale and was originally attributed to King Henry the Vogler. Today, numerous well-preserved buildings bear witness to this impressive history, including the Gothic town hall and the beautiful town church, whose foundation stone goes back to earlier Romanesque structures.

Tourism and leisure

It's not just the history that draws people to the city, the nature around Saalfeld also has its charm. The region is surrounded by impressive mountain landscapes and is ideal for winter and outdoor activities. Mountain biking underground in the former ore mine in Kamsdorf in particular promises adrenaline kicks that you won't quickly forget. Here, sports-loving visitors have the opportunity to get active in a unique setting.

Saalfeld is not only a place full of history, but also a center for industrial and tourist growth. Today the city is still known for its silver mines, but the economy has developed in many ways. From mechanical engineering to the production of bricks to chocolate and vinegar – a wide spectrum is covered here. Relaxation and recreation are also not neglected, not least thanks to the many hiking trails that run through the picturesque surroundings.

The combination of history, nature and modern life makes Saalfeld a true treasure in Thuringia that both tourists and locals alike appreciate.