Best lakes around Leutenberg are primarily defined by the expansive Hohenwarte Reservoir, often referred to as the "Thuringian Sea." This significant body of water, formed by the Hohenwarte Dam, is the dominant aquatic feature in the immediate surrounding region. It is situated within the Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park and is known for its fjord-like landscape, framed by forests and steep slopes. The area offers a range of natural and man-made attractions centered around the reservoir.
Last updated: June 27, 2026
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This is the former Lehesten roofing slate opencast mine. Its dimensions alone are impressive; along with the nearby Oertelsbruch, it was one of the largest slate quarries on the continent (approximately 800 m long, 300 m wide, and up to 80 m deep). Source: Wikipedia
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A beautiful region 🤩 If you like, you can also take a detour to the Alvater Tower.
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In the "Land of Blue Gold," as the slate is called here because of its distinctive color, the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining can still be experienced today. This extraordinary industrial complex, located at what was once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines, provides a hands-on experience of the history and processing of slate. The entire Staatsbruch Slate Park area is a nature reserve. 170 Red List species have now been confirmed to have settled in this partially inaccessible area.
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The Göpel shaft system, unique in Europe, is the heart of the “Historic Lehesten Slate Mining” monument ensemble and the trademark of the slate park. The Göpel shaft system was built around 1850, five years after the open-cast mine opened. On the north-west edge of the now closed and flooded roofing slate open-cast mine, the Göpel shaft was used to lift mined slate rock and thus stabilize the production flow. The rock was transported to the adjacent double-slitting hut and processed.
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Be sure to visit and take enough time with you.
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The "Preswitzer Spitze" protrudes wonderfully into the reservoir like a small peninsula and so you have a great view on both sides.
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The region is dominated by the fjord-like landscape of the Hohenwarte Reservoir, often called the "Thuringian Sea," with vast blue waters framed by deep forests and steep slopes. You can also visit the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site, a former open-cast mine now a nature reserve with clear water and submerged trees, offering a unique natural and historical experience.
Yes, the area has a rich industrial history tied to slate mining. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site showcases the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining. Another significant site is the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, a unique shaft system built around 1850, part of the “Historic Lehesten Slate Mining” monument ensemble.
The Hohenwarte Reservoir is ideal for various water sports like canoeing, stand-up paddleboarding, swimming, fishing, diving, sailing, surfing, and water skiing. For land-based activities, there are extensive hiking and cycling routes. You can find numerous trails for hiking around Leutenberg, including routes like the 'Urwaldpfad Leutenberg' or 'On the trail of the fire salamander'. There are also many options for cycling around Leutenberg, such as the 'Eichicht Dam – Hohenwarte Dam loop'.
Many areas around the Hohenwarte Reservoir offer quiet coves and sunbathing lawns suitable for families. Highlights like the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site and the Hohenwarte Dam are categorized as family-friendly. There are also easy hiking routes, such as the 'On the trail of the fire salamander: children's trail in Leutenberg', which is suitable for families.
The period from April to October is generally best for hiking and water sports around the Hohenwarte Reservoir. During these months, the weather is favorable, and a hiking bus operates, providing convenient transportation to different trail stages and connections to the regional railway network.
Yes, the View over the Hohenwarte Reservoir is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering a magnificent vantage point with a view of the Saale loop. This spot also features benches for resting.
The Hohenwarte Reservoir, known as the "Thuringian Sea," is popular for swimming and other water sports. While the water at the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten is crystal clear, swimming and diving are prohibited there due to its nature as a former quarry and nature reserve.
The View over the Hohenwarte Reservoir offers a magnificent vantage point, especially for sunsets over the Saale loop. The Hohenwarte Dam itself also provides wonderful views of the lake. Additionally, the 74.4-kilometer Hohenwarte Reservoir Trail offers breathtaking panoramic views from various points like the Bockfelsen.
The region around the Hohenwarte Reservoir offers camping sites and guesthouses for overnight stays. While specific cafes and pubs are not detailed, the presence of accommodations suggests amenities are available to support visitors.
The Hohenwarte Dam is an impressive man-made monument, standing 75 meters high and stretching 412 meters long. Built between 1936 and 1942, it formed the expansive Hohenwarte Reservoir, a key part of the Saale Cascade, and offers a wonderful view of the lake.
Visitors frequently praise the stunning, fjord-like scenery of the Hohenwarte Reservoir, the clear waters of the former slate quarries, and the rich history of the industrial heritage sites. The diverse opportunities for outdoor activities, from hiking to various water sports, are also highly valued by the komoot community.
Yes, you can find several cycling routes that incorporate the dams. For example, the 'Eichicht Dam – Hohenwarte Dam loop' is a popular route for cycling around Leutenberg, offering scenic views of both structures and the surrounding reservoir.


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