Uhlstädt-Kirchhasel between Park Culture and Rafting

Kochberg Castle: Park and Culture

In Großkochberg, the landscaped park at Kochberg Castle invites you to take a walk among its many park structures, an extensive water system and secluded places to sit. The annual summer festival at Kochberg Castle offers opera and theatre performances, chamber concerts and readings on weekends from May to October. If you would like to plan your trip around a performance, check the current event dates in advance.

An audio guide takes visitors through the museum, landscaped park and theatre at Kochberg Castle. In the wider Saalfeld-Rudolstadt destination, Kochberg Castle is also a Goethe memorial site of the Klassik Stiftung Weimar; it was once the home of Charlotte von Stein. This makes it possible to combine time in the park with a cultural programme during your stay, without requiring both to follow the same daily schedule.

The History of Rafting in Uhlstädt

Since 2001, a permanent exhibition in the former guardhouse in Uhlstädt has explored the history of rafting. It covers raft construction, rafting on the Saale, and the lifestyle, customs and traditions of the rafters. A visit gives the local rafting tradition a concrete historical context.

The making of Wieden, or willow ropes, is also part of the story: it is explained at the Rafting Museum and can be experienced in practice in the forecourt at the willow-rope oven. The exhibition and hands-on demonstration are therefore presented side by side. The museum lists seasonal opening hours; check the current times before your visit.

Hiking Trails and Experiencing Nature

Long-distance hiking trails pass through Uhlstädt-Kirchhasel. An extensive network runs especially through the back of Uhlstädter Heide and the Uhlstädt-Partschefeld-Hexengrund area. The trails are well maintained and clearly signposted, with plenty of benches and shelters. As trail conditions and facilities may change, it is a good idea to check for current information before setting out on a longer hike.

In the wider Saalfeld-Rudolstadt destination, the hiking landscape stretches from the Saale Valley to the Thuringian Forest, encompassing quiet forests, expansive views and cultural and historical sights along the trails. In the district of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt, the Hohenwarte Reservoir Trail is also certified as a quality hiking trail by the German Hiking Association and follows well-marked routes. It adds another regional hiking focus to the trails in Uhlstädt-Kirchhasel.

Cycling and Water in the Wider Destination

Cycling and water routes also broaden the range of options in the wider Saalfeld-Rudolstadt destination. There, the Saale Cycle Route combines nature and cultural experiences with well-developed cycling infrastructure. Within the municipality, the Saale Cycle Route passes through Weißen, Uhlstädt, Zeutsch and Niederkrossen. If you would rather plan your stay on the water, raft trips on the Saale can be booked between Kirchhasel and Uhlstädt from April to October. Check current booking options before making plans.

Choosing the Right Focus for Your Stay

Your plans for your holiday may help you choose a holiday apartment. The castle park and festival offer a cultural touch; the Rafting Museum provides insight into the history of the Saale; and the hiking trails offer an active option. Cycling and raft trips round out the offerings in the wider Saalfeld-Rudolstadt destination, with raft trips limited to the season mentioned above.

Discover more destinations: Saalfeld, Meura, Deesbach, Piesau, Drognitz, Remda-Teichel, Cursdorf, Hohenwarte

Back to the wider travel overview: Saalfeld-Rudolstadt.