Attractions and Places To See around Probstzella - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Probstzella are found within the Thuringian Slate Mountains / Upper Saale Nature Park. This region is characterized by its historical slate mining industry and its past as a border town. Visitors can explore a mix of historical landmarks, cultural sites, and natural features. The landscape offers diverse opportunities for outdoor activities and historical exploration.
Best attractions and places to see around Probstzella
- The most popular attractions is Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site, a man-made monument that provides a hands-on experience of the history and processing of slate. This industrial complex, once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines, is also a nature reserve.
- Another must-see spot is Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, a historical man-made monument. This unique shaft system, built around 1850, was vital for lifting mined slate rock and is a central feature of the “Historic Lehesten Slate Mining” monument ensemble.
- Visitors also love Altvaterturm, a man-made monument and historical site. Located on the Wetzstein hill, this tower serves as a memorial against the expulsion of people and a reminder of lost homelands.
- Probstzella is known for its historical sites, industrial heritage, and natural features. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from former border installations to slate quarries and scenic viewpoints.
- The attractions around Probstzella are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 800 upvotes and over 1200 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: June 23, 2026
Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten
Highlight • Monument
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.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Hohenwarte Dam
Highlight • Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Fröbel Observation Tower
Highlight • Viewpoint
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Altvaterturm
Highlight • Viewpoint
A circular hiking trail to Staatsbruch Lehesten also runs here.
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up for free to discover even more attractions around Probstzella.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Tips from the Community
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
10
1
The tower is located on the Wetzstein hill. A circular hiking trail to Staatsbruch Lehesten also runs here.
22
0
A beautiful region 🤩 If you like, you can also take a detour to the Alvater Tower.
20
2
The tower on the Wetzstein was built as a memorial against the expulsion of people and as a place of remembrance of a lost homeland. After the expulsion of the Germans from Czechoslovakia in 1945/46, local friends founded the Altvaterturmverein Langgöns in 1976. In 1999, the association rebuilt the Altvaterturm, which collapsed on May 2, 1959 and was not rebuilt, on the Wetzstein in a true-to-original manner.
25
1
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.
23
1
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.
23
1
Great observation tower and you can walk in... the landlord makes Tyrolean dumplings and there is Watzdorfer Pils on tap 😜🙏 Note!!!! NO typical Thuringian cuisine... no roulades or anything like that....
9
0
Be sure to visit and take enough time with you.
10
1
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical sites can I explore around Probstzella?
Probstzella and its surroundings are rich in history. You can visit the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, a unique 19th-century shaft system vital for slate mining. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site offers a hands-on experience of the region's slate mining past. Don't miss the DDR-Grenzbahnhofmuseum in the former Probstzella train station, which provides insight into the former East German border. Additionally, the Altvaterturm serves as a memorial against the expulsion of people and a reminder of lost homelands.
Are there any family-friendly attractions near Probstzella?
Yes, several attractions cater to families. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site and the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten are both listed as family-friendly and offer engaging historical insights. For a unique underground adventure, consider the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes or the Morassina Show Mine, both located a short drive from Probstzella.
What natural features and viewpoints can I discover in the area?
The region is part of the picturesque Thuringian Slate Mountains / Upper Saale Nature Park. You can enjoy stunning views from the Fröbel Observation Tower, offering a magnificent panorama of the Thuringian Forest. The impressive Hohenwarte Dam provides beautiful lake views, and the Staatsbruch Nature Reserve within the Lehesten Slate Quarry is home to diverse wildlife.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do around Probstzella?
Probstzella is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts. You can explore numerous hiking trails, including the 60-kilometer Slate Path (Schieferpfad) that highlights the region's geological history. For cycling, the Loquitz Cycle Path offers a scenic route along the river. You can find detailed routes for hiking, cycling, and gravel biking around Probstzella.
Are there any specific hiking trails recommended for beginners or easy walks?
Yes, there are options for easier walks. The 'Stargate Viewpoint Knobelsdorf – Knobelsdorf Village and Church loop from Laasen' is an easy hiking route. The Slate Path also offers shorter, themed circular routes around Probstzella that are less strenuous and focus on the geological origins of slate. For more options, check the hiking guide for Probstzella.
What is the 'Haus des Volkes' and why is it significant?
The Haus des Volkes (House of the People) in Probstzella is Thuringia's largest Bauhaus monument. Built in 1927 by Bauhaus architect Alfred Arndt, it's a significant cultural site that hosts events and even offers unique hotel accommodations in the Bauhaus style, making it a must-see for architecture and history enthusiasts.
Can I go cycling near the attractions?
Absolutely! The region offers several cycling opportunities. The Loquitz Cycle Path is a great way to explore the area by bike. You can also find various routes, such as the 'House of the People – Gölitzgrund loop from Probstzella,' which is a moderate cycling route. More cycling routes are available in the cycling guide for Probstzella.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Probstzella?
Visitors frequently praise the stunning views, especially from places like the Fröbel Observation Tower and the Hohenwarte Dam. The historical depth of the slate mining sites, like the Lehesten Slate Quarry, and the clear waters of the quarry lakes are also highly appreciated. Many enjoy the combination of natural beauty and rich industrial heritage.
Is there a specific trail that highlights the slate mining history?
Yes, the 60-kilometer Slate Path (Schieferpfad) is specifically designed to showcase the history of slate mining and the region's natural beauty. It winds through Probstzella, Lehesten, and Ludwigsstadt, offering an immersive experience into the 'Land of Blue Gold'.
Are there any castles or ancient ruins to visit?
Yes, approximately 2 kilometers from Probstzella, you can visit Burg Lauenstein. This historic castle offers a fascinating glimpse into the region's past and is a popular destination for those interested in medieval history. You can find hiking routes that include Lauenstein Castle.
What is the 'Grünes Band' and how does it relate to Probstzella?
The landscape surrounding Probstzella is part of Germany's 'Grünes Band' (Green Belt). This is Germany's first nationwide nature conservation project, preserving the former inner-German border strip. It's a unique area where history and nature converge, offering opportunities to explore a landscape that was once a division and is now a haven for biodiversity.
Can I take a boat trip on the Hohenwarte reservoir?
Yes, visitors can enjoy boat trips on the Hohenwarte reservoir through Hohenwarte Passenger Shipping (Fahrgastschifffahrt Hohenwarte). This offers a different perspective of the impressive Hohenwarte Dam and the surrounding scenic landscape, located roughly 12 km from Probstzella.
Most popular routes around Probstzella
Most popular attractions around Probstzella
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Still not found the Highlight you’re looking for? See guides of the top attractions in other regions:
