The unique combination of beautiful scenery, a rich cultural heritage, leisure pursuits and thriving infrastructure provide a wide variety of opportunities for people to live and recuperate in the Saale-Orla district. The changing scenery with its typical Central Uplands character, gentle rolling hills and plenty of water, dominate the scene in the Saale-Orla district. Situated in the “Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale” region, it provides a charming, naturally beautiful framework for many activities.

	Schleiz Hill Church Address: c/o Ev.-Luth. Kirchgemeinde, Kirchplatz 3, 07907 Schleiz Tel. 03663/422342 The St. Mary’s on the Hill Church, a late Gothic building with a single nave, is the prominent landmark in Schleiz greeting residents and visitors. Its unique interior fittings, the decorations above the altar and the late Gothic pulpit make it one of the most beautiful Lutheran churches with Baroque décor in Central Germany. www.kirche-in-schleiz.de
	Hirschberg Museum of Leather and Local  Address: Marktstrasse 2, 07927 Hirschberg/Saale Tel. 0171/9732306 The museum has special alternating exhibitions, but also the following permanent exhibits: the machine house shows machines for manufacturing leather for soles, upper leather and welting leather. The advertising film produced in 1930 shows the long journey taken by an animal’s skin to turn it into the finished leather product. The museum is also home to the Gottsmanngrün shoemaker’s workshops with tools, machines, models of feet etc. The former leather factory archives can also be used if arrangements are made in advance.
	Bad Lobenstein Old Tower and Region Museum Address: Regionalmuseum Lobenstein, Am Schlossberg 20, 07356 Lobenstein Tel. 036651/2492 The “old tower” is the landmark of the town of Bad Lobenstein; if was formerly a keep at Lobenstein castle, which was destroyed in 1632. The municipal and regional museum set up in 1985 is nearby. Visitors can enjoy a wide selection of very interesting cultural exhibits documenting the history of the town and the region. www.moorbad-lobenstein.de
	Burgk Burgk Castle Museum Address: 07907 Burgk an der Saale Tel: 03663/400119 Burgk Castle is one of the most attractive and significant cultural monuments in Thuringia. Situated high above the river Saale and surrounded by medieval fortifications, it was the hunting and summer residence of the Reuss princes. Stylistically the building work reflects various eras – from Gothic to Rococo. The interior decorations are varied and range from a simple hall to Baroque state rooms and even a Chinese room. The castle chapel is a major attraction and houses one of the most beautiful Silbermann organs in Thuringia; it is played at many concerts. www.schloss-burgk.de