シェップスのおすすめウォーキング＆ハイキングルート

As in many places, there is also a fantastic view down into the valley here.

You have to do some serious climbing (no equipment required), but it's worth it: a magnificent view over the vast landscape.

You have to hike to the castle, and you have to do it over this hill. The view alone would be reason enough. A magnificent place.

Shortly before the castle there is another bench with a wonderful panorama over the landscape and with a view of the castle

Anyone traveling along the Saale Cycle Path between Jena and Kahla should make a short stop in Rothenstein. The small village church with its distinctive tower dominates the townscape and tells the story of centuries of history in the Saale Valley. Surrounded by ancient trees and half-timbered houses, it invites you to a moment of peace – ideal for a breather on your bike. The churchyard offers a beautiful view of the gently sloping slopes surrounding Rothenstein, and there are shady spots nearby to linger. Especially in summer, the setting is almost picturesque – a quiet, authentic place away from the hustle and bustle of tourism.

In April 2008, the residents of Seitenbrück and their guests celebrated the restoration of the historic well house on Seitenbrück's village square. Until 1963, an old hand pump stood on the site of the well, which was then replaced by a central water pipe. A small plaque tells the story of the well. The well room, built in its current form in 1822, was restored, and the well house with pump was rebuilt in its original size and shape in 2007. At the end of a small staircase is the entrance door to the actual well room, into which one can peer through a small peephole and clearly see the crystal-clear water. Over time, the well house has become a village meeting place and resting point for hikers, and the residents are proud to have worked to preserve their well. https://meusebach.huegelland-taeler.de/html/brunnenfest_.html

The Oelknitz Church is a single-nave church with an almost square chancel, the lowest part of which is early Gothic (around 1250). In 1689, the old choir vault and triumphal arch were removed, thus raising the height of the chancel to the same height as the nave. A two-story church tower sits atop the choir masonry. The bell tower is located on the upper, significantly recessed, half-timbered floor. This created the church's striking appearance. During renovation work, small, bricked-up round and pointed-arch windows were discovered in the lower part of the chancel; these are still visible from the outside on the east side. Above them are large windows from the late 17th century. The nave had suffered greatly from the spring floods that regularly plagued Oelknitz. Therefore, a new building was necessary, as evidenced by the inscription "Built with God 1838" above the west portal.

The beautiful view over the orchid meadows and into the distance is a delight. The number and variety of orchids and other plants is impressive this year.