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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.

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.

A beautiful area with fantastic views over the orchid meadows and into the distance. The number and variety of orchids and other plants is impressive this year.

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

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.

From the bench, you have a beautiful view over the orchid meadows and into the distance. The number and variety of orchids and other plants is impressive this year.

The former shooting range is now a beautiful nature reserve.

Karl Richard Fratzscher was an honorary citizen of Rothenstein and founder of the Rothenstein Men's Choir. He was a teacher and organist of the local parish and was made an honorary citizen in 1926.