Saale - water hiking on the Saale from Ziegenrück to Saalthal-Alter - stage 4

Experience over 20 km of the Hohenwarte Reservoir, which, due to its many bends and steep forested slopes, reminds many visitors of Scandinavia and has therefore earned the nickname "Little Norway".

After the entry point at the Ludwigshütter Weir near Ziegenrück, you can enjoy carefree paddling fun. After about 5 km, the steep cliffs of the Devil's Pulpit greet you on the right, and after another 2.5 km, there are opportunities to stop for refreshments at the campsite and the Linkenmühle inn.

Here, the "Mill Ferry"—Thuringia's only car ferry from Easter to October (mobile: 0173/ 369 80 30)—crosses. From here, expect busy motorboat traffic.

After another 2.5 km, you can rest at the Neumannshof campsite (right). Shortly thereafter, you reach the Droschkau peninsula (campsite, left).

The Saale winds in a large bend around the "Dragon's Tail," a long, narrow peninsula. It is then about 1.5 km to the Hopfenmühle campsite (left).

At the Hermannsfelsen, the bays of Portenschmiede (campsite, right) open on the right, also offering overnight stays and dining options. In the next 2 km, you will see the former Neidenberga castle on the left, now a youth hostel. Please make sure to paddle on the right side here, as waterskiers gather in this area.

After another 2 km, the "Am Alter" campsite and the "Saalestrand" hotel on the right reservoir shore invite you to refresh and stay overnight.

From here, a shuttle service will take you, upon telephone reservation, to the next entry point in Eichicht or, in case of low water levels, directly to the Feengrotten town of Saalfeld.

Route course:

The route is recommended to be paddled at a water level of