Saale - Water hiking from Uhlstädt to Kahla - Stage 7

Start your stage through the wooded hills of the Buntsandstein at the campsite in Uhlstädt, a traditional rafting village. Parking spaces are also available here.

Wood was already scarce as building and fuel material in some parts of northern and central Germany in the Middle Ages, so logging and transport from distant areas was worthwhile. From Uhlstädt to the mouth of the Orla, the Saale meanders through the floodplain, sometimes allowing views into the distance and sometimes the dense greenness of the banks surrounds the water traveler.

High above the valley, at the confluence of the Saale and Orla, lies the historic upper town of Orlamünde with its widely visible Kemenate. The residential tower from the 11th century was part of a castle complex that served to secure the Saale as a border against the Slavs.

After the next river bend, the Leuchtenburg already towers over the Saale valley. But before you reach the banks of the castle hill, another monument appears: a bold, almost graceful steel structure connects the two banks of the Saale. Since 1908, the suspension bridge has enabled traffic between Großeutersdorf and Kleineutersdorf and even survived an attempted demolition in 1945. Over a length of 56 m, the bridge spans the Saale without pillars.

There is only one weir left to overcome (right) before you come to the very old town of Kahla at the foot of Leuchtenburg. The historic old town with its nearly completely preserved city wall tells of its rich past. Experienced inflatable boaters can use the hard-to-see boat slide on the left side. Canoeists should portage the weir on the right side.

Route of the tour:

Uhlstädt Campsite (official entry and exit point/rest area) Zeutsch (official entry and exit point/rest area) Orlamünde (official entry and exit point/rest area) Großeutersdorf (rest area) Kahla Weir (portage) Kahla Gries (official entry and exit point/rest area)