Description
Where slate was once quarried, a quiet, almost enchanted landscape has taken shape. The Lehesten State Quarry in Thuringia is a remarkable example of how a former industrial site can be transformed into a valuable natural habitat. Between still waters, steep cliffs, and blue-gray slate heaps, rare plants and animals now thrive in ideal conditions.
Covering around 90 hectares, this area lies within the Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park, directly along the "Green Belt" – the former inner-German border. Mosses, lichens, and pioneer forests are reclaiming the old slate dumps. Black woodpeckers and eagle owls nest along the rock walls, while Bechstein’s bats skim over the water. Even the elusive smooth snake and migrating lynx use the terrain as a refuge.
Several hiking trails are open to visitors. A favorite is the four-kilometer Geo Trail that loops around the scenic Slate Lake. Along the way, info panels explain the area’s geological features and mining history. From various viewpoints, you can enjoy sweeping vistas over the water-filled quarries and the surrounding post-mining landscape.
Part of the site has been preserved as the Technical Monument of Historic Slate Mining Lehesten. Visitors can explore original industrial structures, a model village showcasing slate roofing techniques, and exhibits detailing the daily life of quarry workers. Guided tours, some led by former miners, last about an hour and provide authentic insights into the site's past.
Historical Information
For decades, the Lehesten State Quarry was a major site of slate extraction. Traces of that era are still clearly visible. After mining operations ceased, the quarries gradually filled with water. Within a few years, the site developed into an ecologically valuable habitat and was designated a nature reserve.
How to get there
The Lehesten State Quarry is located in the Thuringian Slate Mountains/Upper Saale Nature Park, in southern Thuringia, just a few kilometers from the Bavarian border. It is easily accessible by car and public transportation.
By Car
From the B85, turn at Hockeroda onto the L1099 toward Lehesten. The drive takes about 35 minutes from Saalfeld and 30 minutes from Kronach. In Lehesten, the Technical Monument of Historic Slate Mining is well signposted. Free parking is available at the visitor center, where both the Geo Trail and additional hiking paths around the Slate Lake begin.
By Public Transport
The nearest train stations are in Saalfeld (Thuringia) and Bad Lobenstein. From there, regional buses run to Lehesten (bus stops: Lehesten, Schule or Lehesten, Zentrum). From the stop, it’s about a 10–15 minute walk to the visitor center. Be sure to check current bus schedules in advance, as service in rural areas may be infrequent.