Best attractions and places to see around Pressig include natural landscapes and historical sites in Upper Franconia, Germany. The municipality serves as a base for exploring the Franconian Forest and the Thuringian Forest Nature Park. Visitors can find numerous hiking opportunities and access to the Rennsteig long-distance hiking trail. The region offers a serene experience focused on natural beauty and outdoor pursuits.
Last updated: May 9, 2026
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This is the former Lehesten roofing slate opencast mine. Its dimensions alone are impressive; along with the nearby Oertelsbruch, it was one of the largest slate quarries on the continent (approximately 800 m long, 300 m wide, and up to 80 m deep). Source: Wikipedia
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The tower is located on the Wetzstein hill. A circular hiking trail to Staatsbruch Lehesten also runs here.
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A beautiful region 🤩 If you like, you can also take a detour to the Alvater Tower.
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The tower on the Wetzstein was built as a memorial against the expulsion of people and as a place of remembrance of a lost homeland. After the expulsion of the Germans from Czechoslovakia in 1945/46, local friends founded the Altvaterturmverein Langgöns in 1976. In 1999, the association rebuilt the Altvaterturm, which collapsed on May 2, 1959 and was not rebuilt, on the Wetzstein in a true-to-original manner.
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In the "Land of Blue Gold," as the slate is called here because of its distinctive color, the tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining can still be experienced today. This extraordinary industrial complex, located at what was once one of Europe's largest open-cast slate mines, provides a hands-on experience of the history and processing of slate. The entire Staatsbruch Slate Park area is a nature reserve. 170 Red List species have now been confirmed to have settled in this partially inaccessible area.
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The Göpel shaft system, unique in Europe, is the heart of the “Historic Lehesten Slate Mining” monument ensemble and the trademark of the slate park. The Göpel shaft system was built around 1850, five years after the open-cast mine opened. On the north-west edge of the now closed and flooded roofing slate open-cast mine, the Göpel shaft was used to lift mined slate rock and thus stabilize the production flow. The rock was transported to the adjacent double-slitting hut and processed.
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Beautiful views around the dam.
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Be sure to visit and take enough time with you.
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The area around Pressig offers a mix of natural landscapes, historical sites, and industrial heritage. You can explore unique man-made monuments like the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site and the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, alongside scenic natural features such as the Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower, which is part of Bavaria's largest drinking water reservoir.
Yes, the region boasts significant historical sites. A prominent example is Rosenberg Fortress in Kronach, known as one of Europe's largest and most beautiful fortresses, which was never conquered. Additionally, the Altvaterturm serves as a memorial and viewpoint with historical significance.
Pressig is an excellent base for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly for hiking and cycling. The area is known for its numerous hiking opportunities in the Franconian Forest and Thuringian Forest Nature Park. You can also access sections of the famous Rennsteig long-distance hiking trail. For more specific routes, you can find various running trails, MTB trails, and gravel biking routes nearby.
Many attractions around Pressig are suitable for families. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site offers a hands-on experience of history, while the Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower area provides an 11 km circuit popular with cyclists and hikers. The 'Wilde Rodach' adventure trail, following the Rodach river, is also a great option for children to explore nature.
For panoramic views, consider visiting the Altvaterturm, which offers a viewing platform at 824 meters above sea level. The Rosenberg Fortress also provides fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. The Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site itself, particularly the open-cast mine, offers unique and impressive vistas.
Yes, the region offers various hiking options suitable for different fitness levels. The 11 km circuit around the Ködel Reservoir is a popular and relatively easy route for hikers and cyclists. Many local trails in the Franconian Forest are also well-suited for leisurely walks.
The 'Land of Blue Gold' refers to the region's tradition of Thuringian-Franconian slate mining, named for the distinctive color of the slate. You can experience this rich history firsthand at the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site and the Göpelschacht Shaft Complex, Lehesten, which are part of the Staatsbruch Slate Park.
Many hiking trails in the Franconian Forest and Thuringian Forest Nature Park are dog-friendly, allowing you to explore the natural beauty with your pet. It's always advisable to check specific attraction rules beforehand, but generally, outdoor areas are welcoming to dogs on a leash.
The Ködel Reservoir, also known as Ködeltalsperre or 'Fjord of the Franconian Forest,' is Bavaria's largest drinking water reservoir. It features an 11 km circuit popular for hiking and cycling, and its water intake tower is central to its function. It also serves secondary purposes like flood protection and electricity generation.
Visitors frequently praise the unique blend of industrial heritage and natural beauty. The clear waters and impressive landscapes of the slate quarries, like the Lehesten Slate Quarry Industrial Heritage Site, are often highlighted. The historical significance and stunning views from places like Rosenberg Fortress also receive high acclaim from the komoot community.
The area around the Ködel Reservoir Water Intake Tower is noted as wheelchair accessible, offering a chance to enjoy the scenic reservoir. For other attractions, it's recommended to check individual site information for specific accessibility details.
Pressig and its surrounding natural parks, the Franconian Forest and Thuringian Forest, are particularly vibrant during spring with blooming flowers and in autumn with colorful leaves, making these seasons ideal for hiking and exploring. Summer also offers pleasant conditions for outdoor pursuits.


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