Saale-Orla-Kreis

Saale-Orla-Kreis is a rural district in eastern Thuringia with rolling hills, river valleys, and a series of reservoirs dotting the landscape. The terrain combines forest areas with open spaces, creating a varied countryside that extends across the region.

The district was formed in 1994 through a merger of three former administrative areas: Lobenstein, Pößneck, and Schleiz. This consolidation created the region's current administrative framework.

The district coat of arms displays two lions representing the Reuß family and Meißen margravate, with wavy lines symbolizing the Saale and Orla rivers.

Schleiz serves as the district capital and administrative hub for the region. The town provides basic services and facilities for exploring the surrounding communities and landscape.

The region contains Germany's largest network of reservoirs, created by dams along the Saale River between Sieglitzberg and Schimmersburg Langenorla. These water bodies shape the landscape and provide space for recreation.

Location: Thuringia

Capital city: Schleiz

Elevation above the sea: 472 m

Shares border with: Hof, Kronach, Greiz, Saale-Holzland-Kreis, Landkreis Saalfeld-Rudolstadt, Vogtlandkreis

Phone: +4936634880

Website: https://saale-orla-kreis.de

GPS coordinates: 50.58000,11.75000

Latest update: December 12, 2025 20:56