Discover Tanna: churches, embroidery history and Leitenteiche ponds

Tanna combines architectural and industrial history with outdoor recreation and activities. These themes offer distinct ways to choose a destination: St. Andrew’s Church and the red-brick houses introduce the town’s history, while the Leitenteiche ponds and hiking destinations offer different highlights.

Church and embroidery history

St. Andrew’s Church stands on a small hill in Tanna. It burned down in 1640 and was subsequently rebuilt. The main entrance, with a cross set in a stone surround, and the cross vault at the rear are preserved parts of the former church. A cross vault is a ceiling structure in which curved surfaces intersect; in Tanna, it is one of the surviving elements of the older church building.

The history of embroidery offers another perspective on Tanna. Numerous red-brick houses bear witness to the fact that they once housed embroidery workshops; in the 19th century, embroidery became the town’s most important industry. Embroidered goods such as Plauen lace were made in Tanna along the Embroidery Trail until 2010. This gives two distinct points in time: the industry’s rise in the 19th century and a history of production that continued until 2010.

Leitenteiche ponds and hiking trails

The Leitenteiche recreation area lies south of central Tanna. In summer, a newly built access point invites visitors to swim; the rest of the year, the focus is on peaceful relaxation in an idyllic setting. Swimming conditions and facilities may change. Check the current swimming conditions before your visit.

The Tanna circular hiking trail is well developed and signposted. Check the signage and maintenance conditions on site. The municipality also offers hiking at Rosenbühl, which has a summit logbook, and at Pechhütte. Horse-riding holidays and designated bridleways are also listed as options for an active holiday in the municipality. If interested, enquire in advance about providers and availability.

Districts and running traditions

In the district of Stelzen, a tree stump set in concrete now marks the former site of the Stelzen Tree. It broke in 1897 during a severe storm. In the district of Rothenacker, the “Learned Farmer” Museum is listed as a visitor attraction worth seeing in Tanna.

The history of the Tanna New Year’s Eve run goes back to 1971. The race was held annually, with routes ranging from 1 to 10 km and runners taking part from all over Germany. As individual editions may vary, check the current programme before taking part. At kilometre 50.7 of the 100-km Saale-Orla-Hunderter route, the Tanna sports hall has a refreshment point with drinks, food and toilets. Check the details for the particular event before taking part, too.

Saale-Orla as the wider setting

If you include the wider Saale-Orla destination in your travel plans, it adds a distinct landscape highlight: the Saale River, together with the approximately 80-kilometre-long Saale Cascade, which is dammed at five points, forms Europe’s largest contiguous reservoir area, known as the Thuringian Sea. The Bleiloch Reservoir is also among Saale-Orla’s landscape highlights and is Germany’s largest reservoir.

Discover more destinations: Wurzbach, Remptendorf, Pottiga, Knau, Gahma, Krölpa, Langenorla, Altengesees.

Go to the wider travel overview: Saale-Orla.