A new rest area for cyclists and water hikers is being built on the Saale in Jena

Thuringia's Minister of Economic Affairs, Wolfgang Tiefensee, today handed over a grant of 178,500 euros to the city of Jena. The money will be used to build a rest and service station for cyclists and water hikers on the banks of the Saale near the Griesbrücke bridge. The total costs for the project amount to 268,000 euros. The project should be completed by the end of 2026.

"Jena is not only Thuringia's technology stronghold, but also a hidden tourist champion," said Tiefensee.

The city is surrounded by beautiful nature with well-developed hiking and cycling trails, especially the Saale cycle path. Numerous rare flowering plants, such as orchid species, are native to the region - the Middle Saale Valley - which was already reported on by the zoologist Ernst Haeckel and the botanist Jacob Schleiden. The landscape is characterized by the Saale, the river with the most water in Thuringia.

"Our aim is to attract even more guests to activities on and along the Saale," said the Minister. "With the funding, we are now creating an additional place of rest and recreation for all those who want to discover this special landscape - whether on foot, by boat or by bike - in the future."

"Today is a special day for the city of Jena and our region," said a delighted Mayor Christian Gerlitz, who accepted the funding on behalf of the city. "By handing over the funding decision, we are taking another important step in the development of our floodplain. This project will not only improve the tourist infrastructure, but also create a place for recreation and experiencing nature. The Griesbrücke bridge is already a central starting point for water hikers, cyclists and walkers. With the new service station, we will further increase the attractiveness of this area and promote the development of the Saale floodplain. I would like to thank the Ministry of Economic Affairs for its generous support, which has enabled us to provide 75 percent of the funding for this important project. Together, we are shaping Jena as a vibrant and inviting city for everyone."

In the area of the Griesbrücke bridge, there is currently only one entry and exit point on the Saale with a few benches. The water hiking infrastructure analysis carried out by the Jena-Saale-Holzland tourism association therefore sees a particular need for action at this heavily frequented station. The funded project now includes the construction of a combined rest and service station for hikers, cyclists and water hikers with covered seating and picnic facilities, locking facilities for boats and bikes, information boards, a pedelec charging station, charging facilities for cell phones, a repair station and toilets. The entire rest area will be barrier-free.

„Die Stadt Jena bekommt Förderungen zum Bau eines Rastplatzes für Rad- und Wasserwanderer. Minister Wolfgang Tiefensee (3.v.l.) überreicht den Fördermittelbescheid an Bürgermeister Christian Gerlitz (2.v.r.). Mit dabei waren Ortsteilbürgermeister Bastian

© Stadt Jena

Beliebter Dreh- und Angelpunkt für Rad- und Wasserwanderer in Jena: Die Griesbrücke"

© Stadt Jena