Jena lies in the picturesque Saale valley and provides plenty of opportunities for getting close to nature As well as the second oldest Botanical Gardens in Germany there is also the historical "Jenaer Paradies" park and Griessbach Gardens in the grounds of the "Princesses' Castle" and the upper meadow on the opposite bank of the Saale river. These are all great places to relax or enjoy recreational activities. One special attraction for walking enthusiasts is the 100km long "Horizontale" circular walking trail through the picturesque countryside around Jena.Botanical Gardens
The Botanical Gardens are in fact also the university's teaching and research gardens as well as being a popular recreation park for the residents of Jena and visitors to the town. 12,000 plants from all the world's climate zones thrive in the 4.5 hectares of gardens. Founded in 1586, Jena's Botanical Gardens are the second oldest in Germany, after those in Leipzig. The superintendent's house is home to a memorial to Goethe who played an active role in redesigning the gardens."Paradise park" and upper meadow
The historic "Jenaer Paradies" park lies in the Saale river meadows between the river and the town centre and is a great place to go for walks. Running through the upper meadow on the other bank of the river are the Towns of Thuringia Cycle Route and the Saale Cycle Route. The latter runs through the beautiful countryside around Jena and across unique hills of fossil-flecked limestone."Horizontale" trail
The "Horizontale" is a 100km circular trail around Jena which passes through wooded uplands and delightful fossil-flecked limestone hills. Along the route there are magnificent views of the university town of Jena on the Saale river and observant walkers can spot native orchids along the wayside.