"WONDERFUL MEDIEVAL SAALFELD!" Saalfeld by balhannah

Saalfeld Travel Guide: 22 reviews and 45 photos

HISTORY..........

Saalfeld, founded in the 7th century, is located in Thuringia and situated by the Saale River.

It is best known internationally as the former capital of the branch of the
House of Wettin [Windsor's] that is today's British royal family.

Saalfeld's link to the British Royal's is linked to Queen Victoria's mother,
who was the Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld,
while Queen Victoria's husband Albert was also born into the house of Saxe-
Coburg-Saalfeld.

At about the same period, the royal family of Belgium was founded by
Prince Leopold of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld and the Princess Juliane of Saxe-
Coburg-Saalfeld married the crown prince of Russia.

But most famous of all, is the House of Windsor, as Franz Frederick was the
grandfather of both Queen Victoria of the United Kingdom and her husband,
Albert, Prince Consort.

This bloodline continues unbroken from Queen Victoria through to Queen Elizabeth today.

Saalfeld

MORE ABOUT SAALFELD....

Saalfeld is one of the oldest cities in Thuringia, and was in 899 known as "salauelda."

Saalfeld was a very important trading centre, and received privileges like the coin, the customs and the fishing rights of which still bear witness to two barbs in the city arms.

In the 16th century, there was an economic boom, as copper and silver was discovered and mined.

Also, the location at the crossroads of important trade routes such as the trade route from Nuremberg to Leipzig Saalfeld helped.

Even today, on three days of the week, market days are held.

Saalfeld

ONE OF MY FAVORITE'S IN GERMANY

Saalfeld is traditionally said to be a town of gables, gates and towers as well as the entrance to the Thuringian Forest.

The Celts settled here long ago, and the town, formerly a Royal residence, was a favorite of mine!

There were numerous historic buildings which I loved seeing!

The town’s main attraction is the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes. These former mines are today entered in the Guinness Book of Records as the “most colourful show grottoes in the world” and are among the most popular sites in Thuringia.

You may want to come here at Christmas time, and watch the guys throwing full-size Christmas trees at the Winter Market contest!

After you have read these page's, if you would like to follow my trail around Germany, please click on next Town listed below

RUDLOSTADT

Pros and Cons

In a nutshell:Lot's of wonderful building's contained in a small area!

Last visit to Saalfeld: Jun 2011
Intro Updated Dec 25, 2012
Add to Trip Planner (?)
Report Abuse

Reviews (18)

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRE Things to Do (16)

When we arrive in a town, this is usually our first stop, especially if we haven't accommodation. The staff here were... more travel advice

CITY MUSEUM Things to Do (16)

Looking for the City Museum, I found it in the former Franciscan monastery. It was shut, I was too late! The Monastery,... more travel advice

OLD MINT & OLD CASTLE Things to Do (16)

This is another building that was originally built as an Inn in 1602, and then between 1660 and 1735 used as a city... more travel advice

ST. JOHN'S CHURCH Things to Do (16)

St. John's Protestant Church, is one of the largest late Gothic hall churches in Thuringia. Martin Luther held a Church... more travel advice

Hotels (1)
IN THE TOWN CENTRE

Off The Beaten Path (1)
VISIT LEUTENBERG

Comments (3)

Reply
- Report abuse
mvtouring Dec 26, 2012 at 1:25 AM

We visited Saalfeld in April, but unfotunately only made it to th fairy grotto's. Next time I will definately exlore the town as well. Lovely place, nice pics and comments.
Reply
- Report abuse
Mikebb Jan 28, 2012 at 1:26 AM

Enjoyed your page Dee, especially all the photos of the old buildings. Germany is a great destination, visited 4 times but the longest was 5 days Berlin in 2010. No time for Berlin page yet.
Reply
- Report abuse
angiebabe Dec 20, 2011 at 5:29 PM

still going great guns with the tip writing....lovely pics here! i will have to do something about getting my map out and looking at all the towns I went to during all my road trips and stopped at so many too - ended up loving Germany when I actually thought Id never go there! I have a lovely friend in Tuttlingen who also used to enjoy taking me places which was great - in all seasons. and another friend I visited a few times up in Bremen too. So Germany has provided many special memories...for you too by the looks of it!