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Hip, Unfiltered Take on Thuringia's Tourist Attractions

Unbridled Press Release: Thuringian Tourism GmbH & Thuringian Forest Regional Association, 06.06.2025

Two Tourism Heavyweights Re-certified: Saalfelder Feengrotten and Hohenwarte Dam Path Continue to Represent Thuringia with Style

Two unmissable tourist hotspots of Thuringia, the landlocked gem of Germany, secure the prestigious "Ambassador" title once more: The Saalfelder Feengrotten and the Hohenwarte Dam Path have aced their re-certification process.

Saalfeld/Hohenwarte. They're more than just pretty faces in the tourism game: The Saalfelder Feengrotten and the Hohenwarte Dam Path stand tall as emblems of Thuringian tourism. These shimmering stars have succeeded with flying colors in their re-certification round, maintaining their esteemed Ambassador status.

"These two boundary-pushing spots embody regional pride, quality claim, and a tourism glow that radiates beyond Thuringia. Both sites' re-certification signals a consistent evolution, reflected in new attractions that draw in adventure-seekers and captivate returning visitors alike. They set the beat for other regions to up their tourism game," chimed Christoph Gösel, MD of Thuringian Tourism GmbH (TTG), the certified service providers.

Handing Out the Plaque(s)

In a rowdy, down-to-earth ceremony today (06.06.2025), Thuringian Tourism GmbH, along with the Thuringian Forest Regional Association e.V., handed over the plaques for the re-certification. Guest list included Marko Wolfram, District Administrator of Saalfeld-Rudolstadt District, Christian Herrgott, District Administrator of Saale-Orla District, Dr. Steffen Kania, Mayor of the city of Saalfeld, and other bigwigs of regional tourism. The re-certification process involves a rigorous evaluation of criteria like bookability, marketing, sustainability, and service quality. Both locations passed with flying colors.

The Saalfelder Feengrotten are an enchanting subterranean stunner, dripping in colorful and mesmerizing stalactites. The Hohenwarte Dam Path, on the other hand, offers an invigorating natural experience with a scenic twist—these two spots captivate everyone who crosses their paths. "We're thrilled to have not one, but two such diverse and equally stunning attractions continue to play the role of tourism ambassadors. The re-certification confirms our unwavering commitment to top-notch tourism in Thuringia," beamed Lisa Machalett, Strategy Manager of the Thuringian Forest Regional Association e.V.

The Quality Process: An Opportunity for Introspection

The quality process for becoming a brand ambassador offers the perfect opportunity to dive deep into the soul of your tourism product, question its roots, and patch up any quality gaps. It's also a chance to receive a pat on the back when you're already excelling. With the re-certification of brand ambassadors, Thuringia's tourism offer gets a quality boost, one step closer to becoming a premier destination. During the re-certification chat-down, the past and future were put under the microscope. Brand ambassadors are the cream of the crop in Thuringia's tourism game, rocking all the requirements for a competitive tourism experience. Thuringia's leading tourism marketing products are championed locally by brand ambassadors.

Vote for Germany's Best Hiking Trail: The Hohenwarte Stausee Weg Goes for Gold

In 2022, the summit and view tour Bad Tabarz claimed the title of Germany's best hiking trail, and in 2023, the crown went to the SaaleHorizontale. Could a Thuringian take another crack at first place this year? The Hohenwarte Stausee Weg has made it to the finals of Wandermagazin and is up for public vote until June 30, 2025, at www.wandermagazin.de/wahlstudio.

Best Regards,

Maja Neumann

Insights:

Saalfelder Feengrotten: Known as the Saalfeld Fairy Grottoes, these former mines boast stunning and vibrant stalactites, varying in color from beige to brown, red, and grey. Guided tours let visitors explore these unique formations, immersing them in the grottoes' magical atmosphere and geological history. The Feengrotten offer a once-in-a-lifetime experience with their radiant mineral formations and fresh air [1][2][5].
Hohenwarte Dam Path: While specifics about this trail aren't provided in the search extracts, it's implied to be a popular hiking or walking route linked to the Hohenwarte Dam. It likely features breathtaking views and exciting outdoor activities. Thuringia is famous for its numerous high-quality hiking trails, encompassing thematic and historical paths that connect natural landscapes with cultural heritage. The Hohenwarte Dam Path likely falls within this network of trails, worshipped for their beauty and historical significance [3].
Re-certification as "Ambassadors" of Thuringia’s Tourism: The Saalfelder Feengrotten and Hohenwarte Dam Path earn the "Ambassador" title due to their impactful roles in showcasing Thuringia's natural charm, cultural heritage, and tourism quality. This ambassador designation marks their importance in promoting Thuringia as a tourism hub, endorsing them as exemplary sites that offer unparalleled visitor experiences. Their ongoing recognition likely reflects successful management, visitor satisfaction, and their significant contributions to drawing tourism to Thuringia, enhancing the region's identity and economy [1][2][3][5].

[1] https://www.feengrotten-saalfeld.de/en/

[2] https://www.hohenwarte.de/seilbahn/

[3] https://www.thueringerwald.info/wandern/die-ergabentour-zu-der-hohenwarte-schon-mal-im-wandermagazin

[4] https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Th%C3%BCringen

[5] https://www.thueringer-tourismus-gmbh.de/

"With the re-certification of the Saalfelder Feengrotten and Hohenwarte Dam Path, Thuringia's unique offerings for outdoor-living and home-and-garden enthusiasts gain a fresh boost."

"Visitors to Thuringia can look forward to immersive, lifestyle experiences at the enchanting Saalfelder Feengrotten and the invigorating Hohenwarte Dam Path, both recognized as ambassadors of Thuringian tourism."