Saalfeld - Economy

Economy

Traditionally, Saalfeld was known for its silver mines. Today, Saalfeld has a number of prosperous industries, including the manufacture of machinery, bricks, paint, malt, cigars, hosiery and vinegar. Other industries are brewing, printing and iron-founding, and there are ochre and iron mines in the area.

Tourism and recreation-related activities make up a significant part of the local economy. Due to its picturesque setting between the mountains and lakes of the Saale Valley, there is a wealth of outdoor options including hiking, skiing, fishing, hunting, rock climbing, sailing and many other sports. Saalfeld is a popular base for hikers taking on the mountainous 168 km Rennsteig ridge, Germany's most famous hiking trail.

Thuringia, despite being one of the smallest states in Germany, is well known for its winter sports. Within an hour's drive of Saalfeld, there are multiple options for skiing, Nordic skiing, skating and indoor winter sports. In the 2006 Winter Olympics in Torino, more than half the gold medals taken by overall medal table winner Germany came from Thuringia athletes. In the Winter Olympics 2010 in Vancouver, half of Germany's gold medals came from Thuringia athletes. Over the last decade, Thuringia has won as many or more Winter Olympic gold medals than Switzerland, Russia, France or China.