These hills store the warmth effectively, helping to maintain the mild climate in the region. This unique feature means that wine growing is even possible here, while rare species of orchids also flourish in local meadows.
Jenzig, Landgraf or Sophienhöhe - Jena offers a choice of local hills, each easily accessible on foot within a few minutes from the city centre.
The "Paradies" section of the Oberaue public park is also in the heart of the city, hugging the course of the Saale for several kilometres. Complete with sports facilities, sunbathing lawns and play areas, the Schleichersee is another great place for recreation within the city limits. For some fresh air during lunchbreak, Jena residents love heading for the University's botanical gardens which grow more than 10,000 different species of plants, or the Griesbachgarten in the heart of the city.