Northwest of Jena lies the 391-metre-high Windknollen, a unique paradise for native orchids, field birds and butterflies. Since 2020, the entire nature reserve has been in the care of the NABU National Natural Heritage Foundation.

The Windknollen is a hilly plateau to the north-west of Jena, from where visitors can enjoy a sweeping view of the city and its historic landscape. It was from here that Napoleon is said to have launched his attack on the Prussian troops in 1806, which later went down in history as the Battle of Jena and Auerstedt. The memorial stone "Napoleonstein", which stands at the highest point, commemorates this historic moment. From there you have a wide view of the Saale valley.