Schleiz is located in the southeast of Thuringia and is the district capital of the Saale-Orla district. As a part of the Thuringian Vogtland, Schleiz was and is closely connected to the history of the princely family zu Reuss through historical development. In accordance with this development, Schleiz has developed as a school and civil service town. In GDR times Schleiz was integrated within the district of Gera as a district town, after the political change, the accession to the Federal Republic and after the merger of the districts Schleiz, Lobenstein, Pößneck Schleiz is now the district town of the Saale-Orla district in the southeast of Thuringia, near the border to the Free States of Saxony and Bavaria. The southern area around Schleiz is also considered the Thuringian Slate Mountains. The black looking solid rock, which is used for roofing in many places, especially in Schleiz, is a symbol of this landscape. This area is also called Oberland in the northern direction of Schleiz because of its geographical altitude, which is characterized by extensive plateaus and coniferous forests. This landscape is sparse, so that besides certain limited arable farming, mainly cattle breeding is represented. This free and far-sighted landscape invites for hiking, for bicycle tours or for a contemplative stroll along the numerous lakes and dams.