The history of the idyllically situated village of Paulinzella is closely connected with the foundation and development of the Paulinzella monastery. Today, Paulinzella is a tourist attraction for visitors, tourists and hikers, which can be reached via the Rottenbach-Stadtilm highway or via the Saalfeld-Arnstadt railroad line. In addition to the Romanesque monastery ruins, attractions include the museum on the history of the monastery, forestry and hunting in the hunting lodge, the exhibition "From the Stone Axe to the Power Saw" (currently also on display in the hunting lodge) and the herb garden not far from the monastery ruins.

A variety of hiking trails, including the Thuringian Trail, invite you to take long walks and hikes in clean, fresh forest air. By bike you can reach Paulinzella, for example, on the monastery cycle path. Industrial settlements and agriculture are not located here. However, the forestry is essential for the large forest area of about 1500 ha in the Paulinzella area, where the Thuringian forestry office of the same name is located.