Where the Orla flows into the Saale, directly on the Berlin-Munich railroad line, lies the small town of Orlamündehalfway between Jena and Rudolstadt.

Orlamünde is divided into two parts. The lower town, popularly known as Nachhausen, is located on the B 88 federal road. The upper town lies 70 m above the confluence of the Orla and Saale rivers on an elongated sandstone saddle. Because of its elevated position, Orlamünde (upper town) is also known as the "Thuringian Bethlehem".

Thanks to its location at the intersection of two roads and under the protection of a castle mentioned in 1115, the town flourished in the Middle Ages. Market, minting and brewing rights are documented as early as 1194, and the town charter was granted around 1344. The Kemenate, visible from afar, is the remains of the medieval castle complex, which was the seat of the Counts of Orlamünde for over 300 years (from around 1040 to 1344). In German legends, Orlamünde is known for the legend of the "White Lady of Orlamünde" and is even mentioned in Theodor Fontane's "Effi Briest".

With around 1,100 inhabitants, Orlamünde is one of the smallest but most charming towns in Thuringia, where old traditions are still upheld. Worth mentioning are: The winter exorcism with the straw bear, corridor procession, castle festival, funfair and, since 1996, the castle festival with medieval market at the foot of the Kemenate.

The highly developed town with its historic town center, the upper gate, the remains of the former Wilhelmite monastery and St. Mary's Church, consecrated by the Archbishop of Mainz in 1194, offers visitors not only cultural and historical monuments, but also a magnificent view of the Saale and Orla valleys. Around 40 km of well-marked hiking trails in the unspoiled countryside in and around Orlamünde invite you to take long walks.