We knew there are numerous Orchids growing in Thuringia, especially near Saalfeld, since a family friend who was forester, gave me a book on the subject many years ago. We took a walk around the hill of GrossKochberg and we were not disappointed.
Then walking up the hill we saw blooming spikes and tons of leaves of what I think is Cyp. calceolus. Whole hill sides were full of stands of those. We also saw plants with seed pods which looked a lot like our Epipactis helleborines. Perhaps those are indeed Epipactis species.
taking a wild guess, these are perhaps Orchis species?
I think these two last ones are probably Gymnadenia conopsea
I wish I had better close ups, but it was quite windy and things were wiggling.
As we were walking along the path, I could get every so often a glimpse into the scenery below.
These Cyp clumps must have been spectacular in May when they were in full bloom!!
