Dragon’s Gorge Saturday Getaway

WHY GO?

Experience nature literally first hand and let the walls come closer. In the legendary Drachenschlucht (Dragon Gorge) south of Eisenach, the narrowest point on the hiking trail is no wider than 70 cm. Romantics, nature lovers and geologists alike get their money's worth on this tour.

The hike leads through the mossy rocks of the Dragon Gorge, scaling up the Medieval Wartburg Castle and back to the market town of Eisenach, showcasing some of the best countryside Thuringa has to offer. The hiking route forms part of the Rennsteig Trail, listed by many as one of the best hiking trails in Germany.

WHAT ARE SOME OF THE HIGHLIGHTS?

• Drachenschlucht aka. The Dragon’s Gorge: At its narrowest points, the passage through the Drachenschlucht is only 70 cm wide, on the right and left moss-covered rock walls tower up to 10 m above the gurgling Marienbach, the river that runs underneath.
• The Landgrafen Gorge: The rock formations of the Gorge Landgrafen Schlucht have many small watercourses and crosswise lying tree trunks accompanied with many rock formations of volcanic origin.The rocky gorge is protected as a geological natural monument.
• Marktplatz Eisenach: The market is a central square in the city centre of Eisenach in Thuringia. Almost all buildings that surround the market are listed buildings. Includes the smallest shop in Germany.
• Wartburg Castle: Established in 1067, it has housed Martin Luther, Saint Elisabeth, Goethe and Wagner. The Wartburg Castle has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.

TRIP DETAILS

Start & End Date: Saturday, 25 May

Starting location & time:

• Option A: Joining from Berlin -Meet in Berlin Central Station @ 7:00 am (Exact location in Berlin central station to be advised in whatsapp group specific to this event).
• Option B: Joining from anywhere else - Meet @ 10am outside Eisenach Train station.

Finishing location & time:

• Option A: Finishing in Berlin - Berlin Central Station @ 8:30 pm.
• Option B: Finishing in Eisenach - Eisenach Train station @ 6 pm

Note: The starting & finishing times as well as the meeting points are not flexible.

Hiking Distance: 15 km - Walk to the Dragon’s Gorge, hiking through gorges, small canyons, up hills, along plankways and back to Eisenach via the mediaeval Wartburg castle.

Hiking Difficulty:Intermediate hiking, narrow gorges, around 400m accession and descents.

Kid Friendly: Yes, for kids over 15 years of age.

Dog Friendly: No

Price: Starting from 80 euros

Note: For those with 49 euro deutschland pass, we have to use Flixtrain for this trip, which is not covered in your 49 euro pass.

What is included?

• Community leader & local guide for the entire duration
• Guiding hike in the Dragon’s Gorge
• Flixtrain from & to Berlin (based on ticket selection).
• Access to google photos album dedicated for this trip for sharing all your amazing pics & videos from the trip.
• Access to a whatsapp group for confirmed participants.

Note: Please contact us immediately if you do not have whatsapp & we can make alternate arrangements from our end to ensure you do not miss out on any communication.

Other Things of Note & Items to pack:

Weather is temperament and can vary between raining & sunny weather. Would recommend the following at a minimum:

• Packed lunch for break during hike.
• Suitable footwear for 20km hike.
• Rain jackets
• Rain trousers
• Hiking Shoes
• Suitable day pack,
• Sun protection.

WHAT IS NEXT ?

• WhatsApp Group: In the ticket confirmation page, you will find a link to a whatsapp group dedicated to this event. This group is where you can connect with trip mates, coordinate arrival options & stay in touch.

• Google Photos Album: You will find a link in the whatsapp group description to the shared google photos album where you can upload & view all shared photos & videos from the trip.

HOW DO I CONTACT YOU FOR ANY QUERIES / CONCERNS?

• WHATSAPP (fastest): Reach out to us directly by clicking here.
• EMAIL: Reach out to us on info@urbanturetravel.com or by clicking on "Contact the event organizer" option below.
• FACEBOOK: Message our facebook page @urbanaturetravel
• INSTAGRAM: Message our Instagram page @urbanaturetravel

W HO IS THE COMMUNITY GUIDE FOR THIS TRIP?

Dan Cole is the community guide for this trip. Dan is a published travel author, having written Beer Hiking Berlin, and Epic Bike Rides of Europe. Born in the UK, Dan has been residing in Germany for over 15 years, making the most of that time exploring the Bavarian Alps, Franken countryside, and riverside hiking trails. He also loves long-distance running, bike touring, and music, and plays in several bands in Berlin, and DJ's frequently.

He is currently working on his next book, Hiking & Drinking Europe, and is currently researching some of the best wine trails and brewery tours that Europe has to offer. His passions? Watching sunsets from Alpine mountain huts, and the sunrise across the Elbe River.

Follow him more at https://hiking-and-drinking.com/

WHAT ARE YOUR REVIEW'S LIKE FROM PREVIOUS TRIPS?

To go through our amazing reviews by participants, please click on the links below:

• Google Reviews
• Facebook reviews

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:

• Please note that the program, as well as the venue is subject to change due to extreme weather conditions, as well as to the characteristics and size of the group.
• UNT reserves the right to cancel the trip, modify the route, change the accommodation or re-schedule hikes and without prior notice.
• UNT is not responsible for any loss, theft, damage or personal injury that occurs during the trip.