Drachenschlucht

The Dragon Gorge is a narrow cleft cut by a stream through slate south of Eisenach, about two hundred metres of which is so tight that the walls close to under seventy centimetres apart, with moss and ferns covering them and water running below; a wooden plank walkway carries the path directly over the stream through the narrowest section, so walkers move single file with rock on both shoulders. The full route runs about three kilometres and can be combined with the Landgrafenschlucht nearby and the climb to the Wartburg above. The gorge is dark, wet and cool even in summer, and slippery throughout.

Highlights

• The narrow section - walls under seventy centimetres apart for a stretch.
• The plank walkway - a path laid directly over the stream.
• The mossy walls - slate faces covered in moss and ferns.
• The Wartburg link - a route continuing up to the castle above Eisenach.

When to go

April to October; the gorge is slippery year-round and icy in winter, when it can be closed. Heavy rain raises the stream over the planks.

Things to know

The path is wet and slippery with poor footing. The narrow section is genuinely tight and awkward with a rucksack. It closes after storms.

Nearby

The Wartburg stands above; Eisenach is north.