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Visiting the Drachenschlucht Gorge near Eisenach

GermanInsightsByInsights Team Published Updated
Visiting the Drachenschlucht Gorge near Eisenach

The Drachenschlucht is one of the most exciting natural landmarks in the Thuringian Forest, located just south of Eisenach and at the foot of the famous Wartburg Castle. This guide provides all the practical information you need to plan your visit.

About Drachenschlucht

The Drachenschlucht (“Dragon’s Gorge”) is a narrow, moss-covered limestone gorge. Its most famous feature is the walkway built directly over the rushing stream. For much of the 2.5 km (1.5 mi) trail, you will be walking on metal grates and wooden platforms as the water roars beneath your feet.

The gorge walls are, in some places, so close together that they are only 68 cm (just over 2 feet) wide, making it a unique and immersive hiking experience.

IMPORTANT: Seasonal & Weather Warning (for November)

This is the most critical information for a visit at this time of year.

  • Weather Dependent: The gorge is a natural watercourse. It can be closed at any time for safety reasons following heavy rain (flooding), storms, or the risk of falling ice.
  • Winter Conditions: The trail is accessible all year but is NOT cleared of ice or snow in winter. The wet metal grates can become extremely slippery and dangerous in frosty or icy conditions.
  • Recommendation: Given it is mid-November, I strongly advise you to call the local Eisenach Tourist Information or the forestry office on the day of your visit to confirm the trail is safe and passable.
    • Tourist-Information Eisenach: +49 (0) 36 91 / 79 23 0
    • Forestry Office (Forstamt): +49 (0) 36 92 5 / 26 80 0

Key Information

  • Cost: Free admission.
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate. The hike itself is not strenuous and has very little elevation change within the gorge, but the path is uneven, constantly wet, and can be very slippery.
  • What to Wear: Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots are essential. A rain jacket is also recommended, as the gorge is very damp and drips from the walls.
  • Accessibility: The trail is NOT suitable for strollers (pushchairs), wheelchairs, or bicycles due to the narrow path and stairs.

How to Get There (Start & End Points)

The gorge is typically walked one-way. There are two main access points:

  1. North Entrance (Mariental): This is the lower, northern end, closest to Eisenach. It’s the most common starting point.
  2. South Entrance (Hohe Sonne): This is the upper, southern end, which is on the famous Rennsteig hiking trail.

By Car

You can park at either end.

  • North: Use the “Wanderparkplatz Mariental” (Address: Mariental, 99817 Eisenach).
  • South: Use the parking lot at “Hohe Sonne” (Address: Hohe Sonne, 99817 Eisenach).

By Public Transport (Recommended)

This is the easiest option, as it allows you to hike one-way without worrying about your car.

  • Bus lines (e.g., Line 3 and Line 190) run from Eisenach’s main bus station (“ZOB”) to both entrances.
  • Take the bus to the “Mariental (Drachenschlucht)” stop to start at the bottom.
  • When you finish at the top, you can take the bus from the “Hohe Sonne” stop back to the city.

Recommended Hiking Routes

Option 1: The Classic One-Way (Approx. 1.5 – 2 Hours)

  • Route: Start at the Mariental bus stop/car park.
  • Hike: Walk up through the Drachenschlucht. This is the most impressive way to see it.
  • End: You will finish at Hohe Sonne. From here, you can get a snack at the kiosk and take the bus back to Eisenach.

Option 2: The Loop via Landgrafenschlucht (Approx. 3 – 3.5 Hours)

  • Route: Start at Mariental.
  • Hike: Walk up through the Drachenschlucht to Hohe Sonne.
  • Return: Instead of taking the bus, follow the signs for the “Landgrafenschlucht” (a second, wider, and also beautiful gorge) which will lead you back down to your starting point in Mariental.
  • Stats: This circular route is approximately 6 km (3.7 miles) long.

What to Combine with Your Visit

  • Wartburg Castle: The Drachenschlucht is right at the foot of the castle. You can easily combine these in one day. You can even hike from the Hohe Sonne area up to the castle.
  • Landgrafenschlucht: The “sister gorge” is perfect for creating a loop walk.
  • Rennsteig Trail: Germany’s most famous long-distance hiking trail crosses at Hohe Sonne. You can say you’ve officially “stepped on the Rennsteig” during your visit.

If you’re looking for more Thuringia blog like Best Sections of the Rennsteig Hiking Trail for Beginners and Winter Sports and Cross-Country Skiing in Oberhof subscribe to join us.

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