Raft in a rucksack

On the water in Eisenach

Going rafting sounds like an adventure holiday in Sweden. However, I didn't have to travel that far north to go on a water tour. The latest water sports trend is called "packrafting". I Initially viewed my girlfriend's idea with scepticism. However, nothing ventured, nothing gained. I certainly did gain; plenty of amazing impressions, in fact.

Packrafts are ultralight, foldable rubber dinghies that can be packed up and carried in a rucksack. I couldn't believe my eyes when I held the small parcel in my hands for the first time. They are particularly useful if you are planning a longer hiking or cycling tour involving various activities, as you can simply stow your raft in your rucksack.

Packrafts Gummiboote am Ufer

©Susen Reuter, Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V.

We decided to venture onto the Hörsel river in Eisenach at the foot of the Thuringian Forest. Even though the river flows at a more leisurely pace than Sweden's rapids, I still had to rely quite heavily on my paddling skills, as the Hörsel also has fast-paced sections with treacherous rapids that call for concentration when you navigate them. What is important is keeping your balance as well as keeping the boat on course, which was sometimes quite difficult, but that was also the exciting thing: The constant challenge to also master the demanding passages of the river, and to then drift gently along on the water moments later.

Roman legions and kingfishers

It's particularly easy to unwind on water. Along the calm sections of the river, I took the time to discover the Thuringian Forest's biodiversity: The excitedly quacking wild ducks on the reed-covered riverbanks, the Beautiful Demoiselle damselflies that whirred close to the water's surface and were my constant companions, and kingfishers and grey herons on the hunt, although spotting the latter is not easy.

Graureiher steht im flachen Wasser

©Susen Reuter, Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V.

Hobby historians will also get their money's worth. Tour guide Matthias Klaß knows all about some of the spectacular discoveries that were made when a retaining wall was built along the riverbank. Ancient coins revealed that Roman legions led by Tiberius and Drusus once marched along the Hörsel river. There was also already a canoe club in Eisenach in the 1950s – the packraft tours are therefore a revival of a past tradition.

At the foot of the Rennsteig trail

Besides athletic adventures and nature appreciation, I also enjoyed the opportunity of being able to view the countryside around Eisenach from a completely new perspective. Which is how I discovered geological gems like the Michelskuppe. This rocky outcrop towers 50 metres above the city, a unique sight Europe-wide. Due to tectonic shifts and the subsequent tectonic plate movements, a mountain was turned upside down here – literally.

Further downriver, I paddle past the Frankenstein, a hill that is around 340 metres high topped by the remains of a mediaeval castle of the same name. Once you have left the city of Eisenach and the area around it behind you, you've almost made it to Hörschel, where the Hörsel flows into the Werra river. The Rennsteig trail is now also really close by. If you still have some strength and time left, you can either swap your paddle for a pair of hiking boots, or continue your tour on the water and head onto the Werra.

Whether you're an experienced paddler or a total beginner: The feeling of freedom is always only a paddle stroke away here!

Cover picture: ©Susen Reuter, Regionalverbund Thüringer Wald e.V.