Adventure in the Harz: How a wheelchair user conquers the mountains!

Adventure in the Harz: How a wheelchair user conquers the mountains!

In the Harz, a region full of myths and legends, Carsten Kiehne (39) is a fixture when it comes to telling legends and stories. He has been collecting fascinating stories for over a decade and has published over thirty books together with his partner Manuela Petri. These works are not only a testament to the rich folklore of the Harz, but also an expression of his passion for the region, which has been inhabited for 7,000 years. Once a week, Kiehne acts as a “saga teller” and leads interested hikers through the impressive landscape while telling exciting stories about witches, devils and mountain men. During the Corona pandemic, demand for its offerings remained unbroken, which shows how much people value the connection to their homeland and its stories.
News38 reports that Kiehne is fascinated by the tradition, which is passed down orally, and knows an estimated 2,000 stories, which he passes on with a lot of heart and commitment.

A special experience recently occurred during a guided hike. On Tuesday, March 4th, Kiehne led a group along the picturesque Paracelsus Harz Clinic in Bad Suderode. Among the participants was the older Günther, who, despite the three-hour tour and the steep climb, did not want to be left behind. Kiehne initially had concerns about whether Günther would be able to overcome the challenge with his electric wheelchair. But the group showed an impressive sense of community and helped him climb the steep mountain. “That touched me and was one of the highlights of my 14 years of work,” says Kiehne. Once at the top, Günther was overjoyed and described the hike as one of the best experiences during his hospital stay.

A treasure of stories

The stories that Kiehne tells are deeply rooted in the culture of the Harz Mountains. Many tell of the lives of simple people who were shaped by nature and its myths. One such story says that the name “Harz” is originally derived from the word “heart”, which expresses the connection to the homeland. Legends like the “barking Quedel”, the “leap into freedom” and the story of “Donkey loves witch” are just a few of the many exciting stories that are there to discover. SuperIllu takes readers on a journey through this magical region steeped in legend, from mystical ruins to ancient mines that promise mysterious and enigmatic experiences.

The collection of legends and myths is not only a cultural heritage, but also a valuable tourist asset. Rangers and storytellers like Kiehne help keep this tradition alive and continue to impress new generations. Numerous hikers and interested listeners float between memories and have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the mysterious stories that the Harz has to offer. Another highlight are the books about legends and myths, in which many stories were recorded for the first time.

Treasures of Literature

In collaboration with Bernd Sternal and Lisa Berg, a book series was published that summarizes the most beautiful sagas of the Harz region. These works are not only a delight for the ears, but also for the eyes, as they are richly illustrated. The series includes several volumes, available in both hardback and paperback versions. Here is a brief overview:

This is how the magic of the Harz unfolds, not only through its landscape, but also through the stories that people share with each other. Kiehne ensures that this culture stays alive and offers everyone the opportunity to immerse themselves in the fascinating world of legends and myths. Anyone traveling to the Harz Mountains should not miss the opportunity to listen to these treasures and experience the mysterious atmosphere. For those who want to learn more, the Harz remains a place of discovery and stories that touch the heart.

Discover more about the fascinating world of the Harz Mountains harzer-sagen.harz-urlaub.de.