Fabulous hike: How Günther conquered the Harz in a wheelchair!

Fabulous hike: How Günther conquered the Harz in a wheelchair!

A fascinating world full of legends and myths unfolds in the deep forests and on the picturesque hills of the Harz. Carsten Kiehne, a passionate storyteller and hiking guide from Bad Suderode, has made it his life's mission to keep these stories alive. Together with his partner Manuela Petri, he has been collecting fairy tales and anecdotes for over a decade and has published more than thirty books. Recently, on a special hike to the Paracelsus Harz Clinic, he experienced a moving encounter that not only touched his heart, but also that of his hiking group. On March 4, a day full of fresh air and unforgettable moments, an elderly man named Günther took part in the three-hour tour organized by Kiehne in an electric wheelchair.

At the beginning, Kiehne questioned whether Günther could overcome the challenges of the hike, as the path contained steep climbs. But the group was determined to support the senior. Together they helped push Günther up the mountain. “It was pretty tiring,” admits Kiehne, “but when we got to the top, the joy of what we had achieved was overwhelming!” For Günther, this climb was the highlight of his hospital stay, and Kiehne also counted this day as one of the outstanding experiences of his 14-year career, in which he has carried out over 1,500 storytelling events and hiking tours.

A place full of myths and cultural heritage

The Harz not only attracts hikers from far away, but is also a treasure trove of stories that keep the region's culture and history alive. The hike along the nature myth trail near Braunlage offers participants nine hands-on stations that deal with the relationship between humans and nature, including the symbolic power of trees and the relationship between wolves and humans. This makes the hike an experience that goes far beyond physical activity.

The efforts of Kiehne and his partner help ensure that the old stories of the Harz region are not forgotten. “We don’t just rent the beautiful nature of the Harz Mountains for our tours, we really live it,” says Kiehne. This unique combination of culture and nature attracts history-loving, spiritually open-minded and adventure-hungry people. “The Harz is accessible to everyone, including those with special needs,” he emphasizes.

Diverse adventures in the Harz

The region has much more to offer. A wide range of hikes extends across the most beautiful corners of the northernmost German low mountain range, which has its highest point with the Brocken (1,141 meters). Whether on the Harzer Hexenstieg or the Goetheweg, enjoyment of the breathtaking nature and cultural highlights is guaranteed. Day hikes, guided tours and special offers - such as the hiking week with five selected tours - make the Harz a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts.news38.de reports that ...

With a combination of mystical stories and the beauty of nature, participants are offered an unforgettable experience. “It is important to me that the stories are passed on and that everyone can experience the beauty of the Harz,” says Kiehne in conclusion. So the Harz remains not only a hiking destination, but also a place of storytelling and community.