750 years of Altoberndorf: Hike along the old borders attracts 20 participants!

750 years of Altoberndorf: Hike along the old borders attracts 20 participants!

Midsummer weather and a sociable group of 20 hikers came together to experience the border hike along the Altoberndorf district. The reason for this excursion was the 750th anniversary of Altoberndorf, a celebration organized by Joachim Holzer and Gert Frädrich. The starting point was at the village square, where the participants prepared for the adventurous route through picturesque nature.

The hike led to the western border of the district, and right at the beginning it was a steep climb: 200 meters in altitude had to be overcome via the Steigwegle to Höhingen. On the way, the organizers talked about the history of the region, including the legend of the Häusslermarte from Epfendorf. The path led through the Harz forest on the border with Epfendorf and Bösingen and gave the participants a deep insight into the area's past.

Border hiking trail and paths steeped in history

All in all, this hike was not only a sporting activity, but also a journey into history. The border hiking trail is part of the Green Belt, which stretches along the former border between East and West Germany. This demarcation was effective from 1961 to 1998 and is now valued as a special natural and cultural heritage. The Green Strip, which is visible throughout the country, shows how nature was able to develop during the decades of division. It contains a lot of information about the towns near the border that often had to be relocated during the division of Germany, which makes the hike an educational experience. Information about this can be found at Border Museum.

The participants in the hike were able to admire the old boundary stone at an interesting station that marks the district boundary to Oberndorf. The Waseneck ruins were also part of the route before we went down to Arno's hut. Cool drinks and refreshing melons were waiting here, which were very welcome in the summer temperatures. Thanks go to the local council, who sponsored the food for the hikers.

An outlook on upcoming tours

The return route took the hikers over the Scheibenbühl back to the village square. But that's not all: the next hike is on the program for September 28th, the eastern border hike, organized by Gert Frädrich. This tour promises exciting insights into the history and nature of the region and invites all interested hikers to come along.

Would you like to do more border hikes in Germany? The article on Part-time traveler provides information about various routes that extend along historical borders. From the Berlin Wall to the border triangle, there are many places where you can experience history up close on a hike.

The hike through Altoberndorf is further proof that historical paths not only bring back memories, but also make a valuable contribution to education and nature conservation. Curious? Then off to the next hike!