On Saturday, 6 December, we set off for a special outdoor activity: a group hike to the Drei Gleichen castles, one of the most iconic historical sites in Thuringia. The event brought together Erasmus students, international volunteers, staff members of our NGO, and other young living in Germany. It was a perfect opportunity to combine nature, culture, physical activity, and intercultural exchange. This activity was inspired by the Inside Out 2.0 experience in Iceland, in which our organisation participated as a project partner.
We began the day by taking a train to Wandersleben. From the station, our hike started directly on the trail leading to the famous trio of medieval fortresses: Wachsenburg, Mühlburg, and Burg Gleichen. Known collectively as Drei Gleichen, these castles have stood for centuries and are deeply tied to the region’s medieval history.
Along the way, participants were given informational handouts about each castle. Divided into small groups, everyone had the chance to prepare a short presentation and share the story of their assigned castle once we reached it. This interactive format added an educational dimension to the hike.
Between presentations, conversations flowed naturally. Participants exchanged about their countries, languages, studies, and experiences in Germany. The diversity of the group created a warm and dynamic atmosphere, where everyone felt encouraged to connect and share. For many, it was also a welcome break from daily routines, a moment to breathe fresh air, build friendships, and enjoy the calm of the surrounding nature.
The hike itself offered beautiful views of the Thuringian landscape: wide fields, rolling hills, and the three castles overlooking the valley. Despite the fresh December temperature, the energy remained high, and the scenic path motivated everyone to keep walking.
By the end of the day, we returned home with tired legs, but also with new knowledge, new connections, and shared memories. This hike was not only about exploring historical monuments; it was about creatinga space where young people from different backgrounds could meet, learn from one another, and enjoy the beauty of nature together.
A special thank you to all participants for their enthusiasm, and to Lotte, Jezer Rae, and Mariana, who participated in the training course and are now putting what they learned into practice in Germany sharing these new outdoor education tools.
This project (P.Nº: 2025-1-IS01-KA153-YOU-000298184) is co-funded by the European Union through the Erasmus+ program. Its consortium is assembled by The Opportunity from Iceland; Culture Goes Europe e.V. from Germany, Goodness of People from Sweden; Dínamo from Portugal; Fedelatina from Spain; and Fundacja Active Kids from Poland.
