Wanderung: Durch die Saaleaue nach Bad Dürrenberg

Water, Wind & Open Spaces—and the Spirit of the Shaman

Hiking Trip: Through the Saale Floodplain to Bad Dürrenberg

What to Expect

We’ll meet at the main train station in Halle and travel together to Großkorbetha, where the actual tour begins. From the train station there, we’ll quickly find ourselves in nature and hike through the vast, flat, secluded floodplain landscape of the Saale River. Eventually, the first landmarks of Bad Dürrenberg will catch our eye—the Borlachturm, visible even from a distance, and the graduation tower. After crossing the Saale, we’ll pay a brief visit to both of these, as well as the spa park, which is still perfectly spruced up for the 2024 State Garden Show. In addition to many other highlights, the park is home to the Shaman’s Grave (see the special exhibition at the State Museum of Prehistory in Halle). After a varied route through floodplain forests and past historic districts of Bad Dürrenberg, we head back to our starting point in Großkorbetha.

Highlights of this tour

• Saale floodplain south of Bad Dürrenberg

• Old arm of the Saale 

• Bad Dürrenberg with the Borlachturm

• Bad Dürrenberg Spa Park

• Gradierwerk

• Site of the Bad Dürrenberg Shaman

• Historical districts (manors, etc.)

Tour Information

Meeting point:Halle (Saale) Central Station

Travel:Train ride approx. 25 minutes, no transfers

Hike starting point:Großkorbetha Station

End point:Großkorbetha train station (loop hike)

Length:17 km

Elevation gain:70 hm (ascent), 70 hm (descent)

Duration:4 hours of pure walking time + breaks for refreshments and information, or sightseeing (approx. 7 hours total)

Difficulty:easy–moderate (the tour is also suitable for less experienced hikers)

Max. group size:20 people

Ticket price:10 € (plus transportation costs)

About Me

Hey, I’m Thomas, a certified hiking guide with the German Hiking Association and a passionate hiker. My heart beats for the wonderful landscapes of my home region—whether it’s the Saale-Unstrut, the (Southern) Harz, or the Lower Saale Valley. From Halle, it often takes less than an hour to reach breathtaking natural and cultural landscapes just waiting to be discovered. My favorites: quiet trails, ancient places of power, and the most beautiful views. I’d love to share my passion with you and invite you to come along—into the breathtaking, mysterious, and beautiful nature right on your doorstep. I’d be thrilled to have you join me! 

Why I Love This Tour

Above all, I love the seemingly boundless expanse of the floodplain landscape, combined with plenty of room for discoveries along the trail or riverbank (keyword: beavers).

Participation & Registration

• The number of participants is limited to 20 people.
• Please book your ticket in advance to secure your spot.
• You’ll receive the exact details about the meeting point and how to get there after booking your ticket, approximately 2 weeks before the tour.

Meals & Notes

• We’ll take a longer break along the way—please bring something for a small picnic.
• Please make sure you bring enough water with you.
• We’ll meet at the main train station and travel together—it brings us closer and feels like a hiking trip from the old days. Of course, you’re also welcome to go directly to the tour’s starting point if you prefer. 
• Participation is at your own risk.
• The tour generally takes place in any weather (except in the event of severe storms or similar conditions)—so sturdy shoes, weatherproof clothing, and a good attitude are a must 😉

Contact

If you have any questions about the tour or my other offerings, feel free to email me at wandern@posteo.de