Top 3 Gorges around Vachdorf

It goes uphill quite a bit, otherwise a nice tour

Below the steep edge of the cliff, a huge sea of rocks beckons, with large chunks of rock that give little indication of the force that came from the rock fall. A legend that is described in full very close to the former Villa Iltenburg tells of another rock fall in 1137. There is no clear evidence of this, but it seems likely. According to the legend, there was once a place called Dörfles, which was inhabited by gypsies or Wends, who were not tolerated in Themar, but were important during the market or for entertainment. Just as the Veßra monastery was founded, a monk set out to visit them, but they threatened him and chased him away. He cursed the inhabitants and wished that the mountain would fall on them as a punishment from God. Only one 16-year-old girl showed interest in his teachings. He met with her regularly outside of the town. He begged her to leave the place, because after every winter, new cracks appeared in the rock. After two years, it finally happened and the mountain broke off one night. When the residents of Themar left the next morning, the village of Dörfles had disappeared and all the residents had perished.

In 1595, a large rock collapse occurred here, causing the entire mountainside to collapse into the valley! Since then, the gleaming, white limestone marl cliff has reflected the sun. There is only one path down the mountainside. As it is very narrow, a little attention is required here. The path is still quite steep at the top, but is secured with a railing. It is also worth mentioning that feral goats live here, which can sometimes block your path. This can lead to the odd surprise or chase.

The name “Black Graben” is a geographical name and is often used for flowing water. Unfortunately, she doesn't have any information either. This is probably what the path in the depression, towards the valley, is called.

The Fallen Mountain near Themar in Thuringia is a unique geological phenomenon located in the southern part of the Thuringian Forest. It is an impressive karst cave that was created due to ground subsidence and geological changes in the landscape. (Source: https://themar.de)

There's no harm in belaying with a rope if you don't want to climb back up on all fours. Don't forget your headlamp!

where does the name come from

The Werra used to flow in a large arc through the valley. With the construction of the Werra Railway, the course of the river was shortened and the path through the rock was blasted. This saved 2 railway bridges over the Werra. The old course of the river can still be seen today.