Company Hiking Day I with Mud and a Hungry Goat
A 13 km Adventure around Bad Tabarz
This year’s company hiking day was a great success! With 15 hiking-enthusiast colleagues, mostly men and two ladies from the administration, we set off on an exciting tour around Bad Tabarz. The starting point was the picturesque Deysingslust, and the weather was perfect: pleasant temperatures, a few clouds, and an occasionally friendly glance from the sun accompanied us.
The Path to Adventure
From the very beginning of our hike, it was clear: this was not going to be a leisurely Sunday stroll. The first major ascent to the "Neuer Weg" shelter got us moving. The path was steep and muddy, which made progress challenging, but also added to the fun. Once at the top, we took a short break, but there wasn’t much time to rest, as the adventure awaited.
On the way to the Aschebergkreuz, we followed a path that looked like something out of a movie. Fallen trees, victims of the past weeks' winds, made the route a real challenge. With every step, we had to navigate over or under obstacles. When we reached the Aschebergkreuz, we were greeted by an unexpected surprise:
"A curious goat, who had apparently lost its way, awaited us at the top."
Of course, it couldn’t continue its journey hungry—so we spoiled it with plenty of apples, which brought a smile to both our faces and the goat’s.
Impressions
Today, we truly experienced an Adventure Walk: deep mud, fallen trees blocking the path, a goat on the highest mountain, and the final ascent in the dark... it was truly an adventure.
Franziska Kachel, Marketing Managerin
The Second Half: Panorama and Night Hike
After this highlight, we made our way over the Bärenbruchsgraben into Lauchagrund, where the impressive Bachofen holes awaited us. These fascinating rock formations were the perfect stop halfway through our tour. The highest point, the Aschebergkreuz at nearly 700 meters in elevation, was now behind us, and we could approach the remaining path with a bit more ease.
The second half of our hike offered stunning panoramas. Over the Datenberg and Wachkopf, we enjoyed the wide views and could already spot our destination, Deysingslust, in the distance. But nature had one final surprise for us: As we reached Töpfersberg, it began to dusk, and our company hike transformed into a night hike. Equipped with flashlights, we tackled the last 1000 meters in the dark and conquered the final climb back to Deysingslust.
“A wonderful day outside of work came to an end.”
Jana Falk, Finance Manager
Reward and Conclusion
Exhausted but proud, we returned to Deysingslust. There, not only was a cozy After-Walk Chillout waiting for us, but also a well-deserved treat: homemade burgers that felt like a feast after the long march. Each participant received a certificate and a medal as a memento of this unforgettable day before everyone made their way home, ready to tell their friends and family about our adventure.
This year’s company hiking day was not only a physical challenge but also a fantastic team experience full of fun, unexpected, and beautiful moments. We’re already looking forward to next year and new adventures!