Werra Burgen Steig X5 Dietlas to Gerstungen

The hike starts in the village center at the linden tree. From here, it goes uphill to Steinernen Gasse and turns there. This hike is a stage of the Werra Burgen Steig, which is about 500 km long. Therefore, there is the trail marking X5 or a blue square on a white background. You follow this trail marking to the destination point, though the signs are not always clear. The path from Dietlas goes through the forest to Martinrodaer Eck, where you reach a paved road; it goes about 300 m to the left before turning right back into the forest. From here, the path leads directly to Vacha. In Vacha, you pass the historic market by Wendelstein Castle (which has a museum with an observation tower), then cross the historic bridge (Bridge of Unity). After crossing the Werra River, you are in Hesse. Here, the path immediately crosses the street and goes uphill to Thüringer Hütte, leading directly to Heringen. In Heringen, the path passes the Kali Museum (where visitor tickets for the Monte Kali visitor site “Kali spoil heap pit” are available). The path crosses the Werra, goes directly to Monte Kali, and around the mountain. Afterward, it leads to Dankmarshausen; when you leave the town, you pass a large gravel lake with a bird sanctuary. There are also observation points where birdlife can be watched. Then the route goes toward the Werra River and along it to Gerstungen. From here, you can start the return trip, first by train to Bad Salzungen and then by bus to the starting point.

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Sturdy footwear, preferably hiking boots.

There is a steep section on the Kaliberg that is very slippery when wet. Good surefootedness is important.

Parking at the linden tree in Dietlas

There are inns open in the morning or afternoon in Vacha, Heringen, and Gerstungen. However, it is advisable to get information in advance.

A trip tip is a visit to the Kaliberg (Monte Kali) with a magnificent view. Unfortunately, the tour is only possible on Sundays and public holidays at 3:00 p.m., and tickets can be obtained in the town of Heringen at the Kali Museum. The route itself takes about 1.5 hours. It is recommended to plan this excursion separately.