This Beautiful, One-Of-A-Kind, Hike In Germany Is Not For The Claustrophobic

Germany is one of the largest countries in Europe, giving the nation great diversity when it comes to landscape. Whether it's visiting a castle near the Austrian Alps, attending Oktoberfest with giant mugs of beer, or diving deep into the rigid history of Berlin, Germany is certainly not a "one shoe fits all" travel experience. And while you might look to its neighbors like Austria, Switzerland, or even the Dolomites down in Italy for some of the most enchanting hikes, Germany doesn't come up short in the outdoors department, either. In fact, there's one hike that's uniquely narrow, and certainly not for the faint of heart (or, the claustrophobic).

Dragon Gorge near Eisenach, located smack in the middle of the country, is an extremely narrow hike. The pathways are overall flat and scenic, with large rock formations on either side as you continue along the trail. It's safe to say, this is one surefire way to get up close and personal with nature.

Dragon Gorge is located within Thuringian Forest. As aforementioned, Dragon Gorge is quite narrow, meaning if you struggle with claustrophobia even remotely, this is probably not the best hike for you. In total, the trail is a little shy of 2 miles (around 1.84 miles), and at its most narrow point, it is a harrowing 27 inches wide. Because of its short, flat distance, most visitors only spend around two hours here.

There's never a bad time to visit Germany, which works out since Dragon Gorge is open year round. During the summer, the temperatures feel cooler thanks to the natural sun protection from the giant rocks. Luckily for those who flock to Germany for their stupendous Christmas Markets, this hike is accessible during the winter as well. However, it's worth noting that Germany's winters can be harsh. During the colder months, the pathways are not typically cleared of ice and snow, so you'll want to keep that in mind when packing for your hike.