Langlauf-Mekka Oberhof in Thüringen: 160 Kilometer für Klassisch & Skating

Cross-country skiing in Oberhof: We'll show you one of the most beautiful trails for classic and skating skiing around Oberhof on the Rennsteig in the Thuringian Forest. The 2023 Biathlon World Championships will also be held here this year. Have you ever been cross-country skiing? If so, where do you like to go? Feel free to share your trail tips in the comments. *Advertisement Track your kilometers and upload your results to the "Draußpowern" (Outside Power) campaign. For every 25 kilometers covered on the trail or on foot, Thuringia plants a tree. Register now, participate, and run kilometers for trees: https://www.thueringen-entdecken.de/d... We'll start directly in Oberhof. I get the cross-country skis out of the car, put on my cross-country boots, and fasten the pole loops around my wrists. I'm ready to go. Together with Felix, I get an overview of the trail map. There are around 160 km of cross-country ski trails for skating and classic styles around Oberhof. The region is a true cross-country skiing mecca. And the 2023 Biathlon World Championships are currently being held here. Oberhof has already had a taste of world championships. Just a few days ago, the luge athletes competed in the World Championships. Even though I don't have to compete today and it's nothing at stake for me, I'm excited. I haven't been on the thin, wobbly boards in a long time. My first steps are accordingly shaky, and on my first real attempt at gliding, I almost fall flat on my face. Luckily, we have cross-country skiing instructor Klaus with us. He will accompany us on the trail today and explore one of the most beautiful routes around Oberhof. The trail leads around Stein 16. Before we start, however, we warm up. These exercises will immediately show what is important in cross-country skiing. Balance and coordination are key. So we jump from right to left on one leg (with and without skis), warm up our shoulders and arms, and get our heart rate up a bit. Then we head straight for a descent. Klaus skis casually backward, while I try not to fall. So far, so good. We pass one of Oberhof's landmarks. A stone tower can be seen at the roundabout. From then on, it's mostly flat. Here I have time to extend the gliding phases a bit and hone my technique. Klaus immediately noticed that my rhythm for the sport wasn't quite right yet. With expert guidance, I gradually manage to get back into the groove on the trail. Klaus also explains all three cross-country skiing techniques to me again. And no sooner are I getting into it than we come to a hut. We stop at the Veilchenbrunnen lodge. I enjoy a mulled wine and was actually looking forward to a Thuringian bratwurst. But they don't have that here. With renewed energy, I head straight up the next incline. I'm telling you: going uphill is incredibly strenuous. And as soon as I lose my rhythm, I'm completely lost. If I have to start again on this steep climb, it will take an incredible amount of energy. We come to a small clearing and then continue towards Grenzadler. So we next reach the biathlon stadium. There's a lot of activity here. Although it's not a competition day today, there's still an excited atmosphere in the air. Broadcast vans from various TV stations and other editorial teams are parked there. Generally, there's a lot of setup going on. And on the trail itself, you'll often encounter athletes. I've encountered athletes in tracksuits from Japan, France, ... and Germany. The last few meters drag on a bit. Then we reach the starting point. And then it's off to eat cake. Because Klaus says a piece of cake and a large cup of coffee are part of every cross-country skiing session. Well, I don't need to be told twice. If you liked the video, I'd appreciate a thumbs up. Remember to subscribe. And see you next time :) Thanks for watching!