If you’re going to have an adventure, then do it properly – that was our motto once again. It started at home with the planning, because instead of a traditional guesthouse, we opted for the adventure barn in Effelder. For quite a while, we puzzled over exactly which federal state we had landed in – the air is fresh and the dialect is friendly. Thanks to AI and Google, we now know: Effelder is in north-west Thuringia, in the picturesque Eichsfeld region. And it was clear as soon as we arrived: it’s not going to be boring here.

Effelder is nestled in beautiful rolling hills and low mountain terrain. With incredible attention to detail, the Home & Classics Adventure Barn is filled with vintage flair centered around classic cars and motorbikes. Through the large wooden gate, you enter a spacious common room with a retro fridge, a bar counter, a playhouse for kids, a (bare) Christmas tree – and are greeted by enthusiastic goat bleating. Two goats live behind the barn along with about four sturdy rabbits. They’re the pride and joy of barn owner Michael, who definitely qualifies as a true original. He greeted us warmly and immediately shared all sorts of local tips and stories.

While we were still admiring the lovingly mismatched bedrooms (three of them!) and the two bathrooms, a Schlager music DVD started playing on the projector in the background. Our kind of music? Not exactly. But it somehow matched the rustic and authentic charm of the place.

Instead of keys, we were welcomed with homemade sausage – from his own butchering – and a spontaneous invitation to enjoy a cold beer. Super friendly. But we decided to save the beer for later – we still wanted to explore Effelder first before falling into the sausage-and-beer trap right away.

The next morning started early: 7:00 a.m., alarm ringing, and with 18°C outside, we were surprisingly quick to get moving. First stop: the local bakery – fresh rolls, sweet pastries, cappuccino. The day was off to a great start.

Then it was off to the draisine adventure in Lengenfeld unterm Stein. And as soon as we arrived, we realized: this wouldn’t be a solo ride. Draisines here go in convoy – and at the front: the slowest team of the day. We noticed the impact quickly – the uphill stretch toward Küllstedt was a bit of a slog. But hey: the journey is the reward – and it was a workout in any case. With 25°C, sunshine, and a steady incline, the sweat started to flow – but so did the fun.

The dresines are designed for two to three pedalers, with room for four to six passengers total. The two of us were assigned a smaller, post-yellow model – compact but cozy.

There were some real highlights along the way: above all a viaduct that spans the valley in spectacular fashion, and of course the numerous tunnels – some short, some long, but always wonderfully cool.

Bonus moment: Tyson, a slobber-happy Cane Corso who was clearly also on a grand adventure with his humans. Gentle, huge – and just a little damp.

After about 2.5 hours, we reached Küllstedt, turned the draisine around, and took a short break. The ride back? Pure bliss. We coasted downhill at up to 20 km/h, barely needing to pedal – grinning from ear to ear as the rails clattered beneath us. About an hour later, we rolled back into Lengenfeld.

To top it all off, we treated ourselves – of course – to currywurst and fries, before heading back to the barn. And because we had clearly earned it, we ended the day with a visit to the local ice cream parlor.

Postscript: If you ever pass through this charming little town, don’t skip the Eichsfeld Ice Cream Manufactory. Take your time and explore the menu – we haven’t had ice cream this good in ages.

Conclusion: If you think you need the Alps for a real adventure – then you clearly haven’t met Effelder, Lengenfeld, and Tyson yet.