Iron Curtain / Green Ribbon Kayak Tour

The Iron Curtain / Green Ribbon Kayak Tour offers an immersive exploration of historical landscapes, transporting participants back in time through a guided paddling experience. From January 2020 to July 2025, adventurers can discover the significance of the Iron Curtain while navigating scenic waterways. While the tour includes essential gear, lunch, and transportation options, recent reviews suggest room for improvement in pickup services and communication. Whether you’re a history buff or an outdoor enthusiast, this unique experience promises to reveal the stories etched into the very waters you’ll traverse.

Key Points

• The tour offers a historical exploration of the Iron Curtain and Green Ribbon regions via a scenic kayak/canoe journey.
• The tour operates Monday to Sunday, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM, with a maximum capacity of 20 travelers.
• Inclusions cover essential items like a knowledgeable guide, kayak/canoe, paddle, life jacket, and a packed lunch with regional specialties.
• The tour starts at Rennsteig-Beginn/Rennsteig-Ende in Rosenthal am Rennsteig, with pickup options from nearby Flixbus stops.
• The tour is not wheelchair accessible, but service animals are permitted, and basic kayaking skills are recommended for participants.

Tour Overview

The Iron Curtain / Green Ribbon Kayak Tour takes place in Germany, with opening hours from January 13, 2020 to July 29, 2025.

The tour runs Monday through Sunday, from 10:30 AM to 5:00 PM. It can accommodate up to 20 travelers.

This kayak experience allows participants to explore the historical Iron Curtain and the serene Green Ribbon.

The tour includes a guide, kayak or canoe, paddle, life jacket, dry bag, and a packed lunch featuring regional specialties to suit various dietary preferences.

Inclusions and Menu

The Iron Curtain / Green Ribbon Kayak Tour includes a range of essential items to enhance the experience.

Travelers are provided with a knowledgeable guide, a kayak or canoe, a paddle, and a life jacket for safety. They’ll also receive a dry bag to keep their belongings secure during the trip.

To refuel, the tour offers a packed lunch featuring regional specialties. Catering to various dietary preferences, the lunch options range from vegan to carnivore and include a refreshing drink.

With these inclusions, participants can fully enjoy the scenic kayak journey along the former Iron Curtain and Green Ribbon.

Meeting and Pickup

To begin the journey, travelers will meet at the Rennsteig-Beginn/Rennsteig-Ende, located at Selbitzplatz 2 in Rosenthal am Rennsteig, Germany.

For those needing transportation, the tour offers pickup options from Flixbus stops in Schleiz, Hof, Bad Steben, and Blankenstein.

Travelers can reach the meeting point by taking the A9 autobahn to the Bad Lobenstein exit, then following the B90 to the Blankenstein junction, turning left onto Hauptstraße, and finally turning left onto Selbitzplatz.

The tour is accessible by public transportation and welcomes service animals, though it isn’t wheelchair accessible.

Accessibility and Requirements

The Iron Curtain / Green Ribbon Kayak Tour caters to a wide range of participants.

It’s not wheelchair accessible, but strollers are allowed. Service animals are welcome too. The tour is located near public transportation, making it easily accessible.

While the tour isn’t suitable for those with heart problems or serious medical conditions, most travelers can participate without issue.

The key is being comfortable with basic kayaking or canoeing skills, as no prior experience is required.

Participant Reviews

Quite surprisingly, the tour has received only a single review so far, and it reflects a rather disappointing experience. The customer, Petra_H, visited in June 2023 and stated that the tour did not take place, as she was not picked up at the hotel, and her calls and messages went unanswered. She expressed hope to receive a refund.

Review Criteria	Rating
Overall	1.0/5
Pickup Service	1.0/5
Communication	1.0/5
Value for Money	1.0/5
Recommendation	No

This lone negative review highlights the importance of reliable transportation and effective communication for a successful tour experience.

Kayaking the Iron Curtain

Paddling along the emerald Green Ribbon, adventurers enjoy the serene beauty of Germany’s natural landscapes, tracing the path of the former Iron Curtain.

This unique kayaking tour offers a glimpse into the region’s rich history and environmental diversity:

• Gliding through tranquil waterways, paddlers witness the transformation of the once-divided landscape into a lush, interconnected ecosystem.

• Along the way, knowledgeable guides share insights into the cultural and political significance of the Iron Curtain, fostering a deeper appreciation for the region’s past.

• The tour’s emphasis on sustainability and eco-tourism ensures a responsible and enlightening experience for all participants.

Exploring the Green Ribbon

Leaving the tranquil waters of the Kayaking the Iron Curtain, the tour now explores the captivating expanse of the Green Ribbon.

The Green Ribbon, a protected corridor along the former East-West German border, offers a unique glimpse into the region’s natural beauty.

Kayakers paddle through lush riparian forests, spot diverse wildlife, and learn about the area’s historical significance.

The tour’s guides share insights into the ecological restoration efforts that have transformed this once-divided landscape into a thriving haven for flora and fauna.

As the kayaks glide through the serene waterways, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for the resilience of nature and the power of preservation.

Highlights of the Experience

As travelers embark on the Iron Curtain / Green Ribbon Kayak Tour, they can expect an immersive experience that showcases the region’s natural and historical wonders.

The tour offers:

• A guided journey through the tranquil waters of the Green Ribbon, a former no-man’s-land that has since blossomed into a thriving ecological corridor.

• Opportunities to spot diverse wildlife, including migratory birds and elusive mammals that have reclaimed this once-divided landscape.

• Insights into the area’s complex past, as paddlers explore remnants of the Iron Curtain and learn about the region’s role in the Cold War era.

Throughout the experience, travelers will savor a packed lunch featuring regional specialties, catering to a range of dietary preferences.

The Sum Up

The Iron Curtain / Green Ribbon Kayak Tour offers an immersive experience exploring the historical landscapes of the region. Although recent feedback highlights concerns about pickup services and communication, the tour provides essential gear, meals, and transportation options to ensure accessibility. Participants can enjoy guided kayaking through scenic waterways while learning about the significance of the Iron Curtain and exploring the natural beauty of the Green Ribbon.