General Information about the Trans-Thüringia 2011
Winterworld, snow-covered woods, silence....suddenly a sled dog team appears silently and disappears again around the next bend. You did not see this up in the high North or even in Canada - but in the middle of Thüringen, Germany.
Along the Rennsteig the longest sled dog-race using only purebred dogs, the Trans-Thüringia takes place. Teams from all regions of Germany and the whole European continent take part.
Around 500 sled dogs and their mushers travel nearly 300 kilometres during 6 runs.
There are the big, friendly and strong Malamutes from North America, the impatient and hard-working Greenland dogs, which are still working-dogs at their home in Greenland, the white, whirlwind like Samojeden, bred by the Samojede tribe from the Ural and last but not least the well known and beloved Siberian Huskies originating from eastern Siberia.
The race has different classes, depending on the number of dogs. During the whole race vets are caring for the dogs. Only healthy, well-trained and purebred dogs are allowed to start.
The opening will be on Saturday the 5th of February 2011 in Neustadt at 4.30 p.m. at the starting area. There you can see the starters together with their dogs.
From Sunday, the 6th of February all runs lead around Neustadt a. Rennsteig. Saturday the 35 kilometre long, so called Prolog takes place. Monday and Tuesday mushers and their dogs are on the trail for 45 km a day. Wednesday will be a day off for moving to Masserberg. From Thursday on, the teams will start for the next 3 stages from Masserberg. Friday the 11th of February all participants of the race will finish at a Biwak near the Turmbaude and stay there in their tents overnight, continuing the next morning back to the finish in Masserberg. Same day around 5 p.m. the winner celebration will take place at the stadium of Masserberg.
Enjoy these unusual scenes of a thrilling staged race, with dogs that love to run and pull their sledges through the wonderful countryside. Get lots of information about the sport, the dogs and the participants at the start and finish area.
Discover the tasty Thüringer Specialities that are on offer and visit the dogs and their owners at the stakeout to get in touch with the friendly dogs.
The organiser have only one urgent request:
Visitors should not bring their own dogs close to the Trail. Although sled dogs are nice and gentle with humans, they don’t accept strange dogs around.
All questions about this event and your holidays in Thüringen will be answered by the friendly staff of the tourist offices in Neustadt a.R. and Masserberg.
Information about the Trans-Thüringia can be found in the local press or the internet: www.trans-thueringia.de
*dates of races could be changed depending on snow / weather