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| After wandering through Wernigerode, we
headed east to Thale, partly because it was described in our guidebook
as having amazing scenery and rocky cliffs, and partly because of the
wild cat exhibit in the Tierpark. This would be the same zoo with
a mice exhibit. Do not let any of your friends come to Thale
looking to see an amazing wild cat exhibit - there is an amazing wolf
exhibit, but you can forget the wild cats. Thale is nestled in the
eastern Harz , where the Bode river rushes along the valley floor. The
mountains were an incredibly lush green, with dark rock outcroppings
frequently peeking through. After driving somewhat aimlessly through
town (looking for 'tierpark' signs) we came across the tourist
information office and got directions. It turns out the animal
park was on the Hexentanzplatz, one of the cliffs towering above the
valley. So we hopped onto a cable car and rode up, just as rain
drops began to fall. At the cliff top, we found tierpark signs
leading us up, up, up farther along the mountain. Past a number of
souvenir shops featuring witches and witchy-things (more on that later),
and finally to the Tierpark proper. Russ, noticing the first
exhibits were doves and pigeons, questioned if I really, really
wanted to go in, and if I really wanted him to come with me.
The wolves were worth it, though.
Centuries ago, the Harz were inhabited by Celts, who built fortresses
upon the cliffs of Hexentanzplatz and neighboring Rosstrappe. In
later time, invading Germanic tribes defeated and expelled the Celts
(around 500 BC). The cliffs were then used for pagan rituals, and
pretty much have ever since, even after the area was "Christianized" by
Charlemagne. These days, the cliffs above Thale, as well as nearby
Brocken, are sites used by 'modern-day pagans', to quote my guidebook,
to celebrate Walpurgisnacht on April 30.
One of my favorite things about Germany is the abundance of cute, fluffy sheep. Or at least sheep. More fields of golden raps See where I'm pointing? That's where we're headed... way...up....there.... Breathtaking cliffs and valleys Our trip up on the cable cars... Looking back down to the valley floor (and where we got on this darn thing). First animal exhibit in the Thale Tierpark (other than the pigeons and doves) was Twiggy the bunny rabbit and his guinea pig friends... A little farther along were the brown bears This would be the reason I just had to come to the Thale Tierpark - the wild cat exhibits. The wild cats tend to sleep a lot inside their cages. At the far end of the Tierpark is the wolf enclosure. There is a landing above, where you can sit and watch the wolves below. Sometimes the look like pet dogs... and even act like pet dogs... And then they remind you they are not pet dogs. There was definite 'pack' behavior happening here, with a leader (the red one). More cliff views from the Hextentanzplatz. The town of Thale below, with farmland in the distance. The Bode River winds its way through the mountain valley and through the village.
One of my favorite things about Germany is the abundance of cute, fluffy sheep. Or at least sheep.
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