Mountain Friendships at 2,240 Meters: Teenagers from Jena Experience the Neue Thüringer Hütte

From August 3 to 7, 2026, ten young people from Jena experienced the Neue Thüringer Hütte in the Hohe Tauern National Park—and with them, a vacation trip unlike any that has come before. It was the result of a first-of-its-kind collaboration between Jena’s youth organizations—Streetwork Lobeda, Streetwork Winzerla, the Jena Fan Project, and the Hugo Youth Center—and the Jena chapter of the German Alpine Club (DAV).

The journey didn’t start in the mountains, but in Salzburg: The group bonded over pizza and a stroll through the city before things got serious at 5:30 a.m. the next morning. From Habach, a five-hour climb led up to the hut at 2,240 meters—exhausting, but a unifying experience. All ten participants arrived safely at the top, where lasagna awaited them that evening—which tasted twice as good after such a day.

On the third day, mountain guide Martina Millgrammer joined the group, and since the weather brooked no delay, the highlight of the tour was moved up on the spot: Eight of the ten teenagers ventured up the Larmkogel and signed the summit logbook at over 3,000 meters. The following day was devoted to the history of the area. Holger Fischer, vice president of the Neue Thüringer Hütte, patiently answered the many questions about how such a hut is even run, and, together with Martina Millgrammer, led the group to the ruins of the old Thüringer Hütte, which was destroyed by avalanches in 1968 and 1969. At this site, the long tradition and connection to Jena became immediately palpable. As a farewell gesture, the young people built a cairn together, hoping it would survive until the next season.

Focus on Nature Conservation: Glacier Retreat and Its Consequences

Nature conservation was also a recurring focus: The retreat of the glaciers and its consequences were not only discussed but could also be experienced firsthand in the landscape. The descent on the last day once again demanded everything from the group—especially attention, as the safe navigation of alpine terrain, practiced in the days prior, was put to the test once more here. With tired legs but alert minds, the group made their way back down to the valley, where—thanks to the support of the DAV Jena chapter—a final shared highlight awaited them at the historic Moa-Alm: Käsespätzle and Kaiserschmarrn.

What remains are experiences that extend far beyond these days in the mountains. The focus was on camaraderie, experiencing nature, and pushing one’s own limits—and that is exactly what the participants are taking back with them to Jena.

“I discovered my own limits on the mountain and realized that as a team, you can achieve anything. For me, the camaraderie and willingness to help were the most important things. I’d especially like to thank Holger Fischer for our conversations and Harald Anders for cooking together. I’m taking the courage to try new things back with me to Jena,” says 15-year-old participant MHDsamer Alkaheel.

For the streetwork program, the lasting value lies above all in the relationships that were formed during the trip:

“The new Thuringian Hut is a special place for people to come together. Here, the participants were able to form new relationships that extend far beyond their usual circles. These mountain friendships and adventurous experiences will certainly help everyone reach new ‘heights’ in the future—even below 1,000 meters in elevation,” says Andrea Wiede of Streetwork Winzerla.

Two participants sum up how the trip leaves you wanting more:

“For anyone who wants to get out and about, meet new people, or simply enjoy nature, the Challenge Alpine Tour is just the thing. We had to get up really early, but it was worth it for the spectacular view,” say Maja Hauspurg (18) and Darius Treppschuh (17).

And so, their sights are already set on the future. This first tour is just the beginning—a hope shared by the German Alpine Club:

“It’s a great joy for me to be able to accompany young people not only in climbing a peak together, but also in feeling the energy of the mountains. From the perspective of the DAV Jena Section, I hope that this first Alpine tour will grow into a tradition in the future,” says Robert Ackermann, artist, team member, and member of the DAV Jena Section.

A project like this can only succeed if many people get involved. We would therefore like to thank the participants for their courage, trust, and attentiveness; the entire team at the Neue Thüringer Hütte for their warm words, good food, and open hearts; the DAV Jena Section for their organizational support, their commitment to the principles of youth work, and the expertise they contributed; as well as to all our colleagues in youth work and all the team leaders on site. They all made this innovative project possible and brought it to life—while always keeping everyone’s safety in mind.

What remains are experiences that have an impact far beyond the mountains.