Backcountry

Are you tired of the usual expensive and boring New Year's Eve parties? Join us for a unique adventure to start 2026! 🎆 I'm **Francesco**, a biologist and explorer. I have organized a **7-day trip to Romania** (Dec 30 - Jan 6) that combines an authentic Urban NYE with a wild Road Trip into the heart of Transylvania. **🗺️ THE PLAN** **PART 1: The Urban Warm-up (Dec 30 - Jan 1)** 📍 **Timișoara:** We will explore the "Little Vienna" of Romania. * No tourist traps: we’ll hunt for **hidden Jazz Clubs**, drink fresh unpasteurized beer at the factory, and explore the communist history. * **NYE Night:** We celebrate in the main square with the locals and fireworks, then move to a cool pub to welcome the new year. **PART 2: Into the Wild Road Trip (Jan 1 - Jan 5)** We pick up our car and head to the mountains! 🚗 * 🦬 **Wildlife:** We’ll track **European Bisons** in the snow at the Hațeg Reserve. * 🏰 **Gothic Vibes:** Visit **Corvin Castle** (one of the spookiest and most beautiful castles in Europe). * ❄️ **Snow & Trekking:** Base in **Sibiu** (Medieval city) + a day of accessible winter hiking in **Păltiniș**. * 🧊 **The Ice Hotel:** Driving the legendary **Transfăgărășan Road** up to the frozen Bâlea Waterfall to see the famous Hotel of Ice. **👀 WHO IS THIS FOR?** I'm looking for 2-3 chill, open-minded travel buddies (20-40s). If you prefer nature, good conversations, and a snowy adventure over a chaotic disco, you are the perfect fit! **💰 COSTS & LOGISTICS** I have already arranged the logistics (Car Rental + Itinerary). * **Style:** Low-cost but smart (Hostels/Guesthouses). * **Budget:** We share the costs (Fuel/Food) and there is a fixed fee that covers the **Car Rental and Accommodation** for the whole week. **📅 DATES:** Dec 30th to Jan 6th. **📍 MEETING POINT:** Timișoara. **👉 HOW TO JOIN:** This is a small group (max 4 people in the car). **Send me a direct message here on Meetup**

***Golden dunes, volcanic trails, wild coasts & starry New Year skies — your perfect Fuerteventura (Canary Island) adventure starts here.*** **HOW DO I JOIN THIS TRIP?** For more detailed info & to get entry for this trip, click on link below 👇🏽: [https://canary-newyears2026.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup](https://canary-newyears2026.eventbrite.de/?aff=meetup) **WHY GO?** Fuerteventura is one of the most breathtaking and diverse islands of the Canaries — a place where landscapes shift dramatically from golden desert dunes to volcanic craters, wild Atlantic cliffs, tranquil lagoons, and quiet whitewashed villages. In just minutes, you’ll move from otherworldly sand seas to ancient lava fields, from calm turquoise coves to windswept beaches that stretch endlessly into the horizon. We’ll wander across the famous Corralejo dunes, hike up the rim of volcanic craters with panoramic views, explore the raw west coast, and visit the historic inland towns that reveal the island’s true soul. And did you know? Fuerteventura is home to some of Europe’s clearest skies, making it a magical place for stargazing — the perfect backdrop for a New Year’s celebration under the open Atlantic sky. Let’s discover it together! Please do join our Whatsapp / Telegram channel for updates about our future trips including possible early bird discounts, contests etc. 1. [Whatsapp Group](https://go.unt.global/travelgroup) 2. [Telegram Channel](https://t.me/urbanaturetravel)

! All sessions in English except for 25.11 & 16.12 these sessions will be in German ! Wanting to connect deeper with your partner? Looking for new ways to be intimate? Hoping to foster love, awareness, and communication in your relationship? Take some quality time away from the daily grid and explore Tantra together through embodied practice. The practice is designed to foster deeper intimacy, attunement and harmony between the two of you. Tantra invites you to allow your life force energy to flow without inhibition and to cultivate it for self-realization. Part of the practice is about inviting in more opening. Openness creates union, resistance creates separation. Deep connection, more pleasure and joy are a result of experiencing more openness. Tantra is for everyone! All couples are welcome regardless of sexual orientation and experience level. Not in a romantic relationship? Feel free to bring anyone you'd like to practice Tantra with. **What to expect:** * **Discourse, demo practice and Q&A**: learn about Tantra through discourse, ask your questions * **Tantra meditation practice**: presence, movement, sound and breath * **Sharing before and after practice**: share about your fears and desires & reflect on your experience * **Cozy studio setting**: enjoy a comfortable and intimate environment * **No partner-exchange:** practice only with your partner * **Fully clothed:** you may keep your clothes on during the entire practice **What to bring:** * Wear comfortable clothing * Water bottle to stay hydrated **Tickets:** 65€ per couple. Please purchase your ticket via [sophieheldens.com](https://www.sophieheldens.com/tickets?utm_source=meetup&utm_campaign=datenight) **Location:** Praxis Köpi Köpenicker Straße 175 10997 Berlin Kreuzberg Walk to the second courtyard and take the stairs to the front door on the left. **Please note:** Praxis Köpi is located on the 5th floor and there is no elevator available. Only book a ticket if you can walk the stairs. The benefit: a beautiful private studio with loads of natural light. **!! Please arrive 10 minutes early so we can start on time !!** Once we start the session, I can’t let you in anymore because it disturbs the class. Please do yourself and the group a favour by coming on time. Thank you! **Workshop facilitator** Hi! My name is Sophie. My passion for Tantra is rooted in a deep spiritual yearning and an inner knowing that Tantra is my path. My desire to teach Tantra has been sparked by having witnessed my own growth and healing as a result of these practices and it is inspired by a vision to create a more beautiful world. I create a space that is loving and nurturing, with a strong emphasis on ensuring that you feel save and supported. My workshops are gentle yet transformative, spiritual yet grounded and always heart-centered. I'm passionate about bridging the wisdom of ancient Tantra with modern-day practices. For more information, feel free to visit my website: [www.sophieheldens.com](https://www.sophieheldens.com?utm_source=meetup&utm_campaign=datenight)

As fast as I remember they don't take cards at Atopia, please bring some cash. Let's mingle with locals and play some ping-pong. They have bats but I suggest you bring your own.

**👋 Hello Strangers! —** For all players and chess-curious folks out there who want to chill and make friends: We are hosting a daily chess meetup in Mitte / Prenzlauerberg welcoming all experience levels. It doesn't matter if you just watched the Queen's Gambit or if you have been playing regularly for years – join us Daily from 7 pm till midnight. **Pics** · [Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/strangerchess/) / **Chat** · [Telegram](https://t.me/strangerchess) / **Web** · [Strangerchess.com](https://strangerchess.com/) (No need to bring anything, boards, clocks, etc. are provided)

Join us for a powerful outdoor Wim Hof–inspired experience at Schlachtensee. INSTAGRAM **(@holostar33)** We combine conscious breathing, cold-water immersion and guided rewarming to help you boost your energy, mental resilience and inner strength. This session is guided by **Javi de Lacour (@javidelacour)** — the main facilitator of the event, with **over 200 ice baths completed** and **more than 80 guided immersions**. Together with **Paula García**, we create a safe, motivating and transformative experience. *** ## **Session Structure** ### **1\. Wim Hof Breathwork \(10 min\)** Before entering the cold water, we prepare the body and mind through guided breathing: * Immediate mental control through deep, conscious cycles * Strong oxygenation and energy activation * Emotional grounding and focused awareness * Calm confidence to face the cold **Your benefit:** calmer mind, stronger lungs, better stress response and mental focus. *** ### **2\. Guided Cold Water Immersion \(5 min\)** A supervised immersion in the lake’s cold water: * Intense circulation boost * Reduced inflammation and muscle tension * Activation of your resilience and inner strength * Support and guidance throughout the entire immersion **Your benefit:** increased vitality, mental toughness and rapid physical recovery. *** ### **3\. Rewarming & Inner Heat Activation \(15 min\)** After leaving the water, we guide you through specific exercises to: * Restore your body temperature safely * Activate your muscles * Integrate the emotional and physical benefits **Your benefit:** full-body renewal, clarity, and long-lasting energy. *** ## **What to Bring** * Warm clothes * Towel * Swimwear * Dry socks * Water bottle * Optional: gloves, hat, warm tea *** ## **Contraindications** Not suitable for: * Severe cardiovascular disease * Uncontrolled hypertension * Pregnancy * Epilepsy If unsure, send us a message. *** ## **Who We Are (@holostar33)** **Javi de Lacour (@javidelacour)** – Main facilitator ✔ 200+ ice baths completed ✔ 80+ guided immersions ✔ Breathwork & cold exposure specialist **Paula García** ✔ Breathwork facilitator ✔ Holostar33 co-founder ✔ Community & somatic support We guide safe, grounded and empowering outdoor experiences in Berlin.

Berlin Rebels Alternative Pub Crawl: Dive Bars, Back Alley Beats & Insider Stories. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. Experience Berlin’s underground nightlife like a true rebel. This alternative pub crawl takes you beyond the typical tourist circuit and into the beating heart of the city’s subcultures — punk, goth, squatters, techno heads, and creative misfits. In intimate groups, we explore lesser-known venues across Prenzlauer Berg, Neukölln, Kreuzberg, and more. Leave behind the commercial party strip and join the alternative crawl. On this 5-hour nighttime adventure, you’ll discover Berlin’s rebellious spirit through its grungiest, weirdest, and most unforgettable nightlife spots. Our route changes nightly but could include: • Ping pong matches with locals in hidden bars • A secret rock or metal bar with horror-movie décor • Absinthe lounges, beach bars, techno bunkers, or surreal basements • Squatter spaces turned legal venues and hidden alley speakeasies Your guide — a true Berlin nightlife insider — will take you to places most tourists never hear about. You’ll also uncover the stories behind these venues: how post-wall Berlin became a global nightlife capital, how music scenes shaped entire neighborhoods, and how many of these bars still operate just under the radar. Whether you’re into indie rock, dark-wave, hip hop, punk, or Berlin-style techno, this crawl adapts to the vibe of the night. Nothing cookie-cutter. No two nights are the same. Please bring valid ID and a public transport ticket (Zone AB).

It seems that the Harz region will get quite a bit of fresh snow during the next few days. So, let's use that opportuntiy and go to Wernigerode and hike through the Harz mountains! Wernigerode is a historic town in the Harz district. It is picturesquely situated on the Holtemme river, on the north slopes of the Harz Mountains. Wernigerode is located on the German Timber-Frame Road. We will walk from Wernigerode via one of the rather wild paths in the Harz. The path will not lead us to the Brocken peak, but will rather cover interesting and beautiful nature. We will see rocky rivers and waterfalls, strangely shaped rocks, beautiful heathlands and - the effects of climate change on the forest. **Note: This is an advanced hike. It will be up to 15 km long. There will be an elevation gain of 600 to 700 meters. Additionally, the ground will be snowy, icy, muddy and wet. It will be freezing cold, possibly around -4 degrees. Suitable clothing, hiking shoes and surefootedness are necessary.** **If we deem the conditions of the path as not suitable, we might modify the hiking route.** We will meet on Saturday at 10:43 at the station "Steinerne Renne" in Wernigerode. The easiest way to get there is to take the HBX train from Berlin to Wernigerode Hbf. The HBX can be used with the Deutschlandticket. If you do not have a Deutschlandticket, you can purchase a ticket on board of the train. However, ticket sharing is not possible on this train. If you want to share a Quer-Durchs-Land-Ticket, you have to take a slightly earlier connection (RE1 to Magdeburg, departing a couple of minutes earlier). From Wernigerode Hbf to the station Steinerne Renne, we will take the historic train of Harzer Schmalspurbahn, departing at 10:25 from Wernigerode Hbf. This train is also included in the Deutschlandticket. If you do not own a Deutschlandticket, you have to purchase a ticket for 6 Euros. We will end our hike either at the station Schierke or Drei Annen, from where we will also take a train or bus back to Wernigerode. We will depart again from Wernigerode at 17:42 and arrive in Berlin about 3 hours later. Important things to note: * This is an advanced hike. You should wear proper hiking shoes and have a certain surefootedness. During the hike, we'll have to manage an elevation gain of about 700 meters. * It will be cold on the weekend. Expect freezing temperatures. Snow and ice is possible. * You are all responsible for yourself. None of us is mountain guide or something like that. * There won't be too many Späties in the mountains, so have enough water and food with you. * Please note that the number of participants is limited, because at a certain size a group gets virtually unmanageable. As the demand may be higher than the number of available spots, please be fair and only RSVP if you are sure that you can make it. If you learn later that you cannot take part, please update your RSVP accordingly.

**A place to meet sound, without maps** Facilitated by **Vesti Gium (they/them)** Everyone enters as they are. No score. No threshold of skill. We follow the room, moment by moment— listening, nudging, letting the music find itself. A breath, a shoelace, a laugh, a footstep— each carries weight. Silence is welcomed; noise is celebrated. There are no wrong directions here. We practise a listening that reaches outward and inward: to ourselves, to one another, to the space we shape together. That is where the music begins. * 🌀 Bring a voice, an object, an instrument, a movement—or nothing at all. * ✨ **Priority given to FLINTA folks and people with migration background.** * 🎧 No experience needed. Curiosity is enough. * 📍 Berlin – \[theodorstraße 5,12099] * 🗓 Every Saturday 12:00 * 📬 DM or email **[vestigium.impro@gmail.com](mailto:vestigium.impro@gmail.com)** to join Come make sound—come be heard.

Try Brompton is a Brompton experience ride for those considering purchasing a Brompton. The purpose of this ride is to deepen your understanding of Brompton bikes, ride courses designed to fully enjoy Bromptons, rediscover the city, experience new ways to enjoy it, and experience the lifestyle that comes with owning a Brompton. We guide participants through folding techniques and shifting the internal gear hub—a common source of confusion for first-time riders—while riding. By comparing different bikes, we help riders deeply understand each model's characteristics, supporting them in making an informed choice and purchase. https://www.komoot.com/tour/2544443144?share_token=aHITulkVldsQO8ZTduViGdGjVF2ZkFee5TKZ6D4484fY5EXfHK&ref=wtd

The New Year's Eve on Drachenberg last year was so much fun that I am offering this event again this year! We will meet outside the east entrance to Nikolassee S-Bahn station on Alemannenstraße (make sure you don't get the entrances mixed up!) and follow the route through Schlachtensee, Krumme Lanke, Grunewaldsee and Hundekehlefenn. After crossing the railway tracks and the AVUS at the Grunewald S-Bahn station, we will walk through the forest to reach the summit of the Drachenberg. Ideally, we will arrive at the top of the hill at midnight, just in time to see the fireworks lighting up the Berlin sky. At 0.45am, we will start our return journey to Heerstraße S-Bahn station. From there, it's just a five-minute train ride to Savigny Platz station and Schwarzes Café, where I've reserved a table. The café staff are prepared to serve us food and drink until at least 3 am. While we will have spectacular views on Drachenberg, please also prepare for unpleasant wind and cold. For this part of the event, it would be useful to bring extra coats, windproof jackets, and hot drinks. Sekt and the like is also welcome! If you need to contact other participants during the hike (for example, to find out where to meet us if you are running late), use the WhatsApp group. (A few hours before the hike, I will privately share the link with all participants to prevent bots from hijacking the group.) For all other purposes, especially socialising and posting photos, please use the Telegram subgroup 'Event Chat & Photos': https://t.me/addlist/KAOk2PA4BDE0ZTY8 . The hike will take place if at least 6 people sign up. As long as there are more than 6 people, you can sign up and cancel as many times as you like. If there are 6 or less people, please avoid cancelling, as this might make the other participants feel insecure about whether the hike will take place (or whether there is something wrong with the hike and they should cancel as well --> [Matthew effect - Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matthew_effect)). If there are less than 6 participants, the hike will also take place unless the majority of the participants are in favor of canceling the hike.

Some trained COUNT volunteers work together once a month at RMH (http://www.rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer.php) as Housewarmers (usually on the 1st Sunday from 1 – 5 PM). Some schedule other shifts at their convenience. You may try this out with less fuss by following a "Fast track" or go through the normal process. Fast track • Arrange a time to shadow a COUNT volunteer. Call Dave Nohle at 614-268-9558 (cell). • Show up and try it out. • Complete application, etc. later. Normal process • Complete an online application (http://rmhc-centralohio.org/volunteer/). • Attend orientation in advance. • At orientation you will complete forms agreeing to keep family/patient info private and allowing a background check and tour the facility. • Complete one training shift. Daily shifts are: morning 9 AM - 1 PM, afternoon 1 - 5 PM and evening 5 - 9 PM. • Schedule shifts online using the on the RMH scheduling system (http://www.volgistics.com/ex/portal.dll/?FROM=32895). The Ronald McDonald House (RMH) provides housing and meals for families with sick children. The Columbus RMH is the largest in the world with 137 rooms. COUNT has been volunteering there since May 2014. Housewarmers work with RMH guests to provide a home-like environment - greet, assist with family needs, answer phones, give tours, assist with checkin/checkout, prepare guest rooms after checkout, clean facility, laundry, restock supplies and staff the front desk. RMH Housewarmers volunteer at least one four-hour shift a month. All Housewarmers must complete an application and agree to a background check before they can be full fledged volunteers.

We may pick a specific topic and post in advance or may discuss current events and various ad hoc topics . We would love to spend time hanging out and getting to know one another. Atheist, agnostics, other non-theists, and atheist-friendly people are welcome to join us. Note: COUNT operates a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions (http://www.facebook.com/groups/COUNT.discussions/) to promote discussions among members and visitors.

Come assist Van Buren Shelter (https://ymcacolumbus.org/locations/vanburen) staff in serving dinners and cleaning up on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. Dinner for the women is 5-6 pm and for the families is 6:15-7:15 pm. There is ample free parking available in the shelter's lot. The recommended area to park is in green in the image above. There will be a new entrance for the time being. We are asking all volunteers to enter through the Donation Dock door, the orange mark on the image above. This door is located between the Single Adults and Family Shelter. You will see 2 large garage doors with a large green trash compactor in the center. Please head to the closest garage door to the building wall, with a ramp leading up. There, you will see a door with a sign stating instructions on how to enter the building. Please ring the doorbell, and a staff member will come and escort you into the building. If a staff member takes longer than 5 minutes, please call the front desk at 614-689-2020. This is a new process for us, and we do not want to keep you waiting! We appreciate your patience as we navigate this temporary change. The shelter needs a volunteer count the day before the event so sign-up ends Monday at 4:50 PM. Afterwards some of us go to the Omnipresent Atheists Weekly Meetup in progress to have a bit to eat or drink (http://www.meetup.com/omnipresentatheists/). Volunteers must be 14 or older. Since we will be working around families, the YMCA does not permit volunteering by individuals with convictions for violent or sexual crimes. The YMCA reserves the right to run background checks on volunteers. For questions, comment on this page or contact: Andrew, awhit12@yahoo.com, (614)937-5802 (cell). Please let Andrew know if you volunteer anytime other than our COUNT events so that he can count your hours toward our service record.