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Best long trails in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve

Best long trails in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve

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Rhineland-Palatine
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#1 of 6 nature parks

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The Palatinate Forest Nature Park covers an area of 179,800 hectares in the south of Rhineland-Palatinate, where it borders on France. It is the German part of the Pfälzerwald-Nordvogesen cross-border biosphere reserve. The landscape of the nature park is characterised in particular by the red sandstone cliffs. In addition, 76% of the nature park is covered by forest, making it the largest contiguous forest area in Germany. Pines are the most common species here, as they thrive in the nutrient-poor sandy soil.

The nature park also has a lot to offer culturally. The many castles and castle ruins in the area suggest that this region was once one of the most important strongholds of the Holy Roman Empire of German Nations. The Trifels Imperial Fortress, the Berwartstein Visitor Castle and Hambach Castle are particularly worthy of mention.

Top sights

Rotenrumer Eck
Rotenrumer Eck
Peak
Lämmerdeich-Westgipfel
Lämmerdeich-Westgipfel
Cliff
Rot-Graue Wand
Rot-Graue Wand
Cliff
Krämereck
Krämereck
Peak
Sindelsberg
Sindelsberg
Peak
Langer Fels
Langer Fels
Cliff

Top trails

  1. #1 - Old Castle Trail

    4.6 (168)·Moderate·10.3 km·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Officially recognised premium hiking trail to the Altschloßfelsen near Eppenbrunn, Rhineland-Palatinate. This route starts in Eppenbrunn at the new forest car park of the Hotel-Restaurant Kupper in Eppenbrunn and leads visitors past ponds and meadows and through the Altschloßfelsen natural monument. These impressive sandstone formations rise up to 35 metres and are named after an old castle that has since fallen into ruin. The Altschlossfelsen is one of the most famous sights in the region,...

  2. #2 - Dahner Felsenpfad

    4.7 (242)·Moderate·12.9 km·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Popular premium hiking trail in the Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate. The Dahner Felsenpfad is one of the Pfälzer Felsenland tours and is a certified premium hiking trail. It leads through dense forests and offers magnificent views of the surrounding landscape of the "Dahner Felsenland" premium hiking region. On mostly narrow paths, the trail leads past imposing rock formations with illustrious names such as "Bride and Groom". With the car park at the Felsenland and the car park "Am...

  3. #3 - Gimbelhof - Nothweiler

    4.7 (104)·Moderate·9.5 km·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Hiking in the heart of the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park. Starting out from the Gimbelhof farm, explore the ancient castles of Loewenstein and Hohenbourg on the heights of the Schlossberg mountains (551m and 571m). Start by enjoying a fine view of the region from Krappenfels. After seeing the remains of the last castle, the Wegelnburg, you return to Nothweiler and the Litschhof pass.

  4. #4 - Notweiler 4-Castle Tour

    4.8 (104)·Moderate·10.5 km·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Crossing the border between Germany and France, this picturesque loop connects four dramatic medieval castle ruins perched high in the Palatinate Forest and Northern Vosges. Starting in the timber-framed village of Nothweiler, the path ascends past natural sandstone cliffs to the Wegelnburg, the highest castle ruin in the region. The route continues across the border to the ruins of Hohenbourg, Löwenstein, and the imposing Fleckenstein, which is carved directly into a massive rock spire. Wide...

  5. #5 - Felsenwald Trail

    4.7 (106)·Moderate·13.5 km·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Varied premium hiking trail in the Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate. In the forests, you will come across interesting rock formations again and again. The circular hike starts at the ice pond, which is located on Landauer Straße near the municipal hospital. From there, the route leads to the anvil rock and on to the "Platte" car park. Here you follow the sign to Waldhaus Starkenbrunnen on a natural path gently downhill and, once in the valley, number 5. A somewhat steeper incline...

  6. #6 - Drachenfels Circular Route

    4.6 (75)·Moderate·10.1 km·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Panoramic hike around the legendary red sandstone rock reef "Drachenfels", Rhineland-Palatinate. This hiking route leads from the Zum Saupferch inn to the Drachenfels and the Lambertskreuz inn. The Drachenfels, a mighty reef of red sandstone, is characterised by outstanding views over the northern part of the Palatinate Forest and also has caves that are perfect for exploring. Drachenfels can also be reached from the village of Neidenfels to the south. Highlights of the hike: - Westfels...

  7. #7 - Humbergturm

    4.5 (108)·Moderate·10 km·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Panoramic hiking trail to the Humberg Tower in Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate. This circular route begins and goes through the wildlife park where buffalo and deer live. Then it's on to the Humberg Tower, which offers a great view of Kaiserslautern. The rest of the way leads through the beautiful forests with many ups and downs. Highlights: - Wildlife Park - Idyllic paths - Humberg tower - Great prospects

  8. #8 - Burg-Nanstein and Kindsberg Circular Route

    4.4 (92)·Moderate·11.4 km·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Historical hike to Nanstein Castle near Landstuhl, Rhineland-Palatinate. Nanstein Castle has had a chequered history and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times - today it has buildings dating back four centuries. The town of Landstuhl particularly remembers Franz von Sicken, or the "last knight". The castle is open to the public and is a popular excursion destination, although it is closed in December. The route starts at the Landstuhl town hall and starts with an ascent to the castle...

  9. #9 - Fleckenstein - Nothweiler via the Castles and the Kappelstein

    4.6 (41)·Moderate·12.7 km·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Hike starting from the Fleckenstein car park north of Lembach in the Bas-Rhin département. This route lies on the Franco-German border of the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park. Discover 4 castles: - Fleckenstein Castle - Hohenbourg Castle - Wegelnburg Castle

  10. #10 - Hinterweidenthaler Teufelstisch-Tour

    4.3 (70)·Moderate·9.7 km·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Popular premium hiking trail in the Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate. This circular route is a certified premium hiking trail. The Devil's Table is a famous rock formation and the main attraction of the route. But the route is also varied in other ways and leads hikers through idyllic forests, past the Schwammborn spring and offers numerous views over the Salzwoogtal. The hike begins near the parking lot at the adventure park. The "Hinterweidenthal" train station is also within...
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