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

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

4.3(7,259 reviews)

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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 - Circuit du Rocher de l'Altschlossfelsen

    4.7 (497)·Moderate·7.1 km·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    This hike in the Vosges du Nord Regional Nature Park follows an old Roman road and takes you to Germany, starting from the French village of Roppeviller. This route follows a scenic trail that runs along the "Altschlossfelsen" rock (also called the "Colorado Rock"). This 20-meter-high rock is located in the Palatinate massif. You will also pass by the stone of Diana.

  2. #2 - Landstuhl - Nanstein Castle Ruins - Heidenfelsen

    4.6 (523)·Moderate·4.8 km·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Family-friendly circular hiking trail in the North Palatinate Uplands, Rhineland-Palatinate This easy but varied hike leads from Landstuhl to the ruins of Nanstein Castle and the Roman ruins of Heidenfelsen. Starting from Landstuhl, the stairs at the community center are the starting point, from where it goes through the Landstuhler Bruch to Nanstein Castle, the landmark of the Sickingen town of Landstuhl, which can be seen from afar. On the way, the route passes the "Herrengärtchen"...

  3. #3 - The Red Cliffs of Altschlossfelsen

    4.8 (206)·Moderate·5.8 km·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Hike starting from Roppeviller, in the Pays de Bitche region of the Moselle département. Discover the red cliffs of Altschlossfelsen on the other side of the Franco-German border. These sandstone cliffs offer a variety of colours marked by the stratification of the rock.

  4. #4 - 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,...

  5. #5 - 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...

  6. #6 - Bärenlochweiher - Heidenfelsen - Nanstein

    4.6 (186)·Moderate·8.9 km·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    This stunning hiking route in Kindsbach near Landstuhl follows mostly beautiful forest paths south of Landstuhl, around the village of Melkerei, to Nanstein Castle. Built in the 12th century, it developed into a mighty fortification and was one of the earliest castles in the Palatinate. Today, it is open to visitors free of charge. The start and finish point is at the lovely Bärenlochweiher. There is a place to stop for refreshments there. Please note! The route crosses roads several times....

  7. #7 - Hohenecken Castle Ruins Circular Route

    4.6 (160)·Moderate·9 km·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Panoramic circular route from the Hohenecken castle ruins near Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate A refreshing hike awaits here in the middle of a forest area near the Barbarossa city of Kaiserslautern. As it is along natural paths, sturdy shoes are recommended. The beautiful nature walk in the middle of the Palatinate Forest gives an idea of the history, as the historic castle ruins can be seen from afar. After the somewhat steep ascent from the valley floor, the circular route starts at...

  8. #8 - Adventure Trail to the Humberg Tower

    4.7 (164)·Moderate·5.6 km·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Short adventure route to the Humberg Tower near Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate. This is a short trail up to the Pfaffenberg and the Großer Humberg with its excellent viewing tower. Although the trail is not well signposted, you will occasionally see the small red tower logo along the way. The trail climbs steadily through beautiful beech forest. From the top, you have a magnificent view of the northern and central Palatinate Forest. The observation tower is located on the 425...

  9. #9 - 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.

  10. #10 - Frankenstein Ruins

    4.3 (147)·Moderate·7.2 km·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Short circular route from the Frankenstein ruins in the Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate. Frankenstein Castle is the ruins of a spur castle in the Palatinate Forest, which is a listed building. After an optional short visit, the route leads to the castle hill and through pretty woodland. There are several viewpoints and shooting ranges along the way. Highlights: - Frankenstein ruins - Forest paths in the Palatinate Forest - View from the Schlossberg
Showing results 1–10 of 483
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