Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein
22.5kmLength
726mElevation gain
7–7.5hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
Stage 6 of the long-distance hiking trail "Pfälzer Waldpfad", Rhineland-Palatinate.
This is the sixth stage of the certified quality trail "Pfälzer Waldpfad", which leads from Kaiserslautern to the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach through the Palatinate Forest. The longest stage of the long-distance hiking trail, which is also considered quite challenging, starts in Merzalben and ends in Hauenstein. Hiking past castles and ruins, the trail climbs high up to the Weißenberg, the highest point of the Palatinate Forest Trail. Fantastic views and some very quiet forest passages provide the necessary relaxation. There are refreshment stops and a railway station in Hauenstein.
Highlights of the hike:
- Gräfenstein castle ruins
- Luitpold tower on the Weißenberg
- Winschertkopf.
- Falkenburg castle ruins
- Valley of the Queich
- Hauenstein
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Ritterstein 54 Schäferei
Attraction
Burg Gräfenstein
Castle
Luitpoldturm
Attraction
Ritterstein 70 "Prinzregent Luitpold"
Attraction
Winschertfels
Peak
Schloßberg
Peak
Auf der Wasserschöpf
Peak
Kieneckfelsen
Cliff
Schloßberg
Peak
Hinterer Winschertkopf
Peak
Weißenberg
Peak
Falkenburg
Castle
Felsentor
Attraction
Ritterstein 57 "Dreiherrenstein"
Attraction
Neding
Peak
Katzenkopf
Peak
Ritterstein 71 "Am Holländerklotz"
Attraction
Luitpoldturm
Viewpoint
Mühlenberg
Peak
Ritterstein 226, "Alte Straße"
Attraction
Ritterstein 225 "Wheelspurs – Embankment"
Attraction
Ritterstein 224 "Old Road – Falkenburger Steige"
Attraction
Ritterstein 52 “Eusserthal Monastery Estate”
Attraction
Ritterstein 227 "The Old Road – The Celtic Period – The Middle Ages"
Attraction
Top sights
Ritterstein 54 Schäferei
Attraction
Burg Gräfenstein
Castle
Luitpoldturm
Attraction
Ritterstein 70 "Prinzregent Luitpold"
Attraction
Winschertfels
Peak
Schloßberg
Peak
Auf der Wasserschöpf
Peak
Kieneckfelsen
Cliff
Schloßberg
Peak
Hinterer Winschertkopf
Peak
Weißenberg
Peak
Falkenburg
Castle
Felsentor
Attraction
Ritterstein 57 "Dreiherrenstein"
Attraction
Neding
Peak
Katzenkopf
Peak
Ritterstein 71 "Am Holländerklotz"
Attraction
Luitpoldturm
Viewpoint
Mühlenberg
Peak
Ritterstein 226, "Alte Straße"
Attraction
Ritterstein 225 "Wheelspurs – Embankment"
Attraction
Ritterstein 224 "Old Road – Falkenburger Steige"
Attraction
Ritterstein 52 “Eusserthal Monastery Estate”
Attraction
Ritterstein 227 "The Old Road – The Celtic Period – The Middle Ages"
Attraction
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 22.5-km point-to-point trail near Merzalben, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 33 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
What is the expected weather this week for Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Expected weather for Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 26.7 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 27.5 degrees/clear
- Mon 28 September - 28.2 degrees/clear
- Tue 29 September - 27.7 degrees/clear
- Wed 30 September - 19.6 degrees/showers
Where is Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein located?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is a trail located in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
How hard is Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is considered a hard hike that covers 22.5 km, with an elevation gain of 726 m. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is considered a hard hike that covers 22.5 km, with an elevation gain of 726 m. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein a point-to-point trail?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is a point to point trail that covers 22.5 km, with an elevation gain of 726 m. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is a point to point trail that covers 22.5 km, with an elevation gain of 726 m. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Dogs may be allowed on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there scenic views at Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Yes, Luitpoldturm is located on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein.
Is backpacking allowed at Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Backpacking is allowed on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Yes, Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is a forest trail in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
Are there wildflowers at Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on 24 September 2026 at 01:21 GMT+0