Skip to main content
Back to Explore
Best historic site trails in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve

Best historic site trails in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve

4.3(7,010 reviews)

·

Rhineland-Palatine
: 
#1 of 6 nature parks

All photos

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 red sandstone cliffs are particularly characteristic of the nature park's landscape. 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 cope well with 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 noteworthy.

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·4.4 mi·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·3 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Family-friendly loop 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" viewpoint,...

  3. #3 - Trippstadt - Wilenstein Castle - Karlstal Gorge

    4.6 (383)·Easy·2.4 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Family-friendly multifaceted circular hiking trail in the Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate. This is a relaxing and exciting hike that starts in the climatic health resort of Trippstadt at Trippstadt Castle and leads to the historic castle ruins of Wilenstein and through the Karlstal Gorge. The history of Wilenstein Castle goes back to the 12th century, it was probably built in 1152 under Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa. The buildings were partially destroyed during the Thirty Years' War,...

  4. #4 - The Red Cliffs of Altschlossfelsen

    4.8 (206)·Moderate·3.6 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Hike from Roppeviller, department of Moselle, located in the Pays de Bitche, in the department of Moselle. Discover the red cliffs of Altschlossfelsen which are located on the other side of the Franco-German border. These sandstone cliffs offer a variety of colors marked by the stratifications of the rock.

  5. #5 - Old Castle Trail

    4.6 (168)·Moderate·6.4 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Officially awarded premium hiking trail to the Altschloßfelsen near Eppenbrunn, Rhineland-Palatinate. This route begins in Eppenbrunn at the new forest car park of the Hotel-Restaurant Kupper in Eppenbrunn and takes visitors past ponds and meadows and through the Altschloßfelsen natural monument. These impressive sandstone formations soar up to 35m and are named after an ancient castle that has now fallen into disrepair. The Altschlossfelsen is one of the most famous sights of the region,...

  6. #6 - Hohenecken Castle

    4.6 (268)·Easy·1.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Family-friendly walk to Hohenecken Castle near Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate. This is an excellent way to escape and take the kids with you. The path can be muddy for the first few meters near the parking lot, but walking on it is excellent. However, it is pretty steep uphill on beautiful forest paths. Finally, the Staufer building is reached, which is now a ruin - Hohenecken Castle. Small signposts to the castle tell the story of Mrs. Hildegard, who lived there. Information boards...

  7. #7 - Spazierwanderweg Karlstalschlucht

    4.7 (133)·Easy·3.1 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Popular walking trail around Trippstadt, Rhineland-Palatinate. This walking trail is a great short tour around Trippstadt and is very well suited as a trip with the whole family. A few highlights are lined up at a short distance. You can travel to the starting point in Trippstadt by bus or car. From there the route leads through one of the loveliest valleys in the Palatinate Forest - the Karlstal Gorge. Both nature and culture lovers will get their money's worth here. It goes past the...

  8. #8 - Bärenlochweiher - Heidenfelsen - Nanstein

    4.6 (186)·Moderate·5.5 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    This beautiful hiking trail in Kindsbach near Landstuhl follows mostly scenic forest paths south of Landstuhl, around the village of Melkerei, to Nanstein Castle. Built in the 12th century, it developed into a mighty fortress and was one of the earliest castles in the Palatinate. Today, it is open to the public free of charge. The starting and ending point is at the beautiful Bärenlochweiher pond. There is a place to stop for refreshments there. Caution! The route crosses roads several...

  9. #9 - Altschlossfelsen

    4.7 (84)·Easy·3.8 mi·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Popular circular hiking trail in the Palatinate Forest-North Vosges biosphere reserve, Rhineland-Palatinate. The old castle rocks (also known as Eppenbrunn Castle) are one of the most popular hiking destinations in the Palatinate Forest. The walls and towers of red sandstone, up to 30 m high, rise strikingly into the air. The circular hiking trail no. 3 shows the way to the old castle rocks and back over the rocks. The blue and white rectangle marks the section past the old castle rocks to...

  10. #10 - Hohenecken Castle Ruins Loop

    4.6 (160)·Moderate·5.6 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Panoramic loop 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 goes 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 bottom of the valley, the circular route starts at...
Showing results 1–10 of 478
Explore more trails
Parks

Headed to a park?

Take AllTrails with you

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best historic site trail to hike in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best historic site trail to hike in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve is Circuit du Rocher de l'Altschlossfelsen, which has a 4.7 star rating from 497 reviews. This trail is 4.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 793 ft.

What is the longest historic site trail in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest historic site trail in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve is Palatinate Wine Trail. This trail is estimated to be 106.4 mi long.

How many historic site trails are in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve?

There are 478 historic site trails in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.These historic site trails have an average 4.3-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which historic site trail has the most elevation gain in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve?

Palatinate Wine Trail has the most elevation gain for historic site trails with 22,034 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Palatinate Forest Trail (long-distance hiking trail), which has 15,751 ft of elevation gain.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest