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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

4.2(4,225 reviews)

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Rhineland-Palatine
: 
#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 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 - 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,...

  2. #2 - Dahner Felsenpfad

    4.7 (242)·Moderate·8 mi·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Popular premium hiking trail in the Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate. The Dahner Felsenpfad is one of the Palatinate Felsenland tours and is a certified premium hiking trail. It leads through dense forests and offers great views of the surrounding landscape of the premium hiking region "Dahner Felsenland". On mostly narrow paths, the path leads past imposing rock formations with sonorous 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·5.9 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Hike in the heart of the Regional Natural Park of the Northern Vosges. Departing from the Gimbelhof farm, discover the old castles of Loewenstein and Hohenburg located on the heights of the Schlossberg mountains (551m and 571m). Start by enjoying a beautiful view of the region at Krappenfels. After the remains of the last castle, the Wegelnburg, the return is Nothweiler and the Litschhof pass.

  4. #4 - Notweiler 4-Castle Tour

    4.8 (104)·Moderate·6.5 mi·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·8.4 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Varied premium hiking trail in the Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate. In the forests you will always come across interesting rock formations. The circular hike starts at the ice pond, which is located on Landauer Straße near the municipal hospital. From there it goes to the anvil rock and on to the "Platte" parking lot. Here you follow the sign towards Waldhaus Starkenbrunnen on a natural path gently downhill and once you have arrived in the valley, take number 5. A slightly steeper...

  6. #6 - Drachenfels Loop

    4.6 (75)·Moderate·6.3 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    Panoramic hike around the legendary red sandstone rock reef "Drachenfels", Rhineland-Palatinate. This hiking route leads from the Gasthaus Zum Saupferch to the Drachenfels and the Gasthaus Lambertskreuz. The Drachenfels, a mighty rocky reef made of red sandstone, is characterized by an excellent view over the northern part of the Palatinate Forest and also has caves that are worth exploring. Alternatively, the Drachenfels can be reached from the southern village of Neidenfels. Highlights...

  7. #7 - Humbergturm

    4.5 (108)·Moderate·6.2 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Panoramic hiking trail to the Humberg Tower in Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate. This loop 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 Loop

    4.4 (92)·Moderate·7.1 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Historical hike to Nanstein Castle near Landstuhl, Rhineland-Palatinate. Nanstein Castle has had an eventful history and has been destroyed and rebuilt several times - today it has structures from 4 centuries. The town of Landstuhl particularly remembered Franz von Sicken, or the "last knight". The castle is managed and a popular destination, but it remains closed in December. The route starts at the Stadthalle Landstuhl and first climbs up to the castle and leads around the castle....

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

    4.6 (41)·Moderate·7.9 mi·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Hike from the Fleckenstein car park located north of Lembach, in the Bas-Rhin department. This route is on the Franco-German border of the Regional Natural Park of the Northern Vosges. Discovery of 4 castles: - Fleckenstein Castle - Hohenbourg Castle - Wegelburg Castle

  10. #10 - Hinterweidenthaler Teufelstisch-Tour

    4.3 (70)·Moderate·6 mi·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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