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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 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 - 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.

  4. #4 - 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,...

  5. #5 - 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...

  6. #6 - 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...

  7. #7 - 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...

  8. #8 - Adventure Trail to the Humberg Tower

    4.7 (164)·Moderate·3.5 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Short adventure route to the Humberg Tower near Kaiserslautern, Rhineland-Palatinate. This is a small search for clues up to the Pfaffenberg and the Großer Humberg with its excellent lookout tower. Although the trail is not well signposted, the little red tower logo can be seen every now and then along the trail. It climbs evenly through a very beautiful beech forest. From the top you have a magnificent view of the northern and central Palatinate Forest. The observation tower stands on the...

  9. #9 - 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.

  10. #10 - Frankenstein Ruins

    4.4 (147)·Moderate·4.5 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Short loop from the ruins of Frankenstein in the Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate. Frankenstein Castle is the ruin of a spur castle in the Palatinate Forest, which is a listed building. After an optional short visit, the route leads to the Schlossberg and through pretty woodland. On the way there are some viewpoints and shooting ranges that will be passed. Highlights: - Frankenstein ruins - Forest paths in the Palatinate Forest - View from the castle hill
Showing results 1–10 of 483
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