Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach
17.3miLength
2,939ftElevation gain
8.5–9hrEstimated time
Point to point
3rd stage of the chapel pilgrimage route, Rhineland-Palatinate.
The stage begins in Vorderweidenthal. As well as places to stop for refreshments, there is also the former St. Gallus church to discover. From there, the pilgrimage trail leads through the Erlenbach valley to Oberschlettenbach and on towards Lauterschwan along the idyllic Potzbach.
St. Michael's Chapel awaits in Lauterschwan. Bewartstein Castle can soon be seen from afar. The Seehofweiher pond can be a nice refreshment before heading uphill through the Palatinate Forest to Bobenthaler Kopf and the former monastery of St. Paul Weißenburg, St. Germanshof and Pauliner Schloss.
The views are magnificent and sometimes extend as far as the German Wine Gate.
Highlights:
- St. Gallus Church
- St. Michael's Chapel
- Bewartstein Castle
- Seehof pond
- Bobenthaler head
- St. Paul's Monastery Weißenburg
- Paulin Castle
- Great views
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Château Saint-Paul
Castle
Deutsches Weintor
Attraction
Seehofweiher
Lake
La Lauter
River
Probstberg
Peak
Ritterstein 29 "Ehem. Bleierzgrube"
Attraction
Frauenwoog
Lake
Mückenköpfel
Peak
Breitenberg
Peak
Todtenkopf
Peak
Hirzeck
Peak
Naturfreundehaus Bethof
Campsite
Château Langenberg
Castle
Site celtique
Archaeological site
Krummer Ellenbogen
Peak
Ritterstein 19 "Pfälzer Unger"
Attraction
Ritterstein 3 "Spoon Cross"
Attraction
Ritterstein 26 "An der Bildeiche"
Attraction
Ritterstein 2 "Schanze 1704"
Attraction
Ritterstein 5 "Donkey's Grinding Hut"
Attraction
Schillersbrunnen
Spring
WH 337
Ruins
Top sights
Château Saint-Paul
Castle
Deutsches Weintor
Attraction
Seehofweiher
Lake
La Lauter
River
Probstberg
Peak
Ritterstein 29 "Ehem. Bleierzgrube"
Attraction
Frauenwoog
Lake
Mückenköpfel
Peak
Breitenberg
Peak
Todtenkopf
Peak
Hirzeck
Peak
Naturfreundehaus Bethof
Campsite
Château Langenberg
Castle
Site celtique
Archaeological site
Krummer Ellenbogen
Peak
Ritterstein 19 "Pfälzer Unger"
Attraction
Ritterstein 3 "Spoon Cross"
Attraction
Ritterstein 26 "An der Bildeiche"
Attraction
Ritterstein 2 "Schanze 1704"
Attraction
Ritterstein 5 "Donkey's Grinding Hut"
Attraction
Schillersbrunnen
Spring
WH 337
Ruins
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Enjoy this 17.3-mile point-to-point trail near Vorderweidenthal, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 8 h 3 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking, camping, and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Expected weather for Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 26 - 83 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 82 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 82 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 29 - 82 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 30 - 67 degrees/showers
Where is Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach located?
Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is a trail located in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
How hard is Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is considered a hard hike that covers 17.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,939 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 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 Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is considered a hard hike that covers 17.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,939 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach a point to point trail?
Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is a point to point trail that covers 17.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,939 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 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 Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is a point to point trail that covers 17.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,939 ft. It takes about 8.5–9 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 Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Dogs may be allowed on Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
According to trailgoers, Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is usually not too busy. Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there lakes at Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Yes, Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is near Seehofweiher and Frauenwoog.
Are there rivers at Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Yes, Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is near La Lauter.
Is camping allowed at Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Camping is allowed on Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is backpacking allowed at Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Backpacking is allowed on Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach. 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 Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Yes, Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach is a forest trail in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
Are there wildflowers at Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Chapel Pilgrimage Route Stage 3: Vorderweidenthal - Schweigen-Rechtenbach, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 23, 2026 at 12:43 am GMT+0