Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg
8.7miLength
1,197ftElevation gain
4–4.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
Stage 3 of the "Palatinate Forest Path" long-distance hiking trail, Rhineland-Palatinate.
This is the third stage of the certified quality path "Palatinate Forest Path", which leads from Kaiserslautern to the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach once through the Palatinate Forest. The 14 km route, which is considered to be easy, starts in Johanniskreuz. You hike through the Schwarzbachtal, pass pretty ponds and a natural monument that is well worth seeing. You can stop for refreshments at the Naturfreundehaus Heltersberg on public holidays and weekends as well as on Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m.
If the restaurants and overnight accomodation in Heltersberg are not to your liking, you can take a bus to Waldfischbach.
Highlights of the hike:
- Hindenburg pine natural monument
- idyllic Schwarzbachtal
- Burgalbweiher
- Kieselweiher
- Friends of Nature House Heltersberg
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Pferdsbrunnenweiher
Pond
Burgalbweiher
Pond
Ritterstein 245 "Schwarzbach Ursprung"
Attraction
Ritterstein 101 "Burgalbsprung"
Attraction
Ziegeunerfels
Cliff
Molkenborn
Spring
Ritterstein 84 "Weisserstein"
Attraction
Reitersköpfchen
Peak
Widdershorn
Peak
Kieselweiherbrunnen
Spring
Steinhübel
Peak
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Experience this 8.7-mile point-to-point trail near Trippstadt, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 49 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day.
What is the expected weather this week for Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg?
Expected weather for Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 26 - 80 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 82 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 81 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 29 - 81 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 30 - 79 degrees/drizzle
Where is Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg located?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg is a trail located in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
How hard is Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg is considered a moderate hike that covers 8.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,197 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg is considered a moderate hike that covers 8.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,197 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg a point to point trail?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg is a point to point trail that covers 8.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,197 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 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 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg is a point to point trail that covers 8.7 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,197 ft. It takes about 4–4.5 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 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg?
Dogs may be allowed on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Is backpacking allowed at Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg?
Backpacking is allowed on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg. 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 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg?
Yes, Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 3: Johanniskreuz - Heltersberg is a forest trail in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
Last updated on September 21, 2026 at 12:19 am GMT+0