Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein
14miLength
2,381ftElevation gain
7–7.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
Stage 6 of the "Palatinate Forest Path" long-distance hiking trail, Rhineland-Palatinate.
This is the sixth stage of the certified quality path "Palatinate Forest Path", which leads from Kaiserslautern through the Palatinate Forest to the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach. The longest stage of the long-distance hiking trail, which is also considered to be quite demanding, starts in Merzalben and ends in Hauenstein. Walking past castles and ruins, it goes high up to the Weißenberg, the highest point of the Palatinate Forest Path. Fantastic views and some very quiet forest passages provide the necessary relaxation. There are restaurants and a train station in Hauenstein.
Highlights of the hike:
- Gräfenstein castle ruins
- Luitpold tower on the Weißenberg
- Winschertkopf.
- Falkenburg ruins
- Valley of the Queich
- Hauenstein
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Ritterstein 54 Schäferei
Attraction
Burg Gräfenstein
Castle
Luitpoldturm
Attraction
Ritterstein 70 "Prinzregent Luitpold"
Attraction
Winschertfels
Peak
Schloßberg
Peak
Auf der Wasserschöpf
Peak
Kieneckfelsen
Cliff
Schloßberg
Peak
Hinterer Winschertkopf
Peak
Weißenberg
Peak
Falkenburg
Castle
Felsentor
Attraction
Ritterstein 57 "Dreiherrenstein"
Attraction
Neding
Peak
Katzenkopf
Peak
Ritterstein 71 "Am Holländerklotz"
Attraction
Luitpoldturm
Viewpoint
Mühlenberg
Peak
Ritterstein 226 "Old Street"
Attraction
Ritterstein 225 "Ruts - Embankment"
Attraction
Ritterstein 224 "Old Road – Falkenburger Steige"
Attraction
Ritterstein 52 "Eusserthal Monastery Estate"
Attraction
Ritterstein 227 "Alte Straße – Keltenzeit – Mittelalter"
Attraction
Top sights
Ritterstein 54 Schäferei
Attraction
Burg Gräfenstein
Castle
Luitpoldturm
Attraction
Ritterstein 70 "Prinzregent Luitpold"
Attraction
Winschertfels
Peak
Schloßberg
Peak
Auf der Wasserschöpf
Peak
Kieneckfelsen
Cliff
Schloßberg
Peak
Hinterer Winschertkopf
Peak
Weißenberg
Peak
Falkenburg
Castle
Felsentor
Attraction
Ritterstein 57 "Dreiherrenstein"
Attraction
Neding
Peak
Katzenkopf
Peak
Ritterstein 71 "Am Holländerklotz"
Attraction
Luitpoldturm
Viewpoint
Mühlenberg
Peak
Ritterstein 226 "Old Street"
Attraction
Ritterstein 225 "Ruts - Embankment"
Attraction
Ritterstein 224 "Old Road – Falkenburger Steige"
Attraction
Ritterstein 52 "Eusserthal Monastery Estate"
Attraction
Ritterstein 227 "Alte Straße – Keltenzeit – Mittelalter"
Attraction
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 14.0-mile point-to-point trail near Merzalben, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 h 33 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
What is the expected weather this week for Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Expected weather for Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein for the next 5 days is:
- Fri, September 25 - 77 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 80 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 82 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 81 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 29 - 80 degrees/clear
Where is Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein located?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is a trail located in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
How hard is Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is considered a hard hike that covers 14 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,381 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is considered a hard hike that covers 14 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,381 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein a point to point trail?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is a point to point trail that covers 14 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,381 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is a point to point trail that covers 14 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,381 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Dogs may be allowed on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there scenic views at Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Yes, Luitpoldturm is located on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein.
Is backpacking allowed at Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Backpacking is allowed on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein. 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 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Yes, Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein is a forest trail in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
Are there wildflowers at Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Pfälzer Waldpfad Etappe 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 1:21 am GMT+0