Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach
10.6miLength
1,883ftElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
Stage 9 of the "Pfälzer Waldpfad" long-distance hiking trail, Rhineland-Palatinate.
Tranquil Erlenbach is the starting point of the ninth and last stage of the certified quality trail "Palatinate Forest Path", which leads through the Palatinate Forest from Kaiserslautern to the German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach.
The last stage of the long-distance hiking trail enchants with a lot of variety: Right at the beginning of the hike, there is the opportunity to visit the Berwartstein rock castle. Of course, great views are not neglected either - on a clear day, these extend to the highest mountain in the northern Black Forest. At the stage destination, the southern end of the German Wine Route, there are several places to stay and eat.
Highlights of the hike:
- Rock Castle Berwartstein
- Seehof-Weiher
- Waldgasthof St. Germanshof
- View of the Hornisgrinde
- Detour to Wissembourg (optional)
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Château Saint-Paul
Castle
Deutsches Weintor
Attraction
Burggarten
Garden
Seehofweiher
Lake
La Lauter
River
Probstberg
Peak
Ritterstein 29 "Ehem. Bleierzgrube"
Attraction
Berwartstein
Castle
Mückenköpfel
Peak
Heldenbrunnen
Spring
Grindkopf
Peak
Hedwigsbrunnen
Spring
Dörrhalde
Peak
Château Langenberg
Castle
Ritterstein 17 "Biberkopf Site"
Attraction
Ritterstein 3 "Spoon Cross"
Attraction
Ritterstein 4 "Donkey's Grind"
Attraction
Ritterstein 2 "Schanze 1704"
Attraction
Top sights
Château Saint-Paul
Castle
Deutsches Weintor
Attraction
Burggarten
Garden
Seehofweiher
Lake
La Lauter
River
Probstberg
Peak
Ritterstein 29 "Ehem. Bleierzgrube"
Attraction
Berwartstein
Castle
Mückenköpfel
Peak
Heldenbrunnen
Spring
Grindkopf
Peak
Hedwigsbrunnen
Spring
Dörrhalde
Peak
Château Langenberg
Castle
Ritterstein 17 "Biberkopf Site"
Attraction
Ritterstein 3 "Spoon Cross"
Attraction
Ritterstein 4 "Donkey's Grind"
Attraction
Ritterstein 2 "Schanze 1704"
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 10.6-mile point-to-point trail near Erlenbach bei Dahn, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 59 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through November. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What is the expected weather this week for Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
Expected weather for Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach for the next 5 days is:
- Fri, September 25 - 78 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 82 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 84 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 82 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 29 - 81 degrees/clear
Where is Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach located?
Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach is a trail located in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
How hard is Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach is considered a hard hike that covers 10.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,883 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 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 Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach is considered a hard hike that covers 10.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,883 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach a point to point trail?
Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach is a point to point trail that covers 10.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,883 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 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 Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach is a point to point trail that covers 10.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,883 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 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 Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach, but must remain on a leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
March to November is the most popular time of year to visit Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach.
How busy is Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
According to trailgoers, Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach is usually somewhat busy. March to November is the most popular time of year to visit Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach.
Are there lakes at Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
Yes, Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach is near Seehofweiher.
Are there rivers at Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
Yes, Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach is near La Lauter.
Is camping allowed at Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
Camping is allowed on Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - 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 Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
Backpacking is allowed on Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - 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 Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach?
Yes, Palatinate Forest Path Stage 9: Erlenbach - Rechtenbach is a forest trail in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
Last updated on September 23, 2026 at 12:53 am GMT+0