Annweiler Castle Trail
80% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
4.9miLength
1,387ftElevation gain
3–3.5hrEstimated time
Loop
Popular premium hiking trail in the Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate.
This route is a certified premium hiking trail, parts of which follow the long-distance Palatinate Wine Trail. The rather short but very varied round is also well suited for families. The starting point of the hike is the hiking car park P1 at the Kurpark in Annweiler am Trifels. From here it goes on mostly natural, narrow paths past spectacular rock formations, castles and castle ruins. A short detour to the imperial fortress of Trifels, where the English king Richard the Lionheart was once imprisoned, is highly recommended. However, the quite steep climb to the castle requires a certain level of fitness. There is an entrance fee to visit the castle. If you are traveling with a DOG, you are not allowed to take dogs to the castle.
The hike can be reached by bus and train (access from Annweiler am Trifels train station). There are places to stop.
Danger! The castle ruins of Scharfenberg/Münz along the way are expected to be closed until the end of 2023 due to renovation work.
Highlights of the hike:
- Trifels Imperial Castle
- Castle Scharfenberg / Münz
- Familyfriendly
- Neukastell ruins
- Very high proportion of nature trails
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Top sights
Jungturm
Peak
Sonnenberg (Wasgau)
Peak
Reichsburg Trifels
Castle
Naturfreunde Annweiler
Campsite
Konzertmuschel
Hut
Ritterstein 221 "Windhof"
Attraction
Anebos
Castle
Bindersbacher Turm
Peak
Fensterfels
Peak
Scharfenberg
Peak
Waldgalerie Annweiler
Attraction
Burg Scharfenberg
Castle
Münzfels
Peak
Reisemobilstellplätze Markwardanlage (am Kurpark)
Caravan site
Pfalz-Lamas
Attraction
Top sights
Jungturm
Peak
Sonnenberg (Wasgau)
Peak
Reichsburg Trifels
Castle
Naturfreunde Annweiler
Campsite
Konzertmuschel
Hut
Ritterstein 221 "Windhof"
Attraction
Anebos
Castle
Bindersbacher Turm
Peak
Fensterfels
Peak
Scharfenberg
Peak
Waldgalerie Annweiler
Attraction
Burg Scharfenberg
Castle
Münzfels
Peak
Reisemobilstellplätze Markwardanlage (am Kurpark)
Caravan site
Pfalz-Lamas
Attraction
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Enjoy this 4.9-mile loop trail near Annweiler am Trifels, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 51 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What is the expected weather this week for Annweiler Castle Trail?
Expected weather for Annweiler Castle Trail for the next 5 days is:
- Fri, September 25 - 78 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 82 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 85 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 82 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 29 - 80 degrees/clear
Where is Annweiler Castle Trail located?
Annweiler Castle Trail is a trail located in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
How hard is Annweiler Castle Trail?
Annweiler Castle Trail is considered a moderate hike that covers 4.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,387 ft. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Annweiler Castle Trail?
Annweiler Castle Trail is considered a moderate hike that covers 4.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,387 ft. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Annweiler Castle Trail a loop?
Annweiler Castle Trail is a loop trail that covers 4.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,387 ft. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Annweiler Castle Trail?
Annweiler Castle Trail is a loop trail that covers 4.9 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,387 ft. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Loop trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Annweiler Castle Trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Annweiler Castle Trail, but must remain on a leash.
When is the best time of year to hike Annweiler Castle Trail?
Annweiler Castle Trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Annweiler Castle Trail?
According to trailgoers, Annweiler Castle Trail is usually busy. Annweiler Castle Trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Is camping allowed at Annweiler Castle Trail?
Camping is allowed on Annweiler Castle Trail 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 Annweiler Castle Trail kid-friendly?
Yes, many trailgoers have described Annweiler Castle Trail as good for kids and families. Kid-friendly trails are typically short, with clearly marked paths and fairly level terrain.
Are there forests at Annweiler Castle Trail?
Yes, Annweiler Castle Trail is a forest trail in Palatinate Forest-Vosges du Nord Biosphere Reserve.
Are there wildflowers at Annweiler Castle Trail?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Annweiler Castle Trail, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there a fee required at Annweiler Castle Trail?
Yes, a fee is required at Annweiler Castle Trail. Check local park resources for more information.
Last updated on September 25, 2026 at 4:02 am GMT+0