German-French Castle Trail
100% of reviewers say this trail is hard
20.8miLength
5,085ftElevation gain
11.5–12.5hrEstimated time
Loop
Hiking trail rich in castles in the German-French border area near Schönau, Rhineland-Palatinate
This route is a certified premium hiking trail. It starts in Schönau and leads to several old castle ruins in Germany and France. There are eight ruins in total and many interesting rock formations to discover. Often narrow paths, it goes up and down through the beautiful natural landscape, several times close to impressive rock formations with the typical colors and weathered shapes of the sandstone.
The hike can usually be completed in two days. There are places to stay and stop for refreshments along the way in the villages in the valleys. The route is marked with a stylized black castle tower on a white background and "German-French Castle Trail".
Premium hiking trails are hiking trails certified by the "Deutsches Wanderinstitut eV". They are characterized by a particularly high experience value. Furthermore, they are excellently marked and thus guarantee a balanced and beautiful hiking experience.
Highlights:
- numerous castles, such as the Wegelnburg
- impressive rock formations
- Panoramic views over the surrounding landscapes
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Schlossberg
Peak
Sindelsberg
Peak
Langer Fels
Cliff
Château du Loewenstein
Castle
Château de Fleckenstein
Castle
Wegelnburg
Castle
Château du Petit-Arnsberg
Cliff
Falkenberg
Peak
Château du Petit Arnsbourg
Castle
Bergfried
Ruins
Château de Frœnsbourg
Castle
Grand-Wasigenstein
Castle
Herberg
Peak
Saarbach
River
Château de Hohenbourg
Castle
Le rocher des Tziganes
Viewpoint
Camping du Fleckenstein
Campsite
Source Maidenbrunnen
Spring
Étang de Fleckenstein
Lake
Château de Loewenstein
Ruins
Petit-Wasigenstein
Castle
Blumenstein
Castle
Wachtfels
Viewpoint
Goetzenberg
Peak
Kuhnenkopf
Peak
Fuchsberg
Peak
Wolffelsen
Cliff
Lauskopf
Peak
Maimont
Peak
Großer Florenberg
Peak
Wolfsgrube
Attraction
Klein Arnsberg
Castle
Engenteich
Peak
Schlossberg
Peak
Schlüsselfels
Cliff
Schwobberg
Peak
Schwobberg
Peak
Altes Heer
Cliff
Am Königsweiher
Campsite
Top sights
Schlossberg
Peak
Sindelsberg
Peak
Langer Fels
Cliff
Château du Loewenstein
Castle
Château de Fleckenstein
Castle
Wegelnburg
Castle
Château du Petit-Arnsberg
Cliff
Falkenberg
Peak
Château du Petit Arnsbourg
Castle
Bergfried
Ruins
Château de Frœnsbourg
Castle
Grand-Wasigenstein
Castle
Herberg
Peak
Saarbach
River
Château de Hohenbourg
Castle
Le rocher des Tziganes
Viewpoint
Camping du Fleckenstein
Campsite
Source Maidenbrunnen
Spring
Étang de Fleckenstein
Lake
Château de Loewenstein
Ruins
Petit-Wasigenstein
Castle
Blumenstein
Castle
Wachtfels
Viewpoint
Goetzenberg
Peak
Kuhnenkopf
Peak
Fuchsberg
Peak
Wolffelsen
Cliff
Lauskopf
Peak
Maimont
Peak
Großer Florenberg
Peak
Wolfsgrube
Attraction
Klein Arnsberg
Castle
Engenteich
Peak
Schlossberg
Peak
Schlüsselfels
Cliff
Schwobberg
Peak
Schwobberg
Peak
Altes Heer
Cliff
Am Königsweiher
Campsite
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Experience this 20.8-mile loop trail near Schönau, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 19 min to complete. This is a very popular area for camping and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash.
What is the expected weather this week for German-French Castle Trail?
Expected weather for German-French Castle Trail for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 26 - 81 degrees/opplett
- Sun, September 27 - 83 degrees/opplett
- Mon, September 28 - 84 degrees/opplett
- Tue, September 29 - 84 degrees/opplett
- Wed, September 30 - 68 degrees/regnbyger
Where is German-French Castle Trail located?
German-French Castle Trail is a trail located in Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park.
How hard is German-French Castle Trail?
German-French Castle Trail is considered a hard hike that covers 20.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 5,085 ft. It takes about 11.5–12.5 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 German-French Castle Trail?
German-French Castle Trail is considered a hard hike that covers 20.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 5,085 ft. It takes about 11.5–12.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is German-French Castle Trail a loop?
German-French Castle Trail is a loop trail that covers 20.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 5,085 ft. It takes about 11.5–12.5 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 German-French Castle Trail?
German-French Castle Trail is a loop trail that covers 20.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 5,085 ft. It takes about 11.5–12.5 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 German-French Castle Trail?
Yes, dogs are allowed on German-French Castle Trail, but must remain on a leash.
When is the best time of year to hike German-French Castle Trail?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit German-French Castle Trail.
How busy is German-French Castle Trail?
According to trailgoers, German-French Castle Trail is usually busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit German-French Castle Trail.
Are there rivers at German-French Castle Trail?
Yes, German-French Castle Trail is near Saarbach.
Are there scenic views at German-French Castle Trail?
Yes, according to trailgoers, German-French Castle Trail features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Le rocher des Tziganes and Wachtfels.
Are there lakes at German-French Castle Trail?
Yes, German-French Castle Trail is near Étang de Fleckenstein.
Is camping allowed at German-French Castle Trail?
Camping is allowed on German-French Castle Trail in Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park. 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 German-French Castle Trail?
Yes, German-French Castle Trail is a forest trail in Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at German-French Castle Trail?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on German-French Castle Trail, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at German-French Castle Trail?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at German-French Castle Trail in Northern Vosges Regional Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 12:36 am GMT+0