Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach
9.3miLength
2,555ftElevation gain
5.5–6hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route is stage 1 of the Soonwaldsteig, a long-distance trail in Rhineland-Palatinate. This segment leads from Kirn to Bundenbach. The path climbs from the Nahe Valley up to the striking quartzite cliffs of Kallenfels and follows the Hahnenbach Valley. Highlights include Wartenstein Castle, the Schmidtburg ruins, and the Celtic settlement of Altburg.
Overnight stays are possible at the Schmidtburg trekking camp (reservation required); wild camping is prohibited. Natural water sources are limited, so a sufficient supply should be carried from Kirn. The starting point in Kirn is accessible by regional train, while Bundenbach is served by bus; schedules at https://www.rnn.info or https://www.bahn.de.
For the full route and all stages, see https://www.alltrails.com/lists/soonwaldsteig - Official AllTrails List.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Soonwaldsteig
Top sights
Hahnenbach
River
Schmidtburg
Castle
Schloss Wartenstein
Castle
Burg Kallenfels
Castle
Hahnenbach
River
Burg Stein
Castle
Stock im Hane
Castle
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Discover this 9.3-mile point-to-point trail near Kirn, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 5 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 trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Expected weather for Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach for the next 5 days is:
- Thu, September 24 - 71 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 79 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 78 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 84 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 83 degrees/clear
Where is Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach located?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach is a trail located in Soonwald-Nahe Nature Park.
How hard is Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach is considered a hard hike that covers 9.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,555 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 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 Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach is considered a hard hike that covers 9.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,555 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach a point to point trail?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach is a point to point trail that covers 9.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,555 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 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 Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach is a point to point trail that covers 9.3 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,555 ft. It takes about 5.5–6 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 Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Dogs may be allowed on Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
According to trailgoers, Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach is usually somewhat busy. Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there rivers at Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Yes, Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach is near Hahnenbach and Hahnenbach.
Is camping allowed at Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Camping is allowed on Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach in Soonwald-Nahe 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.
Is backpacking allowed at Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Backpacking is allowed on Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach. 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 Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Yes, Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach is a forest trail in Soonwald-Nahe Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Soonwaldsteig Stage 1: Kirn - Bundenbach in Soonwald-Nahe Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 3:57 am GMT+0