Pfälzer Waldpfad Stage 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein

Logo Pfälzer Waldpfad Stage 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein
long-distance walking trail
Logo Pfälzer Waldpfad Stage 6: Merzalben - Hauenstein
Tour data
22.49km
220 - 597m
Distance
521hm
527hm
Ascent
06:45h
 
Duration
Brief description

The 23km long sixth stage of the trail is not only the longest section of the route, it also boasts the highest point of the trail with the 607m high Weißenberg and the breath-taking views from the top to reward you for your exertions.

Difficulty
difficult
Rating
Technique
Fitness
Landscape
Experience
Starting point

Merzalben

Route
Merzalben
Gräfenstein Hütte PWV Merzalben
1.1 km
Holländerklotz
12.1 km
Weißenberg (609 m)
12.5 km
Luitpoldturm
12.7 km
Weißenberg (610 m)
12.7 km
Luitpoldstein
13.3 km
Hermersbergerhof
14.6 km


Best season
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Description
The "Königsetappe" starts at the centre of Merzalben and leads to the Burgruine Gräfenstein. With a flashlight in your hand can the explore the keep, the only heptagonal keep in Germany, via a narrow spiral staircase. Once at the top, the Palatinate Forest spreads out like a carpet in front of you. From the visitor's parking lot, the trail then leads to the Winschertkopf. This stony colossus crowns a conical hill overlooking the valley of Merzalbe and allows a deep insight into the Palatinate Forest. A dense forest trail with comfortable ups and downs takes you to the summit of the Weißenburg with its Luitpold tower. At 607 m above sea level the perspectives of the views change and not only the village houses below shrink to a miniature size. The descent to the hamlet  of Hermersbergerhof past the ruins of the Falkenburg , brings you into the valley of the Queich. A detour to the twin-sandstone steepled church in Wilgartswiesen offers itself as a last highlight before reaching the day’s goal of Hauenstein.

 

UFFBASSE! - Campaign for being considerate of others in nature

Always act in a proactive, friendly and considerate way towards everyone you encounter along the way. Respect nature, do not destroy plants and always stay on the paths. Try to avoid excessive noise and leave the forest before dusk. Remember to take a rubbish bag with you when you go out and take your rubbish back home. Please keep your dog on a leash at all times. Other visitors and animals thank you. For your own safety, observe all road closures, including at weekends. Park only in designated parking areas. Leave space for emergency vehicles and agricultural machinery. Please give priority to agricultural and forestry traffic.
Directions
The so-called 'King's stage' of the Pfälzer Waldpfad trail begins in the centre of Merzalben, on the corner of the Hauptstraße/Zimmerbergstraße streets. It then leads us into the forest and after a short ascent to the ruins of Gräfenstein Castle (1), which dates from the era of the Swabian dynasty in the Middle Ages. Equipped with the torches we have brought with us, we can explore the castle's seven-cornered keep and enjoy the view over Merzalben and, in the distance, the rolling green hills of the Palatinate Forest.

We leave the castle and return to the car park, where we can begin our ascent to Winschertkopf (2). This mighty red sandstone rock stands on a hill and towers high over the Merzalbe Valley. After enjoying the magnificent views once again, we continue through the forest on gently undulating paths and gradually ascend to the top of the Weißenberg. At 607m above sea level, this is the highest point on the Pfälzer Waldpfad trail. We can enjoy another magnificent view from the Luitpold Tower (3), this time of the largest continuously forested area in Germany.

We then descend to the hamlet of Hermersbergerhof and from there past the ruins of Falkenburg Castle and into the Queich Valley. We can make a quick detour to visit Wilgartswiesen, with its twin-towered sandstone church, before reaching our final destination of Hauenstein.

Highest point
597 m
Endpoint

Hauenstein

Height profile
© outdooractive.com

Equipment

We recommend the following equipment as standard for our hiking tours:

Sturdy shoes
Clothing suitable for the weather
Sun and rain protection
Sufficient quantity of food and drink, as refreshment stops or shopping facilities are not always available or open.
Although the paths are very well marked throughout, for safety reasons it is always advisable to carry a suitable hiking map so that you can quickly find your way to a safe area in the event of a thunderstorm or emergency.

Safety instructions
In light of recent events:

Coronavirus Guide from the German Hiking Association

 

In autumn in particular, it is important to remember that leaves lying on the ground can hide bumps, roots, stones and holes in the path. Trees can topple and branches can fall down after thunderstorms and rainstorms. Natural paths can become muddy and slippery, especially in poor weather conditions. Not all rocks and precipices are secured with ropes or railings. You need to be sure-footed in certain areas. Damage to paths of this kind is to be expected on hikes. If you feel that certain sections of the path are not passable for you, please avoid them.

 

NOTE:

We endeavour to announce all closures due to forest work or hunting parties on this platform. Nevertheless, sometimes there are situations where hiking trails are closed and we may not have been informed. If you unexpectedly encounter a road closure or diversion, please follow the instructions for your own safety.


Directions

A65 to the Landau-Nord exit, continue on the B10 to Münchweiler and from there to Merzalben / A62 to the Pirmasens exit, continue on the B10 to Münchweiler and from there to Merzalben

Public transportation

Train to Pirmasens or Rodalben, then take the bus to Merzalben

Parking

In Merzalben


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General info

Refreshment stop
Cultural/Historical
A lot of view
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