recommended routeHiking Trail
· Pfalz OpenAltschlosspfad
WANDERarena Pfälzerwald/Nordvogesen Verified partner
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Photo: Kurt Groß, gliglag.de
The highlight and namesake of the picturesque and scenic path is the sandstone formation Altschlossfelsen, designated as a natural and cultural monument. The name comes from a castle that was built many hundreds of years ago on the rock towers
but has long since fallen into ruin.
An extraordinary hiking experience is the hike over the "Altschlosspfad" in the climatic spa of Eppenbrunn. On the route, discover one of the most famous sights of our region, the "Altschlossfelsen" near the French border. About 1.5 km long, the route leads past the mighty bizarre rock towers and rock walls shaped over the years by weather, wind, water, freezing frost & scorching heat, now traversed by delicate patterns and column galleries. The rocks are especially worth seeing in the light of the setting sun, when the shimmering red tones merge. But besides the magnificent rocky landscape, you will also find other highlights on the route, such as the "Hohlen Felsen", stunning landscapes, lakes, and the "Stream without Borders".
UFFBASSE! - Campaign for considerate coexistence in nature
- Always behave predictively, friendly, and considerately towards everyone you meet on the way.
- Pay attention to nature, do not destroy plants and always stay on the paths. Try to avoid excessive noise and leave the forest before dusk.
- Remember a garbage bag for the way and take litter back home.
- Please always keep your dog on a leash. Other visitors and animals will thank you.
- Observe all path closures for your own safety, also on weekends.
- Park only in designated parking lots. Leave space for emergency vehicles and agricultural machinery.
- Please give priority to agricultural and forestry traffic.
WANDERarena Pfälzerwald/Nordvogesen Verified partner
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Safety information
Despite the “fail-safe” marking of the premium hiking trails, we always recommend carrying an appropriate hiking map for safety reasons, so that, for example, in case of a thunderstorm or emergency you can quickly find a safe area.
Especially in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves on the ground can hide unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. After storms, trees can still fall or branches drop. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can have muddy and slippery sections. You must expect such path impairments when hiking. Not all rocks or cliffs are secured with ropes or railings. Sure-footedness is sometimes required. If you feel that certain sections of the path are not passable for you, you should avoid them.
Carry ID and sun protection.
Tips and suggestions
Tourist office Pirmasens-Land
Bahnhofstr. 19
66953 Pirmasens
Tel. 06331-872135, Fax 06331-872100
Roadbook
The route begins at the new forest parking lot of the Hotel-Restaurant Kupper. You walk about 600m on the forest path “Stream without Borders” westward. Then turn left into the tranquil Martelbachtal, surrounded by an old mixed forest of our main tree species oak, beech, spruce, Douglas fir, and pine. The small Martel creek first accompanies you for about 350 m on the left before you cross to the other side and follow the creek about 2 km up the valley. After a total of 3 km you reach the Helmut Kohl-Weg which you follow 100 m to the right. You are now on the border with France. To the right, you can briefly leave the Altschlosspfad to admire on the French side, after 10 minutes walking time, the Roman-era carved rock relief "Diana Goddess of the Hunt". Unfortunately, weathering has blurred the image somewhat, but the community of Roppviller is working on restoring this interesting work. You then return along the same path to the Altschlosspfad. Slightly ascending, after about 1 km you reach the Altschlosfelsen. Don't miss briefly leaving the path to the left onto the rock massif. After about 3 minutes you reach the viewpoint with 4 benches and
2 tables. In good weather, you have a wonderful view over the Palatinate Forest / Northern Vosges Nature Park. Then you return to the Altschlosspfad and follow the 1.5 km
long rock massif "Altschlosfelsen", the longest Buntsandstein formation in Rhineland-Palatinate!
After a slight descent, you cross the Helmut Kohl-Weg (another seating opportunity) and after about 2 km of gentle ascent reach the so-called "Hohlen Felsen". Downhill you can see the former customs houses above the Eppenbrunn pond. Upon reaching this, turn right towards Spiessweiher and after about 200 m turn left onto the so-called Sittelpfad (named after the former forester Sittel who laid this path many years ago). Going downhill, after a few minutes you reach the pond path parallel to the Eppenbrunn pond. Follow it left about 1 km and then enter the village at the Vita Natura Clinic. First, turn right, then left into Weiherstraße and after 150 m turn left into the leisure park. Along the Eppenbrunn creek you reach, via the parking lot at Haus Waldesruh, Himbaumstraße and after a total of 10.7 km and a leisurely walking time of 3 hours you are back at the parking lot of Hotel Kupper. Besides the beer garden and the affiliated hunter’s parlor of Hotel Kupper (open all year, no day off!), 3 other inns are available in the village: the inn Sängerklause (closed Mondays),
the wine bistro Hollerith (closed Tuesdays), and the guesthouse Waldesruh (closed Tuesdays)
A bakery and a gas station are also in the village.
Public transport
From Pirmasens railway station by bus 255 to EppenbrunnGet Timetable to destination
Directions
Navigation point: Himbaumstr. 22, 66957 EppenbrunnParking
Parking lot Hotel KupperCoordinates
Equipment
Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, as well as sun and rain protection.
The path is well marked in both directions, but it is still advisable to carry a hiking map or a smartphone with the appropriate app.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Statistics
Hotels/Pensionen/Privatvermieter
