Spirkelbach Höllenberg Route

Spirkelbach Höllenberg Route  

An approximately eight-kilometer half-day route that really has it all: the Spirkelbach Höllenberg Route. Easily walkable paths and trails lead to beautiful viewpoints at sometimes dizzying heights. The short ascents have quite steep gradients, but the plentiful rest and relaxation spots offer plenty of opportunities for short breaks. 

The start of this premium hiking trail, which runs along the ridge of the Höllenberg between the villages of Spirkelbach and Lug, is at the cemetery parking lot just before Spirkelbach. Already after the first ascent towards Ferkelstein, there is a cozy seating area for the first stop. Overall, you should take your time for the ridge hike and repeatedly enjoy the beautiful views and rest opportunities. The rock formation "Kleiner Ferkelstein" is the first attractive station on the discovery tour around the Höllenberg. The strikingly shaped rock slabs rise from the ground like stone discs. Here too, you have the opportunity to linger for a moment in the cool shade of the rock and take in the surroundings. The trail continues on a well-walkable forest path, sheltered under the leafy canopy of the deciduous trees, to the large rock brother "Großer Ferkelstein." From its rock platform, there is a great panoramic view of the hills of the Palatinate Forest. This is the ideal place for an extended picnic including a relaxation factor. Only the sounds of nature can be heard up here, and everyday life moves far away. 

"As if someone had spilled a sack of stones" might be an apt description for the "Klingel-Kopf," the highest elevation on the Höllenberg ridge. A gloomy path leads along the mountain ridge to this mystically appearing place. Along the way, you pass a moss-covered group of stones. Depending on the strength of the wind, you can hear the old beeches and oaks creaking there, sounding like a mighty grinding of teeth – fitting to the unique, mystical aura of this section of the trail. A narrow path winds through the rocks of the Klingel-Kopf and then slowly leads downhill again. After about 20 minutes of hiking, you can make a detour to the Ochsenborn spring, which lies about 200 meters below the path. It is quite inconspicuous but is described on the signboard of the Palatinate Forest Association as a "legendary spring." 

After just a few minutes on foot, a wonderful view of Hauenstein opens up at the starting point of the South Palatinate paragliders. In good weather, you can enjoy the view and relax on the pleasant sunny spot. Those who prefer it less sunny can find a shaded resting place a few meters further up near the hut of the Palatinate Forest Association in Lug. Refreshed and strengthened, the march continues towards the Höllenfelsen. On this stretch lies the "Luger Friedrichsfels," an impressive rock monument. Hikers with a fear of heights will look down respectfully from behind the barrier at the steep rock face. This nearly 60-meter-high rock tower is the landmark of the municipality of Lug and is called "Luger Fritz" by locals. 

From here it is about two kilometers back to Spirkelbach. But before the route leads down into the valley again, the last attraction awaits the hikers: the "Höllenfelsen." Sitting on a wooden bench, you have a breathtaking view of the valley. "True peace" is the motto at this viewpoint. In different shades of red and orange, the rock stands out against the blue sky and the lush green of the plants. With this memorable image, the route finally descends into the valley, through an idyllic meadow landscape back to the starting point of the circular hiking trail. 

The beauty of this hiking route is the short distances between the viewpoints and rock formations, providing plenty of variety. For hikers of all ages, this premium hiking trail of the Hauenstein collective municipality is an exciting experience.

Text: Daniela Trauthwein