Palatinate Wine Trail stage 11 Bad Bergzabern - Schweigen-Rechtenbach

Our last stage begins at the market square in Bad Bergzabern. After a leisurely warm-up stretch through the beautifully landscaped spa park of the town, we hike into the vineyards. We pass a shelter hut in the forest and then reach Dörrenbach along the meadow valley, one of the most beautiful places on the German Wine Route. Picturesque half-timbered houses and rustic wine taverns invite you to linger here. We stroll past the 400-year-old Renaissance-style half-timbered town hall and the historic fortified church and then climb up through the forest to the Kolmerberg Chapel, one of the most popular pilgrimage churches in the South Palatinate. On shady paths, we continue upwards to the viewpoint on the Stäffelsberg. Afterwards, we hike downhill through the forest, follow the Westwall Trail along the southern slopes of the Farrenberg, and thus reach the Guttenberg ruin (5) on Schlossberg. Beyond the ruin begins a longer descent, past a trail junction with a shelter hut, down to the attractively situated landscape pond in the Breitenborn valley. Now only a scenic section through sunny vineyards separates us from the end point of our hike, the famous German Wine Gate in Schweigen-Rechtenbach. In front of the 18 m high landmark of the German Wine Route, we have finally made it and can look back on eventful days on the Palatinate Wine Trail. Over the yellow-red marked access path of the Wine Trail, a detour to the nearby Wissembourg, only 3 kilometers away, is worthwhile. The beautiful French town offers numerous dining and shopping opportunities and has a train connection towards Neustadt.

For our hikes, we recommend the following standard equipment:

Sturdy footwear Weather-appropriate clothing Sun and rain protection A sufficient supply of food and drinks, as dining or shopping opportunities are not always available or open everywhere. Even though the paths are very well marked throughout, for safety reasons it is always advisable to carry a suitable hiking map so that, for example, in case of a thunderstorm or emergency you can quickly find a safe area.

Hiking on natural paths and trails - Especially in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves on the ground can conceal uneven spots, roots, stones, or holes in the path. After thunderstorms or rainstorms, trees may still fall or branches may drop. Particularly in adverse weather conditions, natural paths may have muddy and slippery sections. Not all rocks or cliffs are secured with ropes or railings. Surefootedness is sometimes required. You should expect such trail impairments when undertaking a hike. If you consider certain trail sections impassable for you, you should avoid them. Despite the 'unleavable' marking of the premium hiking trails, we recommend always 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. Trail closures and detours must be strictly observed.

Hazard situations - In case of an emergency, quick help is needed. And even though mobile phones emit GPS signals, classical rescue points often provide the quickest assistance. These are located at spots that are easily accessible to rescue vehicles. Remember the points with green signs and a white cross. Return there in an emergency and give the number on the sign when calling for help. That way, rescuers will know where to find you.

On the A65 to the Landau-Süd exit, then on the B38 to Bad Bergzabern

By train to Bad Bergzabern

Timetable information: via the DB travel information and in the DB Navigator app

Castle parking lot

Train station parking lot

Please park only in designated parking spaces and always keep access routes for emergency vehicles and work paths in the forest and vineyards clear. For overnight stays in a camper or caravan, there are explicitly designated motorhome parking spaces.

360° Palatinate

Marking rules