Palatinate Forest Trail Stage 09 Erlenbach - Schweigen-Rechtenbach

The last stage of the Palatinate Forest Trail initially takes us from Erlenbach to Berwartstein Castle (1), the only castle in the Wasgau still inhabited today. Afterwards, we pass the Seehof Pond (2), which invites you to swim on hot days, and follow the Portzbach downstream until shortly before its confluence with the Wieslauter. Here, the route of the Palatinate Forest Trail leads us in several bends along the slope north of the Wieslauter through the forest to the St. Germanshof forest inn (3), which lies directly on the German-French border. Shortly afterward, we enter French territory. Shortly after reaching the edge of the forest, a magnificent view (4) opens up to our right over the northern Alsace town of Wissembourg, which on clear days can extend to the Hornisgrinde in the Black Forest. We hike back across the literally green border through vineyards to German territory and down the slope to Schweigen at the foot of the mountains. With the German Wine Gate (5), this is not only the southern end of the German Wine Route but also the destination of our hike. A detour to the historic old town of Wissembourg is highly recommended from here. And of course, you should not miss stopping at a vintner to conclude the route. Those who still haven’t had enough hiking can see the wine tasting there as the start of the Palatinate Wine Trail.

From the Wine Gate, the yellow-red marked access path of the Palatinate Wine Trail leads on a detour to the nearby town of Wissembourg, only 3 kilometers away. This beautiful French town offers numerous places to eat and shop and has a train connection towards Neustadt. The detour is also possible from the Bannwald via the green-yellow marked access path of the Palatinate Forest Trail.

Please note: On the French side, the marking system changes. The forest path logo is displayed here (in small) on the white signs of the Vosges Club at intersections.

For our hiking tours, we recommend the following equipment as standard:

Hiking on natural paths and trails - Especially in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves can hide unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. After thunderstorms or heavy rain, trees may still fall or branches may drop. In adverse weather, natural paths can be muddy and slippery. Not all rocks or cliffs are secured with ropes or railings. Sure-footedness is required in places. You must expect such path impairments when hiking. If you think certain parts of the route are not passable for you, you should bypass them. Despite the 'unmissable' marking of premium hiking trails, for safety reasons, always carry a suitable hiking map so you can quickly find a safe area during a storm or emergency. Trail closures and detours must be observed.

Danger situations - In an emergency, quick help is needed. Even if mobile phones can send GPS signals, classic rescue points are often the fastest. These are located at spots accessible to rescue vehicles. Remember the points marked with green signs and a white cross. In an emergency, return there and give the number on the sign when calling for help. This way, rescue workers know where to find you.

Take exit Landau-North on the A65. Then on the B10 to the Bad Bergzabern exit and continue on the B48 and L495 via Darstein to Erlenbach 

Or: Take exit Landau-South on the A65. Then on the B38 to Bad Bergzabern and continue on the B427  via Birkenhördt  to Erlenbach 

By train to Bad Bergzabern, then by bus 545 direction Bride and Groom in Dahn (stop: Erlenbach)

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

Parking lot Brückenstraße

Parking lot at the festival ground

Please only park 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 campers & caravans, there are explicitly designated motorhome pitches.

Marking rules

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