Palatinate Wine Trail Stage 09 Annweiler am Trifels - Klingenmünster

No fewer than eight scenic ruins and castles are located on or near our route, including the Trifels Imperial Castle and the Madenburg ruin. In addition, we discover impressive sandstone formations.

From the spa park in Annweiler, we hike uphill on shaded paths through chestnut forests to the parking lot of Trifels Castle. A detour to the former imperial castle with the imperial regalia on the 494 m high Sonnenberg is definitely worthwhile. Passing the Barbarossa forest inn, we go below the Anebos ruin into a terrain saddle, flanked on both sides by impressive sandstone rocks. These partly weathered, pitted masses rise like cliffs from the forest floor and form an impressive backdrop.

Especially on weekends, we can observe climbers practicing their sport here. Now we cross on a charming path below the rocks and the Scharfenberg ruin. After a short, steep descent, we hike along the wooded southern slopes of the Föhrlenberg and then on a path through chestnut forests uphill to the Neukastell ruin. Using a steep ladder, we climb to a viewing platform, where a magnificent view of the opposite Madenburg awaits us.

Then we descend past the Slevogthof, the longtime residence and workplace of the famous impressionist Max Slevogt, into the small village of Leinsweiler, where we can refresh ourselves at a Kneipp facility by the roadside. Through sunny vineyards and shady forests, we now leisurely hike uphill to the Madenburg castle ruin, one of the largest and oldest castle complexes in the Palatinate. A castle tavern invites you to stop for a break in a historic setting. On a narrow path, we then descend into the Kaiserbach valley and past the Palatinate Clinic to the Landeck ruin.

Here too, we are greeted by a castle tavern with a splendid view of the Rhine plain. Only a descent separates us from our daily destination, the lovely wine village of Klingenmünster.

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

Hiking on natural paths and trails - Especially in autumn, note that fallen leaves on the ground can cover unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. After thunderstorms or heavy rain, trees can still fall or branches break off. In adverse weather conditions, natural paths might have muddy and slippery sections. Not all rocks or abysses are secured with ropes or railings. Surefootedness is required in places. Expect such path impairments when hiking. If you feel certain sections are not passable for you, you should avoid them. Despite "unmistakable" markings on premium hiking trails, we recommend always carrying an appropriate hiking map for safety reasons, so you can quickly find a safe area in case of a thunderstorm or emergency. Path closures and detours must be strictly observed.

Danger situations - In an emergency, quick help is crucial. Even though cell phones can send GPS signals, classic rescue points are often the fastest. These points are in areas accessible for 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 to the emergency responders. This way, they know where to find you.

Along the A65 to the Landau-Nord exit, continue on the B10 to Annweiler am Trifels. Then take the exit towards Annweiler-East.

By train to Annweiler am Trifels

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

In Annweiler am Trifels:

P1 Hiking parking lot at the spa park
P6 Im Zwinger in the town center
P10 Villa Gotthold in the town center

Please only park in designated parking spaces and always keep access routes for emergency vehicles as well as work paths in the forest and vineyards clear. For overnight stays with camper and caravan, there are specifically designated motorhome parking spaces available here.

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Marking rules