Hikes in Becherbach

The "Old Worlds" route connects old and new times.

​The Palatinate Uplands are truly rich in scenic views, making them ideal for wonderful hikes. This “land of musicians” also takes center stage when hiking the Veldenz Trail—creating experiences that touch the soul.> It all begins with a bang:Lichtenberg Castle, the ancestral seat of the Counts of Veldenz, perched high above the small village of Thallichtenberg, is the starting point of the hiking trail that leads to Veldenz Castle in Lauterecken. This certified hiking trail, which also holds the “Leading Quality Trail – Best of Europe” distinction, is characterized by varied landscapes and a natural tranquility that is rarely found anymore . Five daily stages offer nearly a week of pure hiking enjoyment, as the Veldenz Hiking Trail winds through many paths and diverse landscapes. In the Glan and Lauter valleys, life thrives in the small villages, but as soon as the trail climbs back up to higher ground, you can be completely at one with yourself. While hiking, your own footsteps set the rhythm of a symphony of nature, undisturbed by virtually any sound of civilization. At Lichtenberg Castle, the trail’s starting point, you can capture the heart and soul of the Palatinate Uplands. History, culture, and incredibly sweeping views from the castle keep—which is open to the public year-round—set the tone for this hiking symphony.Unspoiled trails and grassy paths are good for both your feet and your soul, even when the trail leads uphill. With an alpine feel, the trail winds through the Mittagsfels Nature Reserve up to the heights, where, as the first harbingers of spring, many pasqueflowers bloom on the sunny slope—a spot that also served as a lookout point during wartime. The view across the Glan Valley and toward the Preussian Mountains from here is unimaginably vast. Time and again, the Veldenz Hiking Trail delights with new vistas and ever-changing landscapes.In the morning, fog rises from the Glan and Lauter valleys and enchants the world; in May, the slopes glow in brilliant gold when the broom blooms. But it’s not just nature that shapes the Veldenz Hiking Trail: In addition to Lichtenberg Castle, the oil mill in St. Julian, the moated castle in Reipoltskirchen with its sculpture trail, and Veldenz Castle in Lauterecken all add exciting highlights. The history and culture of the Palatinate Uplands come alive there. It’s well worth stopping at these sites along the way. The old oil mill in St. Julian is a true gem of craft history. Since 1730, oil has been extracted there from rapeseed, poppy seeds, and flaxseed—though today it’s used only for demonstration purposes. The oil mill houses one of the last remainingstemin Europe, carved from a single log, used to “crush” the oilseeds. The former moated castle in Reipoltskirchen is one of the few largely preserved moated castles in the Palatinate. In recent years, it has been transformed into a gem that houses a restaurant and an art school. The small town of Lauterecken at the confluence of the Lauter and Glan rivers, once the residence of the Counts of Palatinate-Veldenz, is a perfect destination for a beautiful hiking trail. The old town has been lovingly restored over the years, and there is much to discover—from the five-arch stone Lauter Bridge to Veldenz Castle with its late-Gothic Veldenz Tower, right on through to an exciting handcar ride. Of course, Lauterecken also offers a variety of places to stop for a bite to eat and rest. And for those with a little more time who’d like to explore the beautiful surroundings, we highly recommend the Glan and Lauter valleys.