Hohlsteinhütte

“When the flag is up, drinks are served!” This is the motto of the Palatinate Forest Association (PWV) on the 340-meter-high local mountain Hohlstein and the hut of the same name near Münchweiler on the Alsenz (Donnersbergkreis). For several reasons, it is a special example of the popular Palatinate hut culture: On the one hand, you can taste typical Palatinate specialties here while enjoying a fascinating view over the Alsenz valley and the Kaiserstraße depression towards the Northern Palatinate Mountains. On the other hand, nature lovers appreciate that the hut can only be reached on foot.

The hut is open from April to July and September to October on Sundays and public holidays (Easter and Pentecost only on Mondays). From 10 AM to 6 PM, sparkling wine and juice spritzers or wheat beer are served. To satisfy hunger, there are liver dumplings, grilled sausages, saumagen with sauerkraut, homemade sausage, or – not just for vegetarians – Schupfnudeln and white cheese with green onions and radishes. The homemade cakes, which taste great not only with coffee, are particularly popular. “But you shouldn’t come too late, or there won’t be anything left,” recommends local group chairman Rolf Schäfer with a smile.

The unique view from the Münchweiler local mountain over the Alsenz valley, which connects the Palatinate Forest with the Naheland, inspires further hikes. The valley is characterized by the alternating scenery of forests, meadows, and vineyards. By the way, Münchweiler is a stop on the Alsenzbahn train line and can be easily reached without a car. The place is an ideal starting point for varied hikes on circular paths between about six and well over 15 kilometers. Some of these paths also pass by the Hohlstein hut. It can be reached directly from the village in about a 30-minute hike. You simply follow the signposts or the PWV hiking trail with the “white-blue stripe.” A nice walk to the hut is also possible from the neighboring municipality of Gonbach (starting from the Höhenstraße). And when the flag is not up, the view over the Alsenz valley is worth it all the same.

Contact: PWV Münchweiler/Alsenz, Chairman Rolf Schäfer, Tel. 06303 609261, Mobile 0160 96956673