Johanniskreuz

The present annex of the municipality of Trippstadt has a long history. Already during Roman times, and especially since the Middle Ages, “highways” ran through the northern Palatinate Forest over what is now Johanniskreuz, and it is a junction of old transport and trade routes. All important hiking trails also intersect here. The name of the locality likely derives from a stone wayside cross from the 13th century, written as “Herr Johanns Creutz.” It wasn't until 1885 that the modern spelling Johanniskreuz became established. However, at that time, there was still no settlement at the cross. It was only in 1794 that Johanniskreuz came into focus in recent history when fighting occurred in the uninhabited forest area. The "Prince Ferdinand" regiment under General von Kleist had entrenched itself at Johanniskreuz to defend the high road against French troops. However, after repeated attacks by the French, the area was abandoned, and the regiment withdrew towards Hochspeyer. It was then that the clearing around Johanniskreuz took place, and from 1811 the first settlement began. The first resident of Johanniskreuz was a day laborer named Mathias Kaiser along with his wife. Kaiser was gifted the small piece of land "near the crosses" by the merchant Reutlinger. Gradually, more buildings were erected, and the residents worked as forest laborers, wood cutters, and forest guards. In the years 1825/26, the old forestry house was built with an inn operation. During a forestry conference in 1843, the official area designation "Pfälzerwald" was established for the northern foothills of the Vosges. Accordingly, Johanniskreuz is still regarded as the birthplace of the Pfälzerwald. Due to its central location and its significance in forestry, Johanniskreuz developed into a meeting point for forestry professionals from around the world. This continues to this day with the establishment of the “House of Sustainability” in 2004. Furthermore, Johanniskreuz was long divided due to its municipal affiliation between Elmstein-Wilgartswiesen and Trippstadt until 1972. Additionally, Johanniskreuz lies on the Palatine watershed. The springs located to the east flow into the Rhine. The springs to the west, such as the Moosalbe, whose source is near Johanniskreuz, flow into the Saar.

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