Reichenbach-Steegen - Pfälzer Musikantenweg

Track types

Rest stops

Safety information

Note:

We strive to announce all closures caused by forestry work, hunting groups, etc. on our hiking trails in the region on this platform.

Nevertheless, there are situations where hiking trails are closed and we have not been informed.

Any hiker who walks through closed areas (barrier tape, "Caution Hunting", etc.) even on weekends is grossly negligent and responsible for their own actions!

Sometimes the hiking trail leads over narrow paths.

Good footwear is required.

Areas in nature reserves are not suitable for strollers!

Especially in autumn, it is important to note that fallen leaves may cover unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path.

You must expect such path impairments when undertaking a hike.

If you find certain sections impassable, you should avoid them.

Particularly in adverse weather conditions, natural paths may be muddy and slippery.

Tips and suggestions

The "Pfälzer Musikantenweg" starts with the main trail at Krämel (26.9 km).

From Herrenstraße parking lot (Otto-Feick-Platz) to the starting point "Krämel" is approx. 2.1 km - approach path (White Tuba on Yellow Background)

Why does the "Pfälzer Musikantenweg" begin only at Krämel?

The "Pfälzer Musikantenweg" is intended to be marked further in the near future from here (Krämel) to the "Musikantenland Museum" at Burg Lichtenberg in Kusel District!

Verbandsgemeinde Weilerbach, Tourist Office

Rummelstraße 15, 67685 Weilerbach

Phone:   06374/922-111

Internet:  www.weilerbach.de

E-Mail:     tourismus@vg-weilerbach.de

West Palatinate Musikanten Tradition

The Wandermusikanten – a former profession mainly found in the west of the Palatinate.

In the 19th and early 20th centuries, there were few employment opportunities in this region. Industrial companies existed only in large cities and the often small agricultural operations in the villages primarily covered their own needs. Thus many people went far afield to earn their living as Wandermusikanten on all continents.

The "Pfälzer Musikantenweg" honors these Wandermusikanten, also known as the "Die Mackenbacher". Along the 26.5-kilometer route, there are numerous viewpoints with wide views over the Palatinate Highlands. This also symbolically represents the musicians who traveled to distant places back then.

Along the "Pfälzer Musikantenweg," one learns about the life and work of the Wandermusikanten. The information boards explain their beginnings, the stay in America, working and playing music in the circus, and also today's Musikanten museums in the West Palatinate.

Otto-Feick Square

The festival square is dedicated to the Rhön wheel inventor Otto Feick, who was born on July 4, 1890, in Reichenbach-Steegen, in the former village smithy Heil (Herrenbergstraße).

Dripstone Cave Erzenhausen

The first clear evidence of mining activities on the Eulenkopf massif dates back to 1744 when the surveyor Gottfried Sundahl from Zweibrücken created a plan for the mining district around Erzenhausen, Eulenbis, and Sulzbach. The last mining attempt was in 1829. Two citizens of Erzenhausen discovered the adit of a mine tunnel in 1911 when they wanted to tap a water vein there. They found a tunnel about 1.8 m high and 76 m long with many stalactites about 20 cm long and 1 to 1.5 cm thick. The "cave" was developed and made accessible to visitors. Today, stalactite formations are still visible in the rear parts of the tunnel. Constant dripping water causes new stalactites to form.

A flashlight and sturdy, waterproof footwear are essential for visiting (from the end of April to mid-September).

Protestant Church Kollweiler

The Protestant Church dates from 1475. Its current form and church character were shaped in 1709 by adding a nave.

Stricker and Schneider Cross

Two atonement crosses made of local red sandstone, erected between 1500 and 1530, supposedly commemorate a deadly quarrel between a tailor and a knitter.

Jakobsbrunnen

Jakobsbrunnen is a forest spring under nature protection. It is named after Mayor Jakob Koch, who in 1905 began the first attempts for a central water supply for the Miesenbach municipality.

West Palatinate Musikanten Museum Mackenbach

The West Palatinate Musikanten Museum Mackenbach was founded in 1983 in the town commonly called the Musikanten Village. Many photos and documents, an extensive instrument collection, and even a model of the Busch Circus make the life of the wandering musicians vividly experienceable again.

Directions

Arrival in Reichenbach-Steegen

A6 - Exit Kaiserslautern/West

B270/L367 past Weilerbach to the roundabout

L369 towards Kusel (to Reichenbach-Steegen)

Parking

Parking lot "Otto-Feick-Platz", Herrenbergstraße 10, 66879 Reichenbach-Steegen (from here via the approach path to the starting point "Krämel" - approx. 1.6 km)

Coordinates: Longitude 7° 31´ 40´´ / Latitude 49° 30´ 20´´

From here, follow the approach path (White Tuba on yellow background) to the starting point "Krämel" - approx. 1.6 km!

Coordinates

Book recommendation by the author

Author’s map recommendations

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