3-Castles Trail, Erfenstein (Elmstein Valley, Palatinate)

While Erfenstein Castle and Breitenstein Castle are severely damaged, Spangenberg Castle is interesting to visit (check opening hours in advance). The section of the trail between Erfenstein and Breitenstein castles is rather monotonous. The section between Breitenstein Castle and Spangenberg Castle is overall more attractive. There is a well-known legend about Erfenstein Castle ( https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Erfenstein ) and Spangenberg Castle ( https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Burg_Spangenberg ) concerning a “leather bridge” that is said to have once connected both castles. Details about the legend: (https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sage_von_der_Ledernen_Brücke#Pfalz). The purpose of the bridge was for the friendly lords of the castles to visit each other without having to walk through the marshy valley between the castles. After a dispute, the lord of Erfenstein was said to be on the bridge returning to his castle. His former friend, the lord of Spangenberg Castle, supposedly cut the bridge's supports in anger, causing the lord of Erfenstein to fall to his death. Path types: 80% forest roads (mostly gravel), the rest narrower paths. Orientation: continuously well signposted, only those unfamiliar with the area may need a map / GPS. Navigation points: Erfenstein - Lourdes Grotto - Erfenstein Castle - Breitenstein - Ritterstein No. 113, "R. Breitenstein 500 Schr." - Breitenstein Castle - Dreikantstein - Stutgarten - Spangenberg Castle Dining options: Forest House Breitenstein, Castle Tavern Spangenberg: https://www.burg-spangenberg.de