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The hike from Breitfurt to the Alexander Tower ruin via Kirchheimer Hof is very varied and offers everything you would expect from a typical Bliesgau hike: incredible views, bright forests, meadows, and history.
The Alexander Tower route leads to the highest elevation in the lower Blies valley, the roughly 400 meter high Kahlenberg. There awaits the Alexander Tower, or rather: what remains of it. Originally built in 1893, the tower became known as the 'Böckweiler viewing tower' due to its proximity to Böckweiler. Today, its distinctive base reminds of the once proud construction that was blown up in the Second World War. But the destination is still worth it: in 2022, the area around the tower ruin was lovingly renovated, including a new viewing platform. In clear weather, you can see far over the Bliesgau and the Bickenalb valley from here – all the way to the Donnersberg in the northeast, over the Palatinate uplands to the Vosges in the southeast, while at your feet spread the park-like structured cultural landscape of the Bliesgau and the Bickenalb valley as well as the 'Parr'. Once at the top, a covered picnic area with tables and benches invites you to rest – perfect for calmly enjoying the wide view.
The ruin of the Alexander Tower is located near the Kahlenberger and Kirchheimer Hof on the Breitfurt district between Breitfurt and Böckweiler.
Author’s recommendation
The ruin of the former Alexander Tower stands on the highest elevation of the lower Blies valley, the approximately 400 m high Kahlenberg. The originally over 26.35 m high tower was completed in 1893. From the tower you had a great distant view to Donnersberg in the northeast, the Palatinate Forest to the east, and the Vosges heights to the southeast. Today, only the base of the tower remains, as it was blown up by German pioneers at midnight on September 9, 1939, during the first days of the war.
The tower ruin is a popular destination for hikers and cyclists; from the viewing platform you have a beautiful panorama of the surroundings. Well-signposted hiking and cycling trails lead to the tower ruin, which is located near the Kahlenberger Hof between Breitfurt and Böckweiler. Direct access by car is not possible.
Places to eat:
Fischerhütte Breitfurt
Mühlenweg 5, 66440 Blieskastel
06842-9616315
https://fischerhuette-breitfurt.de/
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
Alexanderturm covered rest areaSafety information
Attention:
Basically, entering the forest and walking on the hiking trails is at your own risk.
Depending on the season and weather, increased surefootedness is required on some sections of the paths.
Please wear clothing and hiking shoes with appropriate tread adapted to the season and weather conditions.
Please especially note:
Careful walking on the constructed stairs in the forest (they could be slippery due to fallen leaves).
TOGETHER WITH RESPECT
Courtesy, understanding, and consideration for each other are fundamental principles for the responsible use of our natural area. The code of conduct includes:
Use existing paths, follow signs, and respect path closures
Leave no traces such as litter or dog feces and treat the path carefully
Respect other users of forests and fields
Be considerate of animals and plants
Plan ahead and make use of daylight
DISCLAIMER:
Despite repeated checks and careful preparation of the route descriptions, the publisher assumes no liability for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in this description.
USAGE ADVICE:
Dear hiking friends, the hiking trails also lead along natural paths through pristine nature reserves and forests. Preserving and protecting nature is very important to us.
We also want to point out the risks and therefore ask you to stay on designated paths and not to enter existing rock formations for safety reasons. Furthermore, we indicate the presence of natural forest hazards. Due to weather conditions, some places on the path may be softened and slippery and should therefore be walked with particular care. Sturdy footwear is recommended on all routes; surefootedness is indispensable.
Use of the hiking trails and premium hiking trails is at your own risk.
MARKING AND SIGNPOSTING:
All quality paths are circular trails that can be walked in both directions. Therefore, the signage is in both directions. Try walking the route the other way around once and you will discover completely new perspectives and different viewpoints.
Tips and suggestions
Have you discovered a defect on the route? Then report it using our defect reporter: https://bit.ly/MaengelmelderBliesgau
Thank you very much for your help.
Roadbook
The start is at the cemetery in Blieskastel-Breitfurt. From here, it first goes downhill into Böckweiler Street and from there slightly uphill via Ottilienstraße – across a field path it goes towards Kirchheimer Hof with Ottilienquelle. Shortly before Kirchheimer Hof, the route turns left and leads through a wooded area up to the 410 meter high 'Großer Kahlenberg'. There you will also find the Alexander Tower with a wonderful view over the whole Bliesgau. Here the view also opens up onto the Blies valley. At the ruin, there is a nice covered picnic area.
We continue our way along a small path and thus reach an asphalted path, which we now follow downhill. At the next intersection with signposts we keep left and hike on a comfortable, asphalted path with splendid views towards Kirchheimer Hof 1 and 2. After passing these, it goes again over a field path back towards the starting point, past the Ottilienstraße water reservoir with a nice seating area directly by the watercourse.
Church, Breitfurt
Covered rest area Breitfurt
Bench at Ottilienstraße elevated tank in Breitfurt
Kirchheimer Hof
Pinninger Hütte
St Stephen's Church Blieskastel
Alexander Tower ruins
Alexander Tower ruins
Alexanderturm covered rest area
Alexanderturm covered rest area
Panoramic bench near Kahlenberger Hof Breitfurt
Public transport
The starting point of the hike is also easily accessible by public transport. The Biosphere bus line 501 stops every 2 hours daily at the 'Kirche, Breitfurt' stop. From here, it is only a 5-minute walk to the start of the hike at the cemetery.
Timetable information and travel planning at www.saarfahrplan.de
Directions
Via Blieskastel, L105 to the hiking car park at the cemetery Breitfurt, Böckweiler Street 26, 66440 Blieskastel-Böckweiler
Parking
Hiking car park at the cemetery Breitfurt, Böckweiler Street 26, 66440 Blieskastel-Breitfurt
Coordinates
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
All important equipment information can be found in our packing list.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions