Flat, level day route through the western part of the Bienwald along the former Westwall area from Schaidt and Steinfeld to the Bienwaldmühle and the White Cross.
This route connects many highlights in the western part of the Bienwald. Along the former military defense system during the Second World War, the Westwall, near Schaidt and Steinfeld, information boards illustrate the buildings of that time, which can still be vaguely seen from the path. At Steinfeld and Kapsweyer, you cross the Viehstrich, a landscape where time seems to stand still: romantic villages lie between lush meadows and fertile fields. After a little more than half the distance, you reach the Bienwaldmühle. The Lauter River forms the border here between the neighboring countries France and Germany. From Bienwaldmühle to Schaidt, the Bienwald reveals one of its most beautiful sides. Via paths, past the memorial "White Cross," you reach the 300-350-year-old Bismarck oak and other remains of the Westwall, such as a single-man bunker.
The tour can also be started from the stations in Steinfeld and Kapsweyer, the Bienwaldmühle forest inn, or the "White Cross" hiking parking lot.
UFFBASSE! – Campaign for a considerate coexistence in nature
- Fire & Smoking – Making fires, smoking, and grilling are strictly prohibited in the forest and must be avoided at all costs! Fires and thus great damage to nature and wildlife can only be prevented this way.
- Be considerate – Always behave considerately, friendly, and respectfully towards everyone you meet on the way
- Nature conservation – Stay on the designated paths and avoid unnecessary noise when you are in nature. Leave the forest by dusk at the latest to avoid disturbing the rhythm of nocturnal animals.
- Picnic & Trash – Bring a trash bag with you and take your waste back home. Use only the furnished rest areas for breaks & picnics.
- Leash dogs – Please keep your dog on a leash at all times. Other visitors and animals will thank you.
More information at: www.pfalz.de/uffbasse
Author’s recommendation
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Rest stops
KakteenlandWaldgasthof "Bienwaldmühle"
Safety information
Hiking on natural paths and trails – Especially in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves on the ground can conceal unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. After thunderstorms or heavy rain, trees may still fall or branches may drop. Under adverse weather conditions, natural paths can have muddy and slippery sections. Not all rocks or cliffs are secured with ropes or railings. Surefootedness is sometimes required. You have to expect such path impairments when hiking. If you think certain sections are not walkable for you, you should avoid them. Despite the "unmissable" marking of premium hiking trails, it is recommended for safety reasons to always carry an appropriate hiking map so that, for example, in a thunderstorm or emergency, you can quickly find a safe area. Closures and detours must be observed at all times.
Emergency situations – In case of an emergency, quick help is needed. And even though cell phones can send GPS signals, the classic rescue points are often the fastest. These are located at places easily accessible for rescue vehicles. Remember the points with green signs and a white cross. Return there in an emergency and give the number on the sign when calling for help. This way, rescuers know where to find you.
Tips and suggestions
Southern Palatinate Tourism Germersheim District Association
Luitpoldplatz 1
76726 Germersheim
Roadbook
From the parking lot at the Schaidt sports center, we first walk along Waldstraße towards Schaidt. We turn left, walk along the forest edge and enjoy the view over the Viehstrich. Then we pass the tank ditch of the former Westwall, past the Mundat stones and the Turkos graves towards Steinfeld. At the Steinfeld Cactus Garden, we leave the Bienwald again, walk along the forest edge, past the outdoor swimming pool to the lake. Along the lake, we continue into Steinfeld. Along the way, we can again learn interesting facts about the Westwall from information boards. Past Steinfeld station, we turn right into Bahnhofstraße, then turn left and follow the markings. On the left side, we reach the Hockerlinie, a military defense line against tanks during the Second World War. We continue through the Viehstrich to Kapsweyer. We turn left into the main street of Kapsweyer, which runs along the train stop and into the Bienwald. The path leads us further south, then for a short stretch along L545 to the Bienwaldmühle forest inn. Here we can take a break and refresh ourselves with delicious food or coffee and cake before heading towards the "White Cross." After the "White Cross," we walk a short distance on the paved former road until we turn left into a forest path again.
We follow the marking to the right and follow the path until we reach the course of the Heilbach stream. There, you can take a short rest at the Jakob’s hut. We follow the idyllic and narrow path along the Heilbach (in summer, the streambed may be dry) until we reach the large Bismarck oak. The bench there invites us to take in the size of this remarkable tree. We continue and, on a short detour off the main path, pass another relic of the Westwall, a single-man bunker. Via the main path, we reach the Bildeiche, from there we walk on the path next to K15 towards Schaidt and turn left back to our starting point. Those who wish can also refresh themselves after the hike in the clubhouse of the shooting club "Zur Gogglerstubb," for example with a delicious chicken.
Ferienwohnung Am Bienwald
Bahnhof Schaidt
Kakteenland
Freibad Steinfeld
Ferienwohnung Casa Angela
Viehstrich Ei
Waldgasthof "Bienwaldmühle"
Public transport
By train to Schaidt. From there you can get from the station via Ringgasse, the access path to the Schaidt Westwall path, onto the Bienwaldmühle circular route.
Timetable information: via the DB travel information and in the DB Navigator app.
Get Timetable to destination
Directions
Coming from the A65 from Wörth or Landau, take the Kandel Süd exit onto the B9 towards France. At "Langenberg" turn right onto the K15 towards Schaidt. Drive the K15 completely into Schaidt. Turn left at the fire station into Waldstraße. Continue on it until the parking lot behind the sports field at the sports center.
Parking
Free parking lots are located at the sports center on Waldstraße in Schaidt. Other free parking lots and possible starting points are at the Bildeiche in Schaidt (K15) and at the Bienwaldmühle forest inn.
Please only park in designated parking areas and always keep access routes for emergency vehicles as well as work paths in the forest and vineyards clear. There are explicitly designated motorhome parking areas for overnight stays in campers and caravans here.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
For our hiking tours, we recommend the following equipment as standard:
- Sturdy footwear
- Weather-appropriate clothing
- Sun and rain protection
- A sufficient supply of food and drinks, as not everywhere offers dining or shopping options or they may be closed.
- Even though the paths are very well marked throughout, it is advisable for safety reasons to always carry a suitable hiking map so that, for example, in the case of a thunderstorm or emergency you can quickly find a safe area.
- Mosquito protection is recommended in summer
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

User Questions