Magyar Természetjáró Szövetség weboldalai MTSZ MTSZ térképportál Turista Magazin TuristaShop Kéktúra Gerecse50 A kéktúrázás napja
Try Pro for free
Choose a language
Plan a route here Plan similar route
Hiking Trail recommended route Hiking Trail  · Pfalz Open

Hike from Erfenstein to Elmstein

Responsible for this content
Touristinformation Tal viTal - Verbandsgemeinde Lambrecht (Pfalz) Verified partner 
  • R. Breitenstein 500 Schr.
    R. Breitenstein 500 Schr.
    Photo: www.rittersteineundmehr.de
Map / Hike from Erfenstein to Elmstein

Selected alternatives for you

    The hike along the Speyerbach leads through the idyllic Palatinate Forest. The starting point is located below Spangenberg Castle on Spangenbergerstraße. From there, we follow along the Speyerbach and the railway tracks of the historic steam railway "Kuckucksbähnel" until after about 9 km we reach Elmstein. 

    Open
    moderate
    Distance 10.6 km
    3:00 h
    200 m
    170 m
    291 m
    188 m

    We start below Spangenberg Castle and hike along the Speyerbach and the railway tracks of the historic steam railway "Kuckucksbähnel" towards Breitenstein. After about 2 km we reach our first refreshment stop, the "Forsthaus Breitenstein". Opening hours: Wed. to Fri. + holidays from 10:00 a.m. (Nov. to July); Wed. to Fri. + holidays from 10:00 a.m. (Aug. to Oct.) Tuesdays closed - info and inquiries at Tel.: 06328 227Fax: 06328 989327 

    From here we can also take a detour to the Breitenstein castle ruins, passing by the Ritterstein Ruine Breitenstein 500 steps (No. 113). From the Ritterstein it is still 500 steps to Breitenstein castle ruins. 

    After we have refreshed ourselves, we continue towards Helmbach. Here too, the Speyerbach is our constant companion. At kilometer 4, we cross the road and reach the small village Helmbach. After another 2 kilometers, we approach the shooting house of the Elmstein Appenthal shooting club. Here we encounter another Ritterstein Hecker Bridge (No. 251).   The monument was erected by forester Scholl to commemorate the history of the Hecker Bridge.

    We approach our destination Elmstein. In Elmstein, our hike continues on Nauenäckerstraße, Konrad-Haag-Straße and along Bahnhofstraße, where the Kuckucksbahnhof is located. We continue along Bahnhofstraße towards the tourist information, where we turn onto the field path towards "Landgasthof Zur Linde".  

    Here we can refresh ourselves and reflect on the hike. 

    UFFBASSE! - Campaign for a considerate coexistence in nature

    • Fire & smoking - Making fire, smoking and grilling are strictly forbidden in the forest and must be refrained from! Fires and thus great damage to nature and wildlife can only be avoided this way.
    • Being considerate on the move - Always behave considerately, friendly and respectfully towards everyone you meet along the way.
    • Nature conservation - Stay on the designated paths and avoid unnecessary noise when you are out in nature. Leave the forest at the latest at dusk to avoid disturbing the rhythm of nocturnal animals.
    • Picnic & rubbish - Remember to take a rubbish bag with you and take your waste home again. Use only the furnished rest areas for breaks and picnics.
    • Leash dogs - Please always keep your dog on a leash. Other visitors and animals will thank you.

    More info at www.pfalz.de/uffbasse

    Author’s recommendation

    A visit to the museum "Alte Samenklenge" House of Forest and Forestry History,  http://www.alte-samenklenge.de     

    Furthermore, the Elmstein Coat of Arms Forge,  http://www.wappenschmiede-elmstein.de  

    and the Elmstein castle ruins: https://www.outdooractive.com/de/burg/pfalz/burgruine-elmstein/3053361/  

    Hermann Schlimbach organ in the parish church Mariä Heimsuchung: www.elmstein.de 

    Difficulty
    T2 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Experience
    Landscape
    Highest point
    291 m
    Lowest point
    188 m
    Best time of year
    Jan
    Feb
    Mar
    Apr
    May
    Jun
    Jul
    Aug
    Sep
    Oct
    Nov
    Dec

    Track types

    Asphalt 10.01%Dirt road 13.95%Forested/wild trail 53.18%Path 14.37%Unknown 8.46%
    Asphalt
    1.1 km
    Dirt road
    1.5 km
    Forested/wild trail
    5.6 km
    Path
    1.5 km
    Unknown
    898 m
    Show elevation profile

    Rest stops

    Burgschänke Burg Spangenberg
    Burg Spangenberg
    Forsthaus Breitenstein

    Safety information

    Hiking on natural paths and trails - Especially in autumn, be aware that the leaves lying on the ground can hide unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. After thunderstorms or rainstorms, trees can still fall or branches can fall afterwards. Particularly in adverse weather conditions, muddy and slippery sections can occur on natural paths. Not all rocks or cliffs are secured with ropes or railings. Surefootedness is required in places. Expect such path impairments when hiking. If you think certain sections are not passable for you, you should avoid them. Despite the "unmissable" marking of the premium hiking trails, we recommend always carrying an appropriate hiking map for safety reasons, so that you can quickly find a safe area, for example in case of a thunderstorm or emergency. Trail closures and detours must be observed.

    Hazard situations - In case of an emergency, quick help is essential. Even though mobile phones can send GPS signals, classic rescue points often provide the fastest help. These are located at places easily accessible for rescue vehicles. Remember the points with green signs and a white cross. In an emergency, return there and give the number on the sign when you call for help. This way, rescue workers will know where to find you. 

    Roadbook

    The starting point is located on L 499, below the Spangenberg castle ruins, in the village of Erfenstein, which belongs to the local municipality of Elmstein. 

    Coming from Neustadt / on the Wine Route, towards Lambrecht (Pfalz) B 39 - then turn off at Frankeneck into the Elmstein valley. Follow the road to Erfenstein. 

    If you like, you can also combine the route with a ride on the historic steam railway Kuckucksbähnel. The boarding and ticket sales are at the main station in Neustadt / Weinstraße. The exit is then Erfenstein, Spangenberg castle. The return trip can be started from Elmstein Kuckucksbahnhof. 

    Information:  http://www.eisenbahnmuseum-neustadt.de/k_preis.html 

    Public transport

    On the operating days with the historic steam railway "Kuckucksbähnel" Kuckucksbähnel operating days

    By train and bus (Rhein-Neckar transport association)

    Information at: VRN Information

    Get Timetable to destination

    to
    Hike from Erfenstein to Elmstein

    Directions

    Coming from Neustadt / Weinstraße - follow B39 toward Lambrecht (Pfalz). At Frankeneck turn off into the Elmstein Valley (L499) and follow the road to Erfenstein, Spangenbergerstraße. 

    Coming from Kaiserslautern: B39 direction Hochspeyer/Lambrecht/Neustadt / Weinstraße, then turn off into the Elmstein Valley at Frankeneck (L499) and follow the road to Erfenstein, Spangenbergerstraße 

    Parking

     Hiking parking lot Burg Spangenberg

    Please only park in the designated parking spaces and always keep access routes free for rescue vehicles as well as forest and vineyard work paths.

    For overnight stays in camper & caravan there are explicitly designated motorhome parking spaces.

    Coordinates

    DD
    49.352572, 8.018700
    DMS
    49°21'09.3"N 8°01'07.3"E
    UTM
    32U 428733 5467113
    w3w 
    ///reimpose.redrew.prodding
    Get there by train, car, bike, or on foot!

    Book recommendations for this region:

    Show more

    Equipment

    Sturdy footwear, small backpack provision 

    Localization

    Parts of this content were machine translated from German.

    User Questions

    Don't see what you need here?
    Ask a question and get an answer from the author, the official DMO or the community.

    No ratings (yet)
    Be the first to leave a rating or write a review!
    Share your experiences and advice to help millions of people find and plan their next outdoor adventure.
    Write a review
    Rating submitted
    Status
    Open
    Difficulty
    T2 moderate
    Overall difficulty
    moderate

    Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.

    Distance
    10.6 km
    Duration
    3:00 h
    Ascent
    200 m
    Descent
    170 m
    Highest point
    291 m
    Lowest point
    188 m
    Refreshment stops available Family-friendly Geological highlights Linear route Flora

    Weather at the starting point

    10-day forecast

    Statistics

    • My Map
    • Content
    • Show images Hide images
    Features
    Maps and trails
    Nothing selected - click and drag in the elevation profile to zoom
    Distance
    Duration
    Ascent
    Descent
    Elevation profile
    Logo agrar Logo aofk Logo mol Logo otp