Katzweiler - Himmelstour

The "Himmelstour" (circular hiking trail) starts at the parking lot at Waagstraße 1 in Katzweiler on a public parking area.

Initially, it goes unmarked through Waagstraße - to the northeast, then southeast - to the end and continues straight through the street "Hartwiesen." At the end of this street, you turn left and leave Katzweiler to the northeast into the open field.

Now you see the starting point of the "Himmelstour," a signpost with distance information, an information board, and the marking "blue cloud on a white background."

This hiking trail description runs counterclockwise and starts heading southeast - to the right.

Through open and agriculturally shaped areas, you walk slightly uphill towards the forest and pass the beautifully designed fountain installation "Konradsbrünnchen," where a first resting point is set up.

Further uphill on the Galgenberg, there is a junction where you have the option to either take a detour to the Pfälzerwald house "Im Himmelreich" for a visit (recommended - observe opening hours - see info!) or continue hiking the "Himmelstour."

Continuing on the route, we immediately turn left again onto the Waldforscherpfad, a nicely designed informative path about the forest, animals, and more - interesting for both young and old.

After this detour, the path continues on wide trails past the Lauerhof to the "Steinerne Kreuz" (Stone Cross).

There are several versions about the origin of the Stone Cross.
One of them is as follows:
A rich merchant named Hardy was traveling with his daughter by carriage during a storm on the old main road above the Lauerhof. Suddenly, the horses refused to move, and all urging was in vain.
Suddenly, a mighty forest tree fell onto the road, directly in front of the vehicle, blocking further passage. The carriage passengers remained unharmed. In gratitude for having escaped disaster, the merchant had a tree standing at the site hollowed out and placed a Madonna inside.
After this tree later had to be felled for safety reasons, the "Steinerne Kreuz" with the inscription "Im Kreuz ist Heil" (In the Cross is Salvation) was erected at the same place.
Every year on Ascension Day, Catholics from the church communities of Otterberg, Otterbach, and Schneckenhausen pilgrimage for a joint prayer at the Stone Cross.
(Author: Erhard Rohe)

Turning left, the "Himmelstour" leads downhill over Engelsberg to Mehlbach Eck. Again turning left uphill - you are in the Northern Palatinate Mountain region - you will be rewarded with magnificent views into the Lauter valley towards Wolfstein.

This is topped off by the viewpoint "Himmelsblick" - a lookout tower with a fascinating panoramic view - a visual delight in every season.

Further downhill, you return to the starting point of the "Himmelstour" at the information board with signpost location.

From here, you hike the field path towards Katzweiler, turn right into the street "Hartwiesen," continue through "Waagstraße" back to the parking lot.

The hike is equipped with many beautiful resting places and impresses with its breathtaking views.