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A hiking trail with a unique panorama and mighty sandstone formations along the way. It leads on the ridges around the Wasgau villages Darstein and Schwanheim.
The start of the hike is the parking lot in Darstein at the outskirts towards Vorderweidenthal. From there you have the highest ascent immediately to the 463-meter-high Immersberg. Then it goes back down into the valley, past Häuselstein, Hockköpfel, and Hockerstein to the Lourdes Grotto in Schwanheim. Part of the path runs along the village until you finally reach Nesselberg, from where you can enjoy unique views. The path continues through the forest to Hühnerstein. From there, you have an unforgettable panoramic view over the Palatinate Forest. Following the path further, you come to Kühungerfelsen, where there is also a refreshment opportunity at the Wasgauhütte. Then it goes over Haselstein back to the starting point.
The route demands a good level of fitness but can also be hiked in several sections; the intermediate descents are well signposted.
The hiking trail is 17 km long. The net walking time is about 7 hours.
#Uffbasse! For consideration and nature conservation
Hiking, strolling, rambling, cycling, mountain biking, climbing, trekking, picnicking, forest bathing, chilling, and stopping off. Holiday and leisure time in the fresh air should be fun and above all relaxing. This works best when we treat ourselves, other people, and nature carefully and mindfully. SO: PAY ATTENTION AND THINK ALONG! Be considerate of everyone on the way and especially of nature, so that we can still enjoy it in the distant future.
At www.pfalz.de/uffbasse we have listed some behavioral tips for considerate and careful coexistence.
Author’s recommendation
Refreshments: In Darstein or Schwanheim as well as in the „Wasgauhütte“ of the Pfälzerwaldverein Schwanheim
The Wasgauhütte Schwanheim is open Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
Track types
Show elevation profileRest stops
Zum alten NussbaumWasgauhütte
Safety information
Despite the "unmissable" marking of the premium hiking trails, we recommend always carrying a corresponding hiking map for safety reasons, so that in case of a thunderstorm or emergency, you can quickly reach a safe area.
Especially in autumn, pay attention to the fact that fallen leaves on the ground may conceal unevenness, roots, stones, or holes in the path. After storms, trees may still fall or branches may break off afterwards. Especially in adverse weather conditions, natural paths may have muddy and slippery sections. You have to expect trail impairments of this kind when hiking. Not all rocks or cliffs are secured with ropes or railings. Surefootedness is partially required. If you think certain sections cannot be walked, you should avoid them.
Be especially careful on premium hiking trails in snow and ice conditions!
Tips and suggestions
Tourist Information Center Palatinate Forest
Holiday Region Hauenstein
Schuhmeile 1
76846 Hauenstein
Tel: 06392-9233380
E-Mail: tourismus@hauenstein.rlp.de
Roadbook
Rimbach Steig
A sporty hike with many highlights
Romantic meadows, uplifting views, and impressive rock formations are offered by the almost 17-kilometer-long premium hiking trail "Pfälzer Rimbach-Steig", which circles the idyllic Rimbach valley with the two Wasgau villages Schwanheim and Darstein. In total, over 800 challenging meters of elevation gain must be conquered – a real challenge even for hikers in good condition.
No matter where you start the route, first you have to climb up the mountain. Extreme inclines leave no doubt that the elevation meters want to be reached without detours, and you quickly realize that the difficulty level of the Rimbach-Steig is rightly classified as "difficult". But as soon as you have reached your first mountain ridge and head to the first viewpoint, the full beauty of this premium hiking trail unfolds: winding paths, sunlit high trails, mighty rocks with great rest opportunities, and unforgettable panoramic views. It is always fun to climb the strenuous elevation meters from mountain to mountain, as each time you are rewarded with a great sight anew.
One of the most spectacular stations on this route is certainly the Hühnerstein (456 m), the border rock between the district of Hauenstein and Schwanheim. You climb up a steel ladder to the viewing platform from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view over the entire region. A wind rose mounted at the top helps with geographic orientation. At the foot of the rock, a wooden bench offers a chance for a short break.
The almost 17-kilometer-long circular hiking trail naturally has many more attractive spots to offer. For example, on the ridge of the Nesselberg, you should definitely plan a stop. Up there you can pause undisturbed and let the view sink in calmly. The ridge hike alone between Hühnerstein and Nesselberg is dreamy. The way leads past mighty rocks; from time to time, you catch a glimpse through the trees of the mountainous surroundings, and the pure forest air contributes to making you feel completely comfortable up here.
The Häuselstein is a cozy place. A seating area invites you to a sociable snack. A bit off the beaten path, a narrow soft trail leads to a hidden small rock platform where you can enjoy complete peace. From Immersberg, Hockköpfel, and Hockerstein, fantastic wide views stretch far into the Vorderpfalz, which you simply must have seen. These rocky peaks should also be on the sightseeing list. Since hiking also makes you hungry, a visit to the Wasgauhütte is a must. What could be nicer than enjoying culinary specialities of the region in a convivial group after a strenuous, beautiful route?
The contrast to the high trails is finally provided by the sections in the valley, which lead through idyllic meadow landscapes. Depending on where you started, they make up the beginning or end of an eventful hiking route on the Pfälzer Rimbach-Steig.
Text: Daniela Trauthwein
Hühnerstein
Kühungerfelsen
Wasgauhütte
Haselstein
Public transport
By train to Annweiler station, then by bus, line 525 to DarsteinGet Timetable to destination
Directions
B 10 (Landau-Pirmasens) exit Annweiler-West, continue towards Annweiler-Sarnstall. There turn towards Lug, Schwanheim, DarsteinParking
Parking lot in Darstein at the outskirts towards Vorderweidenthal (playground)
Parking lot in Schwanheim at the outskirts towards Darstein (cemetery)
Parking lot in Schwanheim at the end of the main street (community hall/Hubertushalle)
Parking lots in Schwanheim in Ringstraße 1 to 24
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Hiking map Hauenstein & Triefelsland 1:25,000, 4th edition, Pietruska Verlag
Hiking map with APP support
Book recommendations for this region:
Equipment
Sturdy footwear, weather-appropriate clothing, sun and rain protection, as well as sufficient supply of food and drinks, should be taken in case no refreshment or shopping possibilities are available or open. Although the trail is very well marked throughout, for safety reasons you should always carry a suitable hiking map.
Localization
Derived from the technical difficulty and the stamina requirements.
User Questions