Rumberg-Steig, premium hiking trail, Ludwigswinkel (Palatinate)

The path passes impressive sandstone rock formations, especially the Rumberg towers – sandstone rocks sculpted bizarrely by erosion – through idyllic (especially coniferous) forest areas, which in the summit area are characterized by the region's typical pine forests with their Mediterranean scent and by floodplain landscapes with idyllic forest lakes. Finally, the trail also passes the "Area One", a former special weapons depot from the Cold War era last century. Fortunately, little of it is still visible. Nature has largely reclaimed the site. Visible witnesses from that time are only the former watchtower, some outbuildings, and some paved roads, which only marginally affect the character of the route. Types of paths: 80% natural paths (50% each footpaths/forest roads), otherwise paved paths and shorter sections near Area 1 also paved roads. Orientation: the path is practically continuously very well marked by the corresponding trail signs. Experienced hikers can manage without GPS or map. The Rumbergsteig is one of the younger premium hiking trails in the Palatinate. It has held this designation since 2015. This award is granted by the German Hiking Institute ( https://www.wanderinstitut.de ) Waypoints: Sägmühlweiher - Schwartbuckel - Area 1 - Rumberg - Rumberg towers (East rock to Kasten rock) - Spitzer rock - Guckenbühl mountain - Rösselquelle - Rösselweiher - Sägmühlweiher Rumberg towers: these are a total of five sandstone towers with relatively narrow bases and broader heads, making them look a bit like mushrooms. In hiking direction (westward) the rocks are: 1) East rock, 2) Loch rock, 3) Wespen rock, 4) Hawk rock, 5) Kasten rock Area 1: During the Cold War, this weapons depot for so-called special ammunition (meant were weapons of mass destruction, especially nuclear weapons but probably also chemical weapons) was one of NATO's most important weapons depots in Central Europe. With the end of the Cold War in the 1990s, this weapons depot was completely dissolved. Today there are even guided tours through the remaining parts of the once huge facility. It is meant to remind of this "highly dangerous" time of the last century and to serve as a memorial..., for those who want to learn more..., here are the links: http://www.ig-area-one.de/index.html https://www.westpfalz.wiki/wiki/area-one-in-fischbach-bei-dahn-2/ Historical circular trail through Area 1