Wanderfit - Ganerbenweg

Much of the past has been preserved on the Ganerbenweg, including old border stones, legendary rock formations, and the 36 m high Bismarck tower—the tallest of many towers built in honor of Bismarck in the Palatinate—whose viewing platform overlooks the German Wine Route, the Rhine valley, and the green expanse of the Palatinate Forest. The Lindemannsruhe hiking parking lot is the start, middle, and end point of the Ganerbenweg. It leads along natural forest paths and narrow trails roughly northwards past the Kanapée, the Suppenschüssel, and the Krumholzerstuhl to the Palatinate Forest Association hut at the mystical Ungeheuersee. Then, on a section shared with the Palatinate Wine Trail long-distance path, it returns toward Lindemannsruhe. From there, in a second loop south of Lindemannsruhe, it leads to Heidenfels, Geiersbrunnen, and the Bismarckturm.

Health tip: stretching exercises with a bench

“Sitting is the new smoking!” is often said today. Have you ever thought about how long you sit each day on chairs, armchairs, sofas, or in cars? Most people now sit longer than they sleep. The effect: muscles, tendons, and ligaments shorten, the back suffers.

Fortunately, there are seating benches along the Ganerbenweg from time to time. But instead of resting, we use them for stretching exercises. You can also do these at home – a sturdy wooden chair is enough.

Exercise 1: Half forward bend

Support yourself with your hands on the front edge of the seat of the bench, arms shoulder-width apart. Stretch your arms straight and step back until your legs and back form a right angle. Keep your back straight by pulling your sternum forward and down towards the bench. Hold for several breaths.

Exercise 2: Back stretch on the bench backrest

Place your hands shoulder-width apart on the backrest of the bench and step back with your feet so that your legs form a right angle to your back. Arms and back are in line, your back is completely straight. Now gently lengthen your back in this position and enjoy the stretch along your spine.