Wanderfit - Hauensteiner Schusterpfad

The route starts at the rock breakthrough near the Penny Markt in Hauenstein. From there, the ascent begins heading east up to the Felsentor, a striking rock formation below the Nedingfels. Then follow the steep path to the Nedingfels, from whose spacious rock plateau you have a first impressive panoramic view over Hauenstein and the surroundings – a foretaste of the many further highlights of this route.

After a short break, you walk back down into the valley, past the Carmelite monastery through an idyllic meadow landscape, before the next ascent awaits. Winding paths weave through the rocky landscape and lead through fragrant pine forests up to the mighty Kreuzelfelsen. On the way, a branching path leads to the Felsentisch viewpoint. As soon as you reach the summit cross of the Kreuzelfelsen, you can enjoy another panoramic view. 

Then continue to the rock massif "Kahler Felsen", a large plateau with a beautiful view and cozy spots for a rest or a small refreshment, before proceeding towards Hühnerstein. What you should not miss is a detour to the Dörreinfelsen and the Fliehburg Backelstein, an early medieval wooden castle with its impressive steep wall. Once at the top, another beautiful distant view awaits you.

Back on the ridge path, you can already see the highlight of the route: the Hühnerstein, which stands like a huge rock mushroom on the mountain ridge. You can climb the viewing platform via a metal ladder and enjoy a view in all directions. Need a refreshment? If so, you can now head to the "Dicke Eiche" hiking lodge of the Palatinate Forest Association before the last third of the hike. On the remaining five kilometers of the hike, you first come to the picturesque pilgrimage chapel "Winterkirchel" in a forest clearing, where you are welcome to ring the bell rope. This is followed by the Trifelsblick with a last magnificent view before returning to Hauenstein with many new impressions.

Shortcut option:

If you want to shorten the approx. 15 km hike, there are two alternatives:

Suggestion 1: Walk down towards Hauenstein from the Palatinate Forest Association hut "Dicke Eiche" following the "Pfälzer Waldpfad" marking and then return northwest to the parking lot via Hauptstraße and Bahnhofstraße.

Suggestion 2: You can also walk down to Hauenstein from the "Dicke Eiche" hut via the "Burghalder-Weg" marking and then return northwest to the parking lot via Hauptstraße and Bahnhofstraße.