Trans Pfälzerwald

We start our route as early as possible at Hochspeyer train station. From the station, the path follows Route 4 of the MTB park along the Königssteig trail through airy pine forests to Waldleiningen. The signage of the MTB park routes has been extended with the addition "Trans Pfälzerwald." The trail is challenging, but it rewards with magnificent views all the way to the Rhine Plain. From Waldleiningen, it continues first on a fine singletrail parallel to L504. After 15.8 km and a steep climb at the end, we reach the natural monument "Pfälzer Weltachs." UFFBASSE is lovingly carved into the sandstone – so "pay attention," full concentration on the technical sections of the route, and respect for the forest, paths, and hikers. Here you will find a good place to rest. The route then takes us variedly through the Palatinate Forest to Mölschbach and onward to the House of Sustainability (Johanniskreuz). The old and very valuable oak forests around the education center are impressive. A good place to learn more about the Palatinate Forest and to recharge at the bistro.

From Johanniskreuz the path continues to the Eschkopf tower. A steep, sweat-inducing climb brings us to the highest point in the Palatinate Forest. The 20-meter-high lookout tower offers a magnificent view of the surroundings. The Palatinate Forest lies at our feet, and in the distance, we can see the Taunus and even the Black Forest. The descent, initially a short singletrail, bends to the left and takes us steeply downhill. On enchanted paths, it goes uphill again to Hofstätten. A few meters off the route, the beer garden of Müllers Lust invites us for a lunch break. Refreshed, we take the next climb after Hofstätten. From now on the Trans Pfälzerwald winds through light-flooded forests on wonderful trails to Hermersbergerhof. Along the route lies the Luitpold tower, another highlight of the Palatinate Forest. So if time allows, climb the big brother of the Eschkopf tower. The view is breathtaking in good weather. It gives an impression of the size of this forest area. After Hermersbergerhof the path continues technically demanding. With a pounding heart after the singletrail, we ride into the Kaltenbachtal and reach Wilgartswiesen after 61.4 km. For connoisseurs, there is the opportunity to split the route and consider an overnight stay in the Hauenstein holiday region.

Via Spirkelbach and the Höllenberg, it goes past Lug and Schwanheim to the foot of the Lindelbrunn castle ruins. Those who still have strength in their legs are rewarded with a magnificent view upon climbing it. The rest of the group meanwhile relaxes in the beer garden of the Cramerhaus. The route then leads to Kellerfels. A breakthrough in the red sandstone opens the way and offers a great frame for beautiful pictures. After the fine singletrail, it continues downhill and, after crossing L493, up to the natural monument Silzer Linde. We follow the ridge before passing the village of Blankenborn. With a short climb, we earn ourselves a flowing descent to B427. Here it is: "no mercy for the calves" – up again on narrow paths. Who will manage the last hairpin bends in the climb? On the road, we reach Liebfrauenberg with its stud farm. Ahead of us lies Bad Bergzabern, and in the distance the Black Forest waves. We let the route roll out!