recommended route
Dimbacher Buntsandstein Höhenweg - GEOpfad with 12 information boards
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Ausblick in Richtung der Rheinebene gesehen vom RötzenbergPhoto: Stephanie Ser, CC BY-ND, Tourist-Info-Zentrum Pfälzerwald
The tour starts at Dimbach and crosses 3 hilltops: Dimberg (420 m), Rötzenberg (460 m), Immersberg (465 m).
There is also hardly another comparable tour which passes almost countless red sandstone cliffs.
Countless viewpoints look across the lush countryside, the imperial castle of Trifels, over tiny villages in the valleys and even as far as the Vorderpfalz (from Rötzenberg to Immersberg) .
Particularly for those of you interested in the geology of red sandstone, there are all sorts of different formations and layers, different colours, bizarre formations and other vagaries of nature to be admired.
It is highly recommended to look around each viewpoint, since other narrow paths often lead to nearby secluded spots with hidden views.
After a few strenuous climbs, you reach the first lookout point: the rock massif of Falkenstein. After a detour to Kaftenstein - overlooking the village of Dimbach – you continue at the same height past even more impressive rock formations. A quaint Marien-Gedenkstätte (memorial site) invites you in for a meditation on your way to Dimberg . After a short climb to the summit of the Dimberg, you can enjoy a sublime view of the deep valley below. In warm and sunny weather you will not be up here by yourself since lizards scurry around and sunbathe on the rocks.
Once back on the trail, our next destination is the Rötzenberg with its mighty Rötzenfelsen. On the way we pass the Isselmannsteine. A good physical condition is required for the ascent to the Rötzenberg, but the effort is well worth it since on the rocky plateau you can enjoy a magnificent view over the Palatinate hillsides (closed to walkers and climbers from April to the end of June to protect the peregrine falcons which live here). Here you can take a break and fortify yourself for the onward march to the Kieungerfelsen. On the way you will notice the changes in the colours and textures of the sandstone. Bright red tones and different coloured rock formations dominate the scene along this light-filled stage. Once on the Kieungerfelsen you are bound to think that you are somewhere in the south of Europe: conifers exude a sweet fragrance whilst soft ground and flat plateaus invite you to rest. Up here you can away from it all, enjoy the tranquility and listen to the sounds of nature.
From Kieungerfelsen onwards the path towards Häuselstein meanders past huge, moss-covered stones and rocks, where you can scramble around. In between lies the Horn-Gipfel, a climb up to the the summit of which requires a good physical condition. Having left the Immersberg behind you, there is a comfortable sitting area at the Häuselstein with a view of the valley. From here we go down a switchback path leading to a quiet, secluded spot.
Now it's back down the hillside towards Dimbach. The last rock attraction, the Keeshäwek is the end of the somewhat strenuous but rewarding Buntsteinhöhenweg. Now there are only about two kilometres to the parking lot at Dimbach, the starting point of this three-hour hike. Who does not want to do the entire hike but still see the impressive highlights has the option of changing to a trail marked with a blue cross at the Gosserweiler Schüthütte - between Rötzenberg and Kieungerfelsen - in order to make it back to Dirnbach on a shorter trail.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Despite the well-signposted trail markers along the premium hiking trails, we recommend for security reasons to always have an appropriate hiking map so that, for example when a storm occurs, you can quickly either find shelter or get out of the woods.
Especially in the autumn it is also important to remember that leaves lying on the ground can conceal irregularities, such as roots, rocks or holes in the path. Following storms, trees can have been uprooted or have branches hanging down. Such path impairments have to be expected when using such trails . Especially in adverse weather conditions, it may occur that the trails and paths turn into muddy and slippery passages. Path impairments of this kind have to be expected when you go out for a hike. Not all rocks or slopes are secured with ropes or railings and sure footedness is required. Should you be of the opinion that these are not accessible to you then you should try and get around them.
Tips and hints
On the Simmerberg there is the first GPS reference point in the Palatinate Forest.
Since the tour includes three ascents, it requires a certain amount of condition; also some surefootedness is required because the pathways are mostly narrow paths with just a few short distances along wide gravel forest roads. On this tour we are "The Rangers" and enjoy walking along the soft paths.
Backpack meals
Refreshments: in the neighbouring villages of Darstein, Hauenstein, Schwanheim and Wilgartswiesen.
When snow and ice are present, caution should be exercised on the premium hiking trails!
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
Text: Daniela Trauthwein
Public transport
Take the train to railway station Wilgartswiesen, then call a taxi to Dimbach.By road
Via the B10 (Pirmasens-Landau), exit Wilgartswiesen, then via Spirkelbach, there in the center of the village turn right to Lug; At the next intersection, turn left, after the bridge turn right and immediately left again, uphill to Dimbach.Parking
The start and finish of our tour is the parking lot just before Dimbach on the left side of the road.Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Book recommendations for this region:
Recommended maps for this region:
Equipment
Sturdy footwear and all-weather clothing, sun and rain protection, and a sufficient quantity of food and drink, should no refreshment facilities or shopping possibilities exist or be open. Although the path is always very well marked, you should for safety reasons always have an appropriate hiking map with you.
Statistics
- 19 Waypoints
- 19 Waypoints
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