recommended route
Hauensteiner Schusterpfad
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Premiumwanderweg Hauensteiner Schusterpfad Blick vom KreuzfelsenPhoto: Pfalz. Touristik_Ketz, CC BY-ND, Tourist-Info-Zentrum Pfälzerwald Urlaubsregion Hauenstein
The premium hiking trail "Hauensteiner Schusterpfad" is circular route leading around the traditional shoe-making town of Hauenstein. Dense forests and red sandstone cliffs line this 15-kilometre trail. Numerous viewpoints allow spectacular views of the Southwest Palatinate region and the town of Hauenstein. Having finished the hike, it is well worth visiting the German Shoe Museum in Hauenstein or going for a shopping trip in the “shoe mile” and in the town centre.
A hike with a lot to see
An adventure for both young and old is the Hauensteiner Schusterpfad - one of seven premium hiking trails in the municipality of Hauenstein. Along easy-going paths this 15-kilometre-long circular route leads around the traditional shoe-making town of Hauenstein. Along the way, there are numerous viewpoints inviting you to have a short rest or snack.
The tour starts at the rocky gap next to the Penny supermarket in Hauenstein. From there, the climb begins up to the Felsentor, a distinctive rock formation below the Nedingfelsens. Once you have finished the steep path to Nedingfelsen, you will enjoy the first impressive panoramic view of Hauenstein and its hilly surroundings, a foretaste of the many other highlights of this tour. After a short breather on the spacious plateau of Nedingfelsens it goes back down into the valley, past the Karmelkloster through an idyllic meadow landscape before the next ascent awaits you. Winding paths lead up through the rocky landscape and through fragrant pine forests up to the mighty Kreuzelfelsen. Along the way, there is also a path branching off to Felsentisch where walkers have piled up small stone cairns, which are well worth photographing. As soon as the cross on the summit of the Kreuzelfelsens becomes visible, you can imagine that you will be rewarded for making this strenuous climb with a great view.
It is these outlooks and wide views that make each Premiumweg into a breathtaking experience. Also on the rocky massif "Kahler Felsen" there is a panoramic view of the hillside landscape that you will not forget. For this reason, many hikers like to linger here a while or explore the neighbouring rock formations and discover secluded resting areas. It is also advisable to rest here since the following path towards the Hühnerstein is no bed of roses.
What you should definitely not miss is a trip to Dörreinfelsen and the Fliehburg Backelstein. This early medieval wooden castle towers over a formidable hillside wall and rewards you for your walking stamina with a long-distance view. Once back on the trail, the highlight of this tour can be seen: the Hühnerstein. Perched like a giant mushroom on the hill ridge, the summit can be reached via a metal ladder which leads to the observation deck from where you can look in all directions - a breathtaking panorama.
After so many distant views and rocky adventures you will now enjoy a rest and snack at the Wanderheim Dicke Eiche belonging to the Pfälzerwaldverein. Now the following last five kilometres of this eventful hiking tour have something different to offer. Depending on whether other hikers are on the way, a bright sound of bell ringing can be heard from a distance. Situated in a forest glade there is the picturesque pilgrimage church "Winterkirchel" whose bell ropes can be operated by any visitor. Undoubtedly a surprise for everyone making this walk for the first time. From the Trifelsblick you can enjoy beautiful views once again before returning with many happy memories back to Hauenstein.
Track types
Rest stops
Hotel-Restaurant Waldesruh1886-Genussfabrik
Wanderheim "Dicke Eiche"
Landgasthof-Hotel Zum Ochsen
Dorfstübel am Schuhmuseum
Zwickerstubb
Gaststätte SC Hauenstein
Restaurant Ringhotel "Felsentor"
Safety 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.
Start
Turn-by-turn directions
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
You take the train to Hauenstein, follow the signs towards the town centre or to the Hauenstreiner Schusterpfad until you reach the Penny supermarket (1000 m). The stopping station, Hauenstein Mitte, with a direct entry onto the Hauensteiner Schusterpfad.
Parking
Parking area at the Penny supermarket, car navigation: 76846 Hauenstein, Pirmasens Straße 1Coordinates
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
- 26 Waypoints
- 26 Waypoints
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