Spirkelbach Hell Mountain Tour

An approximately eight kilometre half-day tour that has a lot to offer: the Spirkelbacher Höllenberg tour. Easily walkeable trails and paths lead to beautiful viewpoints at sometimes dizzying heights. Although the short climbs are fairly strenuous,   the abundant resting places offer enough opportunities for a short breather.

The beginning of this premium hiking trail, which runs on the back of the Höllenberg between the towns of Spirkelbach and Lug, is the cemetery parking lot shortly before you reach Spirkelbach. Already after the first climb up towards Ferkelsteinpiglets there is a cosy sitting area for the first stopover and where you should take your time to enjoy the beautiful vistas. The rock formations "Kleiner Ferkelstein" is the first attractive sight on this tour of discovery around the Höllenberg. Strikingly-shaped rocks protrude from the ground like stone slices . Again, one has the opportunity to rest in the cool shade of the rocks and let the environment work on you. The trail continues along easy-going forest paths, protected under the canopy of deciduous trees, until you reach the large rock formation   "Großer Ferkelstein". On this rocky platform you have great view of the hills of the Palatinate Forest . Here is the ideal place for an extensive picnic and rest. Only the sounds of nature can be heard up here and everyday life seems to vanish into the past.

"As if someone had poured out a sack of stones" may be the best description of the   "Klingel-Kopf", the highest elevation of the Höllenbergkamm. A dark trail leads onto the ridge of this mystical-looking summit. On the way, we pass by a mossy rock group. Depending on how strong the wind is, you can hear the creaking of the old beeches and oaks, almost sounding like a giant gnashing his   teeth and matching the unique mystical aura of this route section. A narrow path winds its way through the rocks of the Klingel-Kof and slowly leads downhill again. After about 20 minutes walking time you can make a detour to the Ochsenbon water source, which lies about 200 metres below the path. Although it is quite unremarkable, it is, according to the sign of the Palatinate Forest Association a "Source of Fables".

Within walking distance of the Südpfälzer gliders airfield is a magnificent view of the town of Hauenstein . When the weather is good you can enjoy the view from a sunny spot and just relax. Who is not keen on sunshine can find a shady picnic area a few feet above the hut of the Palatinate Forest Association Lug . Having now strengthened ourselves, we continue the walk to the Höllenfelsen. Along this route is also the "Luger Friedrichsfels", an impressive rock monument. Hikers with a fear of heights should look down the steep wall of rock behind the fence from a respectful distance. This almost 60 meter high rock tower is the landmark of the region and is called by the locals, "Luger Fritz".

From here, there are still about two kilometres back to Spirkelbach. But before the tour leads down to the valley there awaits the final attraction to hikers: the "Höllenfelsen". On a wooden bench one has a breathtaking view of the valley. "Forever Resting " is the motto of this viewpoint. In different hues of red and orange, this rock stands out against the blue sky and the deep green of the plants surrounding it. Having seen this memorable image we finally go down into the valley, through an idyllic meadow landscape back to the starting point of the circular tour.

The highlights of this trail are the short distances between the viewpoints and rock formations   providing for plenty of variety. For hikers of all ages this premium hiking trail of the region of   Hauenstein is an exciting experience.