recommended route
3x3: Salinental Introtour Rheingrafenstein
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Blick von Bad Kreuznach in das NahetalPhoto: B. Wandelt, 3x3 Salinental
Short tour through meadowland and forest with spectacular views of the ice-age rock formation Gans.
The first part of the hike leads along a sandy beach. The meadowland leads to sand dunes, which bear witness to the fact that a salt sea stretched between Mainz and Bad Kreuznach in prehistoric times (30 million years ago). Our tour leads around these dunes, into dense forest, to then reach the rock formation Gans, which was created by frost wedging during the Ice Age. From here you have a wide view of the Nahe region. Through mixed forest, we return to pastureland. An easy walk with plenty of variety over a short stretch.
Author’s recommendation
The tour is particularly nice in summer in the hours before sunset.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Warning: Oak trees can be infested with the oak processionary moth over large areas. The caterpillar of the oak processionary moth is a health hazard. The stinging hairs of the caterpillars contain a nettle poison. They can also be carried by the wind. Contact with the caterpillars can be harmful to humans and pets. Caterpillar dermatitis is particularly common, with the following symptoms: Skin rashes and redness, slight swelling of the skin, wheals, itching and burning all over the body. If the stinging hairs (which contain thaumatopoein) are inhaled, this can lead to irritation of the mucous membranes of the mouth and nose, bronchitis, asthma or even allergic shock. Even after the life cycle of pupa, caterpillar and moth, the empty webs with their stinging hairs pose a threat over a longer period of time.
Precautionary measures:
- Observe the warning advice
- Infested oak trees should be avoided (do not use seating groups in the vicinity).
- Caterpillars and webs must not be touched under any circumstances (never try to destroy webs yourself)
- Do not lay or sit on the ground in the vicinity of infested oak trees.
- Protect body with clothing (neck, arms)
- Lead animals on a leash, stay on the path
- Report findings: These can possibly be professionally removed with special equipment, endangered areas can be marked.
- If you have come into contact with the stinging hairs of the caterpillars, you should change your clothes and take a shower.
- Clothing must be washed at 60°C minimum
Tips and hints
The nearest gastronomy: reachable by car in five minutes from the start and finish:
Forester's lodge Spreitel
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
From the hike portal, our path leads past pastureland to the stage destination of Meeressand. We then go uphill to a wonderful distant view over woods and meadows. Now we hike through varied forest and come to the observatory. Soon after, our path turns sharply left in front of the former Rheingrafenstein Castle. The comfortable forest path soon gives way to stony ground and leads along the cliff edge. This is how we reach the Gans viewpoint, which sits a good 200 m above river level. The heights trail moves downhill until we turn onto a forest path. This takes us to a narrow road where distant views are opened up again and again. After a short section of meadow path, we are back at the hike portal.
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Bus line 203 runs from Bad Kreuznach station to the Kuhberg recreational area on Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.
Monday - Friday half-hourly with final stop at Kuhberg, from there, 10 - 15 minute walk to the starting point (car park recreational area, past the animal shelter)
By road
a) B 48 Bad Kreuznach, intersection Salinenstraße/Rheingrafenstraße turn off in the direction of the youth hostel. Follow Rheingrafenstraße for approx. 2 kilometres to the hiking portal at the Kuhberg recreational area car park.
b) L 412 between Hackenheim and Bad Kreuznach. Exit in the direction of the Kuhberg recreational area, continue straight on to Rheingrafenstraße and from there to the hiking portal at the recreational area car park.
Parking
Large car park at the Rheingrafenstein recreational area, do not use the bus turning area.
Coordinates
Author’s map recommendations
Equipment
Due to rocky terrain and exposure to the sun, sturdy shoes and sunscreen, if necessary, are advisable.
Statistics
- 2 Waypoints
- 2 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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Rating
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