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recommended route Stage 2

Pfälzer Höhenweg Stage 2: Dannenfels - Bastenhaus

Select · 3 reviews · Long Distance Hiking · Pfalz

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Pfalz Touristik e.V.

/ Blick von der Ruine Falkenstein
Photo: Dominik Ketz, Pfalz Touristik e.V.
/ Der Adlerbogen oberhalb Dannenfels
Photo: Dominik Ketz, Pfalz Touristik e.V.
/ Ausblick vom Königsstuhl
Photo: Markus Balkow, Outdoor Wandern
/ Der Königsstuhl
Photo: Markus Balkow, Outdoor Wandern
/ Die Keltenhütte auf dem Donnersberg
Photo: Markus Balkow, Outdoor Wandern
/ Aussichtsterrasse des Falkensteiner Hofs
Photo: Markus Balkow, Outdoor Wandern
/ Vom Königsstuhl, dem höchsten Punkt in der Pfalz, bietet sich ein herrlicher Ausblick.
Photo: Sandra Fischer, Outdooractive Editors
/ Die Keltenhütte auf dem Donnersberg lädt zum Verweilen ein.
Photo: Sandra Fischer, Outdooractive Editors
/ Imposant ragt die Burgruine Falkenstein über dem kleinen Ort auf.
Photo: Sandra Fischer, Outdooractive Editors
/ Hoch ragt der Sendemast auf dem Donnersberg auf.
Photo: Sandra Fischer, Outdooractive Editors
/ Die alten Mauerreste der Brugruine Falkenstein sind ein begehrtes Fotomotiv.
Photo: Sandra Fischer, Outdooractive Editors
/ Idyllische Wanderwege führen über den Donnersberg.
Photo: Sandra Fischer, Outdooractive Editors
/ Die Burgruine Falkenstein wird als Freilichttheater genutzt.
Photo: Sandra Fischer, Outdooractive Editors
/ Keltischer Ringwall
/ Keltenwall
/ Besonders im Sommer ist der Luftkurort Dannenfels ein beliebtes Ausflugsziel.
Photo: Sandra Fischer, Outdooractive Editors
/ Die Keltenmauer ist Zeugnis der früheren Besiedelung auf dem Donnersberg.
Photo: Sandra Fischer, Outdooractive Editors

The second stage brings us higher – from Dannenfels we climb the 687m high Donnersberg, the highest mountain of the Palatinate, and continue to Marienthal and the Bastenhaus Hotel-Restaurant.

moderate

Distance 15.2 km

4:05 h

474 m

431 m

Uphill it's all along sweeping forest paths, past the lookout points of Moltkefels and Hirtenfels to the more than 2000 years old Celtic circular hillfort. A little later you will see the 27 metre high Ludwigsturm with views down into the Rhine valley and even the skyline of Frankfurt, when the weather allows. Snacks and refreshments are available at the Waldhaus or Keltenhütte. We continue to the highest point of the Palatinate: the Königsstuhl with great views over the Donnersberg region before continuing through the dense forest and descending into the picturesque village of Falkenstein. Built on a volcanic vent built and perched high above the houses are the ruins of Falkenstein, which is the scene of many artistic events today. In Falkenstein there are several opportunities to rest and refresh oneself. With rustling leaves under your shoes, the way now leads along the foot of the Donnersberg

UFFBASSE! - Campaign for being considerate of others in nature

Always act in a proactive, friendly and considerate way towards everyone you encounter along the way.
Respect nature, do not destroy plants and always stay on the paths. Try to avoid excessive noise and leave the forest before dusk.
Remember to take a rubbish bag with you when you go out and take your rubbish back home.
Please keep your dog on a leash at all times. Other visitors and animals thank you.
For your own safety, observe all road closures, including at weekends.
Park only in designated parking areas. Leave space for emergency vehicles and agricultural machinery.
Please give priority to agricultural and forestry traffic.

Author’s recommendation

Unbedingt den Ludwigsturm besteigen. Falls (unter der Woche) geschlossen, kann man den Schlüssel am Waldhaus holen.
Auf dem Donnersberg einen Abstecher zur rekonstruierten keltischen Ringwallmauer machen

Author

Tobias Kauf

Update: October 18, 2021

Quality route according to "Wanderbares Deutschland"

Difficulty

moderate

Technique

Stamina

Experience

Landscape

Highest point

674 m

Lowest point

385 m

Best time of year

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct

Nov

Dec

Rest Stop

"Burgstubb" an der Burgruine
Kronenbuchhütte
Blockhütte Marienthal
Keltenhütte

Safety information

In light of recent events:

Coronavirus Guide from the German Hiking Association

In autumn in particular, it is important to remember that leaves lying on the ground can hide bumps, roots, stones and holes in the path. Trees can topple and branches can fall down after thunderstorms and rainstorms. Natural paths can become muddy and slippery, especially in poor weather conditions. Not all rocks and precipices are secured with ropes or railings. You need to be sure-footed in certain areas. Damage to paths of this kind is to be expected on hikes. If you feel that certain sections of the path are not passable for you, please avoid them.

NOTE:

We endeavour to announce all closures due to forest work or hunting parties on this platform. Nevertheless, sometimes there are situations where hiking trails are closed and we may not have been informed. If you unexpectedly encounter a road closure or diversion, please follow the instructions for your own safety.

Tips and hints

Dannenfels

www.donnersberg-touristik.de

Start

Hikers' car park near the Kastanienhof guest house in Dannenfels (417 m)

Coordinates:

49.624171, 7.944558

DMS

49°37'27.0"N 7°56'40.4"E

UTM

32U 423772 5497380

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Destination

Hikers' car park at the Bastenhaus hotel

Turn-by-turn directions

The second stage of our hike begins in the health resort town of Dannenfels and brings us on a steep ascent to the Donnersberg. We hike along idyllic woodland paths, past the Moltkefels and Hirtenfels viewing points, up to the remains of a Celtic ring fort (1), which was built on the Donnersberg in 150 B.C. Enjoy the view from the nearby 27m high Ludwig tower (2). In good conditions, you can see right across the Rhine plain to Frankfurt from the top of the tower. Take a break in the Waldhaus (3) or Keltenhütte (4) café-restaurants.

Continue to the King's Chair (5), the highest point in the Palatinate, and enjoy a magnificent view over the forested plateau and the Donnersberg region. We then begin the steep descent through thick forest to the picturesque village of Falkenstein. The imposing ruins of Falkenstein Castle (6), which are also used as an open air theatre, overshadow the houses. Here at the foot of the Donnersberg, along pretty paths at the forest edge, we reach our destination of the Bastenhaus Hotel-Restaurant. Enjoy a good meal on the terrace of this traditional hotel as well as the stunning view of the highest mountain in the Palatinate.

Note

all notes on protected areas

Public transport

Train to Rockenhausen, onwards by bus or taxi (Tel. +49 (0)6352 / 750404) to Dannenfels

Getting there

A63 to the Göllheim exit, then continue on the L397 to Dannenfels

Parking

In Dannenfels

Coordinates

49.624171, 7.944558

DMS

49°37'27.0"N 7°56'40.4"E

UTM

32U 423772 5497380

w3w

///mega.hubcap.qualms

Arrival by train, car, foot or bike

Book recommendation by the author

Rother Bergverlag : Die Pfälzer Weitwanderwege Pfälzer Höhenweg, Pfälzer Waldpfad, Pfälzer Weinsteig. In 30 Tagen durch die Pfalz (Autor: Jürgen Plogmann). 140 Seiten mit 60 Farbabbildungen, 30 Höhenprofile, 30 Wanderkärtchen im Maßstab 1:75.000, eine Übersichtskarte. ISBN 978-3-7633-4401-7

Author’s map recommendations

Public Press Wanderkarte Pfälzer Höhenweg im Maßstab 1:25.000, deutsch, Leporello Falzung mit 14 Teilkarten, GPS-genau, fünf redaktionelle Seiten mit Ausflugszielen und Einkehrtipps. Weitere Hauptwanderwege enthalten. Preis: 9,99€. Direkt hier bestellen.
Wanderkarte Pfälzerwald 2, NaturNavi Gmbh, ISBN 978-3-96099-104-5 http://naturnavi.de

Equipment

We recommend the following equipment as standard for our hiking tours:

Sturdy shoes
Clothing suitable for the weather
Sun and rain protection
Sufficient quantity of food and drink, as refreshment stops or shopping facilities are not always available or open.
Although the paths are very well marked throughout, for safety reasons it is always advisable to carry a suitable hiking map so that you can quickly find your way to a safe area in the event of a thunderstorm or emergency.

Basic Equipment for Long-Distance Hikes

Sturdy, comfortable and waterproof hiking boots or approach shoes
Layered, moisture wicking clothing
Hiking socks
Rucksack (with rain cover)
Protection against sun, rain and wind (hat, sunscreen, water- and windproof jacket and suitable legwear)
Sunglasses
Hiking poles
Ample supply of drinking water and snacks
First aid kit
Blister kit
Bivy / survival bag
Survival blanket
Headlamp
Pocket knife
Whistle
Cell phone
Cash
Navigation equipment / map and compass
Emergency contact details
ID

Camping Equipment

Tent (3- or 4-season)
Stove (including fuel and utensils)
Sleeping mat. Sleeping bag with suitable temperature rating.
Food
Toiletries and medication
Toilet paper

Things to Bring if Staying in a Mountain Hut

Toiletries and medication
Quick-drying towel
Ear plugs
Sleeping bag liner
Sleepwear
Alpine club membership card if applicable / ID
Coronavirus mask and hand sanitizer

The 'basic' and 'technical' equipment lists are generated based on the selected activity. They are not exhaustive and only serve as suggestions for what you should consider packing.
For your safety, you should carefully read all instructions on how to properly use and maintain your equipment.
Please ensure that the equipment you bring complies with local laws and does not include restricted items.

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Rating

3.3

(3)

Jens Korn

November 30, 2020 · Community

When did you do this route? November 28, 2020

Comment

Rainer .

June 22, 2019 · Community

Comment

Detlev D

May 11, 2018 · Community

Schön und richtig „pfälzisch“ ist der Weg bis zum Ludwigsturm bzw. Keltenhütte. Danach kommen meistens lange und eher eintönige Ziehwege bis Falkenstein. Leider waren wir an einem Freitag unterwegs und alle Einkehrmöglichkeiten waren geschlossen. Geöffnet nur Sa und So. Das war etwas enttäuschend.

Comment

Photos from others

Reviews

Difficulty

moderate

Distance

15.2 km

Duration

4:05 h

Ascent

474 m

Descent

431 m

Multi-stage route Scenic Refreshment stops available Cultural/historical interest Geological highlights

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