Südwestpfalz walks

Colorado du Bitcherland for some. This is a pink sandstone formation 1.5 km long, 35 m high and with four "towers" towering over visitors. No remains of the castle exist, but the unusual shapes, rocky overhangs and colours that change with the light of day enhance this rock formation. Trail marked with the German "Premiumweg" label.

Gentle climb to Eulenfels, a spectacular but little-visited rocky site. Pass through the Wusteichelsbach peat bogs before climbing gently to the breathtaking Altschlossfelsen rock formation (very popular). Return to Eppenbrunn via the Rocher de Diane, on the French-German border, and the Teufelstisch rocks.

The "Premiungweg" marked trail is a meeting point between Alsace and the Palatinate. Between the Northern Vosges and the Wasgau: two of the most beautiful natural sites in Europe thanks to their landscapes of endless forests, pink sandstone rocks rising towards the sky and remarkable castle ruins. This 33 km trail was originally divided into two circular sections. Here is thefirst 20 km section.

The Dahner Felsenpfad (Dahn Rock Trail) is located in Rhineland-Palatinate. This circular route takes you into the forest to discover the giant pink sandstone rocks and the surrounding viewpoints. Refreshments are also available along the route.

The Rodalben Felsenwanderweg is originally 45.5 km long; this covers a large part of it. A walk featuring impressive rock formations, caves and forest sections, and certified asa “Qualitätsweg Wanderbares Deutschland”. Classified as ‘Difficult’ due to its length, rather than ‘Very Difficult’, as most of the paths follow the contour lines; the descents into the valleys are gradual and the ascents are steady and not at all strenuous.

A lovely path through woods, fields, ponds and valleys, said to have been used by the monk Firminy, who would meditate whilst walking. As you walk, imagine the landscape in which this medieval monk might have walked.

From Darstein, a village in the Wasgau – a region straddling the Franco-German border in the Northern Vosges and known as Vasgovie in French – set off to explore Immersberg, Hauselstein, Hockerstein, Nesselbergfelsen, Hühnerstein, Kühungerfelsen…

Exposed rocky outcrops offer stunning views of the valley, mysterious medieval ruins can be explored, and well-signposted routes ensure a wonderful hiking experience in the Mittlerer Wasgau. Bizarre red sandstone formations line the path, you pass through imposing rock arches, and you walk through an idyllic meadow valley.

The Southern Palatinate is a true paradise for walkers. Quirky red sandstone rocks can be found at every turn, many of them bearing mystical names. The Büttelfelsen rock massif towers high above the town of Dahn and is up to 45 metres high. What makes it special is the rock hole at its centre, from whose viewing platform you can see as far as the neighbouring Lämmerfelsen. Also famous is the Napoleonfels, a red sandstone rock tower which not only lends its name to the Napoleonsteig trail but also lies on the Kaisertour, a route just under 10 km long.

The Napoleon Trail owes its name to a formation of red sandstone towering in the middle of the sparse woodland; with a little imagination, its upper section could be said to resemble the shape of Emperor Napoleon’s tricorne hat. The walk takes you past countless red sandstone formations, each bearing imaginative names, which rise up in wildly jagged shapes along the route. The walk also takes you past the Reinighof spring and through marshy wet meadows in the Wöllmersbach Valley.

This route passes by the Bruderfelsen (Brother’s Rock), the town’s landmark, then in front of the Alten Bierkeller (Old Beer Cellar) to reach the imposing Alte Burg (Old Castle) rock formation, which offers a view over Rodalben, and ends at the Hettersbachfelsen rocks, from where you return in the opposite direction to avoid the tarmac.

Known as the Vosges Colorado or Alsace Colorado since the French Club Vosgien discovered this remarkable natural area relatively late in the 20th century, it is a magnet for hikers from France on fine days. Apart from the site itself, German forests are usually very quiet in autumn.Do not expect to see even the ruins of an ancient castle... nothing remains, but the real beauty of the site lies in the rocks with their magnificent colours.The French name is probably the result of an excellent marketing strategy, as this site is in no way comparable to the famous Provençal colorados (Rustrel or Roussillon). Apart from a few beautiful colours, it could more easily be compared to Luxembourg's Petite Suisse.However, the site is well worth a visit and even a detour!

A walk through the German forest north of Wissembourg, featuring some stunning views and sandstone outcrops (very similar to those in Colorado – Altschlossfelsen). There are a few sections with steep ascents and descents. This walk should be classified as moderate to difficult

A lovely forest path for the whole family. Lovely surprises will delight young and old alike. Start in the village or at the football ground, then follow the signs and markers along the way.

A magnificent hike to discover the rock formations of the Palatinate Forest. You will walk through breathtaking scenery and discover Neudahn Castle, destroyed during the Peasants' War in the 16th century, one of the best-preserved castles in the Palatinate Forest

Whichever route you choose in the breathtaking Dahner Felsenland, you’ll find stunning sandstone rock formations everywhere. Two of these are the Kahle Felsen and the Backelstein, south of Hauenstein. What hardly anyone knows, however, is that the German Shoe Museum is also located here, where not only the history of the shoe but also many a famous pair of shoes is on display.