Pfälzer Waldpfad Stage 04 Heltersberg - Rodalben

The fourth stage of our hike leads us out of Heltersberg across meadows and fields past Westrichhof into the forest. There we walk for quite some time over the heights until we reach the impressive rock face of the Seelenfelsen (1) high above the Schwarzbach valley. Below the impressive red sandstone rock formation, we follow the route into a small side valley and then up to the remains of Heidelsburg (2), which served the Romans as a defensive structure against Germanic raids. The Pfälzer Waldpfad leads us through the Schwarzbach valley to a former coat of arms smithy. Here we leave the valley and hike over a hill with meadows and fields to the pilgrimage site Maria Rosenberg (3) with its pilgrimage church and the Marian grotto. After another ascent, we reach Donsieders. After leaving the church in the center of the small community behind us, we follow Höhgasse out of the village uphill to the plateau of Orleberg. Surrounded by fields stands an imposing monolith (4) made of red sandstone, on which a plaque with a poem about the "local legend of Donsieders" is attached. It continues through the forest past some distinctive rocks to the outskirts of Rodalben, where we encounter the managed Hilschberghaus (PWV). The hut is open from Monday to Saturday from 12:00 and on Sundays and public holidays from 10:00.

For our hiking routes, we recommend the following standard equipment:

Sturdy footwear Weather-appropriate clothing Sun and rain protection Sufficient supply of food and drinks, as there are not always dining or shopping options 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, for example, quickly find a safe area in the event of a thunderstorm or emergency.

Hiking on natural paths and trails - Especially in autumn, also be aware that the leaves lying on the ground can conceal unevenness, roots, stones or holes in the path. After thunderstorms or heavy rain, trees may still fall or branches may fall afterwards. Particularly in adverse weather conditions, natural paths can have muddy and slippery sections. Not all rocks or precipices are secured with ropes or railings. Surefootedness is required in places. You must expect such path impairments when hiking. If you think certain sections are impassable for you, you should avoid them. Despite the "unmissable" marking of the premium trails, we recommend carrying a suitable hiking map for safety reasons so that you can quickly find a safe area in the event of a thunderstorm or emergency. Path closures and detours must be strictly observed.

Danger situations - If there is an emergency, quick help is needed. And even though mobile phones can send GPS signals, the classic rescue points often work fastest. These are located at spots easily accessible to rescue vehicles. Remember the points with the green signs and a white cross. In an emergency, return there and give the number on the sign when calling for help. This way, rescuers will know where to find you.

A6 to the Kaiserslautern-West exit, continue via B270 to Heltersberg

By train to Kaiserslautern, from there by bus 170 (direction: Bürgerhaus, Geiselberg) via Geiselberg continuing with bus 170 (direction: HBF Kaiserslautern) to Heltersberg

Or: By train to Waldfischbach-Burgalben and from there by bus 246 towards Bürgerhaus, Geiselberg to Heltersberg (stop: Heimbachstraße)

Timetable information: via the DB travel information and in the DB Navigator app

In Heltersberg

Please park only in the designated parking spaces and always keep access routes for emergency vehicles and work paths in the forest and vineyards clear. For overnight stays in campers & caravans, there are specifically designated motorhome parking spaces.

360° Palatinate

Marking rules

Story Palatinate Mills and Woodlands

The Naturfreundehaus Heltersberg reopens on June 4, 2025. Restaurant and overnight accommodation. This means there is once again an overnight option on the Pfälzer Waldpfad.

Sections of the Rodalber Felsenwanderweg run along the Pfälzer Waldpfad. In 2022, it was ranked second in the category of multi-day routes in the competition Germany's Most Beautiful Hiking Trail.