Palatinate Wine Route stage 05 Neustadt a. d. Weinstraße - St. Martin

We start at the busy marketplace in Neustadt, stroll through the pedestrian zone and then begin the ascent to the Nollensattel. From here, a hillside path takes us leisurely through chestnut forests before a trail winds steeply uphill through moss-covered rocks in the forest to the scenic Zigeunerfelsen. Next, we continue to the 490 m high Nollenkopf and along a distinct ridge past the Speierheld shelter hut to the natural monument Hambacher Bergstein. From here, we hike on beautiful paths to the Sühnekreuz and then downhill towards Hambacher Castle, which is definitely worth a detour. We circle the Sommerberg clockwise and finally reach the Hohe-Loog-Haus (PWV), where we can enjoy the wonderful view from the terrace over the southern Palatinate all the way to the Kraichgau and the Black Forest while having a snack. Strengthened, we continue with ups and downs to the Kalmit. On the highest peak of the Palatinate Forest, we are not only rewarded with a fantastic view of the Rhine Plain, more than 500 m below, but also the Ludwigshafener hut (PWV), which is open on weekends and Wednesdays. Southwest of the Kalmit on the Hüttenberg is another scenic highlight on our route, the impressive natural monument Felsenmeer. From here, a path leads us through charming pine forests down to the Totenkopfstraße on the eastern edge of St. Martin, which lies picturesquely at the exit of the Kropsbach valley. Past the Bellachini pond, it is not far now to the idyllic, listed town center.

For our hiking tours, we recommend the following equipment as standard:

Hiking on natural paths and trails - Especially in autumn, be aware that fallen leaves on the ground can hide uneven surfaces, roots, stones, or holes in the path. After thunderstorms or heavy rain, trees can still fall or branches break off. Particularly in difficult weather conditions, natural paths may have muddy and slippery sections. Not all rocks or cliffs are secured with ropes or railings. Sure-footedness is sometimes required. You must expect these kinds of path impairments when hiking. If you think certain sections are impassable for you, you should bypass them. Despite the "unmissable" marking of the premium hiking trails, we recommend carrying an appropriate hiking map for safety so that, for example, in case of a thunderstorm or emergency, you can quickly reach a safe area. Road closures and detours must be strictly observed.

Danger situations - In an emergency, fast help is critical. Although mobile phones can send GPS signals, at classic rescue points help usually arrives fastest. These are located in places accessible to rescue vehicles. Remember the points with green signs and a white cross. In an emergency, return there and give the number on the sign to your emergency call. This way, rescuers will know where to find you.

Take the A65 exit Neustadt/Weinstraße South and continue on the B39 to Neustadt.

Or: On the A65 to the Neustadt/Weinstraße North exit, then continue on the B38 until you turn left onto Kalr-Hellferich-Str. Straight ahead to Landauer Str., then turn right.

By train to Neustadt a. d. Weinstraße main station. Neustadt is accessible by IC and ICE, as well as connected half-hourly to S-Bahn services to Mannheim/Heidelberg and Kaiserslautern/Saarbrücken.

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

Free parking at the festival meadow on Festplatzstraße, 67433 Neustadt

Please only park in designated parking spaces and always keep access ways for emergency vehicles and work paths in the forest and vineyards clear. For overnight stays in camper or caravan, there are specifically designated motorhome pitches.

The German Wine Institute has, after 2010 and 2013, this year (2022) awarded further highlights of wine culture in the German wine regions. The highlights express wine culture in a special form and primarily serve as points of contact for culture-interested tourists. In the Palatinate, the Wingertsberg in St. Martin was awarded as a prime example of modern viticulture, which also considers the care of landscape and nature. On the formerly overgrown steep slope, grapes are hand-picked by eight winemakers. Sand, dry grassland, and light forest areas as well as orchards create a varied and species-rich landscape, providing refuge and habitat for many animals and plants.

Marking rules

Those interested in history should not miss the permanent exhibition "Up, up to the castle!" in Hambacher Castle.

360° Palatinate