4.8
(44)
139
hikers
Rodalben Rock Trail
08:46
31.2km
620m
Hiking
Hike the challenging 19.4-mile Rodalber Felsenwanderweg in the Palatinate Forest, exploring impressive red sandstone formations and panorami
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
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7.78 km
Gypsy Rock, Rodalben
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
12.1 km
Pig Rock, Rodalben
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
17.3 km
Hilschberg Rock
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
20.0 km
Bridge over the Rodalb (Rock Trail)
Highlight • Bridge
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Tip by
20.8 km
Hanauisches Eck Rock Formation
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
29.6 km
Brothers' Rock, Rodalben
Highlight • Natural Monument
Translated by Google •
Tip by
31.2 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
23.8 km
4.24 km
1.73 km
1.11 km
287 m
107 m
Surfaces
26.0 km
2.00 km
1.72 km
776 m
370 m
367 m
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Elevation
Highest point (380 m)
Lowest point (250 m)
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Weather
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Monday 25 May
31°C
14°C
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
How challenging is the Around Rodalben on the rocky hiking trail?
This trail is considered difficult and requires very good fitness and sure-footedness. It features varied forest paths, steep sections, and can have rocky terrain, loose stones, or mud, especially after rain. Sturdy footwear with good grip is highly recommended.
What are the main natural features and landmarks along the route?
The trail is famous for its spectacular red sandstone formations. You'll encounter impressive structures like the Gypsy Rock, Rodalben, the iconic Brothers' Rock, Rodalben, and the Pig Rock, Rodalben. Don't miss the Hilschberg Rock and the Hanauisches Eck Rock Formation. The Bärenhöhle (Bear Cave), the largest natural sandstone cave in the Palatinate, is also a significant highlight.
Where can I park to access the Rodalber Felsenwanderweg?
The trail is a circular route around Rodalben. You can typically find parking in Rodalben itself, which serves as a convenient starting point for the trail. Specific parking areas are usually well-signposted for hikers.
Is the Around Rodalben on the rocky hiking trail dog-friendly?
Yes, the trail is generally dog-friendly. However, given the challenging and rocky terrain, ensure your dog is fit enough for a long hike. Always keep your dog on a leash and be mindful of other hikers and wildlife.
What is the best time of year to hike this trail?
The trail is accessible year-round. Autumn offers a magical display of colors from the changing leaves, while winter, especially with ice and snow, can highlight the unique beauty of the caves and rock formations. Spring and summer are also pleasant, but be prepared for potentially muddy sections after rain.
Are there any permits or entrance fees required for the Palatinate Forest Nature Park?
No, there are no specific permits or entrance fees required to hike the Rodalber Felsenwanderweg within the Palatinate Forest Nature Park. However, always respect local regulations, stay on marked paths, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Does the trail intersect with other well-known hiking paths?
Yes, the route largely follows the Rodalber Felsenwanderweg itself (99% coverage). It also passes through sections of the Pfälzerwald Blau-Weißer Balken, Pfälzerwald Grün-Gelber Balken, Pfälzer Waldpfad, and the Pfälzer Jakobsweg-Verbindungsroute.
What should I wear and bring for this hike?
Due to the challenging and rocky terrain, sturdy hiking boots with good ankle support and grip are essential. Dress in layers suitable for varying weather conditions, and bring plenty of water, snacks, a map or GPS device, and a first-aid kit. Trekking poles can also be helpful on steep or uneven sections.
Are there any viewpoints with panoramic views along the way?
Yes, the trail offers breathtaking vantage points with sweeping panoramas over the Palatinate Forest and even towards Alsace in France. Many of the prominent rock formations also provide excellent views of the surrounding landscape.
Are there places to eat or stay near the trail in Rodalben?
Rodalben, as the main town for this circular trail, offers various options for refreshments and accommodation. You can find cafes, pubs, and guesthouses in the town to relax and refuel before or after your hike.
Is there a specific starting point recommended for the circular trail?
While it's a circular trail, many hikers choose to start and end in Rodalben itself, as it provides easy access to parking and amenities. The trail is well-marked, so you can begin at any point along the loop that is convenient for you.
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Trail Reviews
Beautiful rock formations and landscape. But the path gets worse every year. Damaged by mountain bikers, washed out by rain, partly overgrown. In some places there is a risk of falling. Difficult to pass for older people.
Komoot did Komoot things again when recording. I can only recommend the rock hiking trail in Rodalben to every hiking enthusiast.
On Saturday, we participated in the 35th Rodalb Hiking Marathon. The start/finish was at the Hilschberghaus in Rodalben. After completing half the distance last year, we planned to do the full distance this time. The route follows the rocky hiking trail around Rodalben. Drinks and sandwiches were available at four aid stations. Unfortunately, restrooms were only available at the last VP at the cemetery. The reddish sandstone formations and caves are worth seeing and make the strenuous second half more enjoyable. The route is mostly singletrack. Overtaking requires coordination, especially among trail runners. The entry fee for this event is only €8. It seems to be no longer an insider tip, but it's definitely worth it.
Today for the first time in almost 2 years I went on a longer hike. And luck with the weather was also there😀😀
A long-awaited short trip to the Palatinate Forest. The rock hiking trail around the small town of Rodalben is a 44km long circular trail with impressive rock formations, mostly made of reddish sandstone. Part of the circular trail is also part of the Palatinate Forest Trail (142km) between Kaiserslautern and Schweigen-Rechtenbach on the French border. It is advisable to follow the route with Komoot despite the fairly good signage (we still missed a turnoff and walked a bit too far on day 1). You mostly walk on narrow paths with natural surfaces, as there had been some heavy rainfall shortly before, water was also an issue, there were muddy passages, but these were mostly easy to manage. Lots of small waterfalls along the side of the path and bubbling springs provided variety. Since we were a bit limited in time, we started in the late afternoon of the first day and so the second stage was already quite long. If you have enough time, it is advisable to split the route into two roughly equal stages, then the route is easy to manage. Attention dog owners: the tick infestation is extreme this year, please take preventative measures. Conclusion: highly recommended!
45.1 km • Start/Finish: Rodalben hiking station (entrance and exit possible at several points, then additional km) Certified as a quality trail by Wanderbares Deutschland, the Rodalber Felsenwanderweg leads right through the Palatinate Forest Nature Park, the largest contiguous forest area in Germany. Short but crisp, the 45 km long circuit passes legendary rock formations. Kuhfelsen, Schweinefelsen, Bruderfelsen, Maibrunnenfelsen or Karl-May-Felsen are just a few examples of the diverse rock landscape in the middle of the dense forest. Some of them offer a magnificent view over the canopy of leaves into the Palatinate Forest, while others shade rustic benches at the foot of the rocks. Above all, the Bärenfelsen with its spring, waterfall and the largest natural red sandstone cave in the Palatinate is one of the tour's temples of peace. The high proportion of path on the circuit is also impressive, and can be completed in two days or - very sporty - in one day. The Rodalber Felsenwanderweg came second in the vote for Germany's most beautiful hiking trail in the multi-day tour category in 2022. Source: https://wandermagazin.de/de/artikel/aktuelles/1342/deutschlands-schonster-wanderweg-2022--die-gewinnerwege.html The tour https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/1043655342 was used and adapted from komoot as a template for the second stage (part of the Felsenweg is missing here, and I also wanted to start where I left the Felsenwanderweg in the first stage and I also wanted to visit the pulpit). First stage see https://www.komoot.com/de-de/tour/1823172803 Conclusion: Here again there are plenty of forest paths and rocks, the circuit is simply beautiful to walk - the Rodalber Felsenwanderweg is worth it! I also noticed once again that the forest floor is simply easier for my feet to walk on than boring asphalt routes, so the 26 km don't make a difference. With 26-27 degrees, it wasn't as hot today as last time. The trip to the pulpit was worth it! From there you have a beautiful view over Rodalben. I also visited the viewing point on the Saufelsen, but it's not really worth it as it's a bit overgrown and there are no benches (anymore) available - so I'd rather go to the pulpit. I can fully recommend the Rodalber Felsenwanderweg, a beautiful part of the Palatinate for hiking.
day 1 Wonderful tour with many highlights 👍❗️