Geiersteine tour

The Geiersteine tour is a short, varied premium tour that impresses with its diversity and variety. On narrow paths and springy forest paths, you pass mighty sandstone formations such as the Hornstein (1.5 km). But also smaller, bizarre rock formations in bright red colors line the route. So you have enchanting and delightful views whether from the (2.5 km) "Geiersteinen" (3.2 km) "Runden Hut" or from the "Hornstein". Views of the Reichfest Trifels near Annweiler, to the wine region of the Southern Wine Route or the small villages of the Palatinate Forest such as Lug with its imposing Friedrichsfelsen, which is popularly known as "Luger Fritz". By the way: the silhouette of the Geiersteine in the direction of Wernersberg resembles the shape of a kite with a little imagination. The route leads over the districts of the two communities Lug and Wernersberg

Difficulty

average

Route

5,4 km

Duration

2:00 h

Ascent

163 m

Descent

193 m

Start

Start and finish: parking lot at the community hall in Lug, car navigation: Hauensteiner Straße, 76848 Lug

Route

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Route description

The Geiersteine Tour

An unforgettable adventure trail

What could be better after work than to quickly scramble up to the top of a rock formation, enjoy the evening sun and just relax? You need just over an hour from the village centre in Lug to the Geiersteinen which then allows an unforgettable view of the vastness of the Palatinate Forest. Although the Geiersteine Tour is, with its 5.4 kilometres, the shortest premium hike of the municipality of Hauenstein, shortly after the climb it is clear what it has to offer : views and distant views that you will not forget.

First of all it goes quite fast up the hillside, steep indeed, but for hikers of all ages this can be coped with ease. After not even half an hour the first viewpoint is reached, the rock formation of the Hornstein - recognizable by a white cross on the summit. A narrow path then winds its way up to the ridge, from where one has a great view over Lug and the surrounding hillsides. A few metres away there is a cosy sitting area which invites you to have a small breather.

From here you walk along the plateau of the western Heischberg towards the Geiersteine. As with all hillside trails, the vegetation here also has its own charm: fragrant pine trees, rustling leaves and treetops flooded in sunlight. The mighty rock monument "Luger Geierstein" that protrudes like a 45-meter high ramp out of the hillside, offers a unique panoramic view. Just because of this view, it is sometimes even worthwhile taking the Geiersteine Tour after a busy day in the office, especially since the climb is done fairly quickly. Sitting comfortably on a rock plate, you can here forget the daily grind behind you and fill up with new energy. On a clear day, you can look down to the Südliche Weinstrasse. Easily visible to the east is the imperial castle of Trifels and then towards the south the hills of the Vogesen.

After a pleasant break on the rocky plateau, the path then leads in the shade of deciduous trees back to an altitude of 400 metres, past bizarre rock formations towards the “Runder Hut”. There, too, are seating facilities with a great view of the Trifels and the Wernersberg, down in the valley. To be able to look at the “Runder Hut” closer, one must scramble a few feet down. A wooden bench offers the last opportunity to have a rest at the foot of the rock before it goes back down to the village centre of Lug, the start of our hike.

In order to experience the views, you will have to climb a bit. For this reason, the Geiersteine Tour is not completely hazard-free. Therefore, hikers afraid of heights or accompanied by children should not scramble up all the way up to the summit. Even from a respectful distance you can admire the impressive mountain scenery.