Klingbach Cycle Route

Hugging the Klingbach river, through beautiful vineyards and lush meadows, past tobacco plantations and asparagus fields, the Klingbach Cycle Route takes you from the cool Palatinate Forest in Reichenbach, just outside Dahn, to the pristine Rheinaue wetlands in Hördt. On this wonderful section of the route, it's all about the journey rather than the destination – whether you are paying a short visit to the fairytale ruins of Lindelbrunn Castle or you fancy a trip to the unspoilt, meandering alluvial forests with their unique flora and fauna.

The route starts in Reichenbach, just outside Dahn. Here, you follow the forestry track to Vorderweidenthal in the north. Continue on the forestry track until you reach the ruins of Lindelbrunn Castle, which is situated in a dense and magical place, just waiting to be explored. The route then continues to Gossersweiler-Stein. From there, you take the cycle path along the L494, past the Catholic church to Lake Silz and then on to Silz itself. Animal lovers may want to fit in a detour to the wildlife and hiking park in Silz. Follow the route through Münchweiler, past Klingbachhof farm, out of the cool Palatinate Forest to Klingenmünster, which is located at the foot of the medieval Landeck Castle. The route continues on agricultural roads through the beautiful vineyards of the Wine Route, past the former train station in Klingen, along the railway embankment through Appenhofen to the hammer mill and then into Ingenheim. It continues via Billigheim and Rohrbach into historic Herxheim, which enjoys an idyllic location on the Southern Wine Route. The lovingly furnished Herxheimer Museum in the centre of town takes you on an exciting journey through time into the Southern Palatinate Stone Age. From here, a tranquil forest track leads to Herxheimweyher. Leaving Herxheimweyher, you cycle along a path running parallel to the country road. Time seems to have stood still in this region – old half-timbered houses, secluded spots, and nothing but tobacco plantations as far as the eye can see. The path takes you to Rülzheim, where a detour to Mhou park is always well worth the effort. Europe’s leading ostrich farm exudes a truly African feel. Admire the exotic ostrich chicks in the park or the fine ostrich leather products in the farm shop. Arriving in Rülzheim, go over the railway crossing on the left and cycle past the station on Hubenweg, pass under the B9 and continue to the picturesque village of Hördt. Follow the path east through the high forest where you meet the unique Rheinaue wetlands at Hördt. Here you can enjoy the botanical diversity of the original alluvial forests with their lush fragrant orchids and water lilies. The flowering tulip trees are a truly amazing sight.

Sampling some hearty Palatinate fare washed down with a glass of fine wine in one of the town’s rustic taverns is the perfect way to round off an action-packed day.