The pond „Landschaftsweiher“ in the valley called „Bottental“ near Erfweiler has a long history dating back to the 18th century. Originally, it was created under the name "Neuwoog" for fish farming. Such ponds were typical for the region at that time and served as an important source of fish, a staple food. Over time, the pond lost its original function and became overgrown. In 1983, the municipality of Erfweiler decided to redesign the pond as part of a recreational area. It was integrated into the "Langental" local recreation area and enhanced in terms of landscaping.
Today, the „Landschaftsweiher“ is a popular excursion destination. It is located along a well-maintained circular trail to the Eibach spring, offering benches for relaxation and providing picturesque photo opportunities throughout the year. The natural surroundings make it a peaceful retreat for visitors and a habitat for wildlife and plants.
A typical and walkable rock breakthrough in the Wasgau (Lämmerfelsen close to Dahn). The various rock needles and towers of the Lämmerfelsen are great for photography both in the early morning and at sunset. However, one should have a good head for heights, and unfortunately, the massif is not barrier-free.
The „Heidenturm“ is part of the 420-meter-high rock ridge "Heidenberg" (near Busenberg/Erlenbach) in the southeastern Wasgau, which rises directly south of the Drachenfels castle ruins. On the western slope of the ridge is the striking rock formation „Buchkammerfels“, and at the easternmost corner of the mountain lies the „Schlüsselfelsen“, also known as „Heidenpfeiler“. Due to the name "Heiden“, a Celtic settlement can be inferred.
A standing body of water in a very idyllic side valley near Hinterweidenthal, fed by the Mühlenbach stream. The tranquility is almost tangible, and it goes without saying that the well-known Elwetritschen (good-natured Palatine goblins, not related to or affiliated with the Bavarian Wolpertinger) have retreated to this secluded valley due to human curiosity. The Woog (pond) is easily accessible on foot or by bike, though it is hidden in dense greenery, making it easy to overlook
A sprawling 1.5 km-long sandstone reef located southeast of the town of Dahn, featuring a prominent needle-shaped rock (345 meters above sea level with a maximum height of 50 meters). The Hochstein is one of the most well-known climbing rocks in the Dahner Felsenland (first successfully climbed in 1908). There is also a footpath leading to the ridge, offering a wide view over the Wasgau region.
A 35-meter-high rock formation, popular with climbers (also known as Rappenwand), located north of the municipality of Erfweiler. The rocks may be temporarily closed in spring due to bird protection measures (nesting area for birds of prey). Relevant signs provide information about this. The Glastal area as a whole offers other interesting photo opportunities (Lobelia, Glasfelsen with Neyturm and Schlemmerturm, Kumbtfels) and is often used as an approach to Winterkirchl and the Dicke Eiche hiking lodge.
First mentioned in 1152, the castle was besieged, captured, and destroyed in 1314 by troops from the Alsatian cities of Strasbourg and Hagenau, accused of harboring robber barons. In its turbulent history, the castle was handed over in 1480, against the wishes of its owner (the Weißenburg Monastery), to Hans von Trotha (popularly known as Hans Trapp), who defied the monastery. He dammed the Wieslauter stream (resulting in a "water feud") and later broke the dam, flooding Weißenburg downstream. Neither the subsequent church excommunication nor the imperial ban deterred the knight, who became a legendary robber baron in the folklore of the Palatinate Forest ("...if you don't behave, Trapp will get you!"). After the castle was destroyed by a lightning strike and rebuilt in the late 19th century, Berwartstein has served as a residential castle with a restaurant and can still be partially visited today.
Sandstone rock formations with numerous towers and walls, viewpoints, and individual features that provide particularly interesting subjects at sunrise and sunset. The formation is not barrier-free.
Directly adjacent to the Dahner Lämmerfelsen, Dahner Felsenland, Germany is the Theo Tower, and with a bit of imagination, you can also find its true resident: Theo.
Daniel F.L. Pistor - a lawyer and speaker of the democratic movement at the "Hambacher Festival" in 1832 - erected the building and adjoining vineyards above Bad Bergzabern, Germany.
Burg Gräfenstein is the ruin of a castle near Merzalben in the district of Südwestpfalz, Rhineland-Palatinate. It is one of the most significant castles from the Staufer period in Rhineland-Palatinate. The central structure, including the keep and palas, likely dates back to the 12th century, thus originating from the Staufer era. Gräfenstein was first mentioned in 1237 in a partition document of the Counts of Leiningen.
First mentioned in the 12th century, it is believed to have been a border castle of the Benedictine monastery of Klingenmünster. In 1335, due to the robber-knighthood of its owners, the castle was besieged and destroyed by citizens of Strasbourg, and later passed into the hands of the knightly family of Dürkheim. This family would go on to shape the destiny of Drachenfels for many years and eventually rebuild it. In subsequent feuds, the castle was finally destroyed (razed), and it has remained a ruin to this day. Rock chambers, mighty shield walls, and an impressive view of the Dahner Felsenland make it well worth a visit (cf. https://www.busenberg.de/drachenfels.html ). Refreshments are provided right at the castle ruin.
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JT
