Nothweiler offers hiking trails of varying lengths and with different focuses, from nature themes and Nordic walking to border history and castles. This lets you choose a route based on your preferred distance and subject.
Hiking trails by distance and theme
Nothweiler has three signposted Nordic walking routes, measuring 3.7, 6.7 and 9.7 kilometres. The three distances provide a clear guide when choosing a route, without indicating how long the walks will take.
The Nothweiler Forest Nature Trail is around 2.5 kilometres long and accessible year-round. Information boards cover the forest and its wildlife. Rest areas and viewpoints add to the trail, which starts and ends at the car park by the SchĂĽtzenhaus.
The approximately seven-kilometre Grenzgängerweg (Border Crosser Trail) is a German-French premium hiking trail. Information boards explore the history of the border and the cross-border biosphere reserve. The approximately 9.5-kilometre Four Castles Tour starts at the hiking car park at the end of Lembacher Straße in Nothweiler and leads to Wegelnburg, Hohenbourg, Löwenstein and Fleckenstein. One tour focuses on border history, while the other takes in four castles.
Landscape and trails in the biosphere reserve
Nothweiler lies in the southern part of the Palatinate Forest Nature Park. Its landscape includes accessible hills, shady forests and extensive orchards. The village is also part of the cross-border UNESCO Palatinate Forest-Northern Vosges Biosphere Reserve. Its landscape is characterised by dense forests, red sandstone rocks, almost a hundred castles and castle ruins, streams and quiet woodland ponds.
The biosphere reserve’s trail network extends beyond local routes: 650 kilometres of well-signposted hiking trails lead to viewpoints, castles and castle ruins. There are also several hundred kilometres of cross-border cycling routes towards Northern Alsace and the Southern Wine Route. So whether you prefer hiking or cycling, you’ll find both routes to cultural attractions and longer cycling trails through the border region.
The approximately 48-kilometre Friedens-Tour (Peace Tour) passes through Nothweiler; an e-bike charging station is listed for the village in connection with the tour. Check whether the charging facility is available before setting out.
Mining history and visitor information
The Sankt Anna Stollen visitor mine and information centre have been closed since April 2025 for staffing reasons, with no reopening date set. Check their current status before planning a visit. The level underground circular route was 420 metres long. It showcased hand-mined ore, a deep shaft, an underground cistern, a ventilation shaft and illuminated iron ore veins. The permanent exhibition at the information centre focuses on mining and iron processing in the Wasgau region.
Wegelnburg and a culinary finale
Wegelnburg Castle, near Nothweiler, was built around 1200 and first mentioned in 1246. It is described as the highest castle in the Palatinate and offers panoramic views. The castle is also one of the destinations on the Four Castles Tour, which links other sites on both the German and French sides of the border.
For a culinary finale after the Grenzgängerweg, various types of tarte flambée are recommended at Nothweiler’s restaurants. As options vary by establishment, it’s best to check availability in advance.
Discover more destinations: Contwig, Clausen, Trulben, Käshofen, Erlenbach Bei Dahn, Darstein, Schindhard, Wilgartswiesen.
Back to the main travel overview: SĂĽdwestpfalz.
