Karlstal Gorge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Karlstal - a beautiful little gorge

On hot summer days, this is the perfect place to cool off. Our bucket list destination no. 6 is somewhat hidden south of Kaiserslautern in the small town of Trippstadt. The Karlstalschlucht nature reserve is a fairytale-like and enchanted place. The gorge is criss-crossed with small streams and waterfalls, high rock formations in the typical red sandstone of the region, overgrown with lush green moss, surrounded by ancient trees. In the middle of it all is a small wooden pavilion that invites you to linger or serves as a popular photo opportunity.

For us, it is one of the most beautiful places in the Palatinate Forest and a must-see. Numerous bridges lead over the stream, where the sunlight glistens through the dense canopy of old beech trees. With your feet in the cold stream and a tasty picnic, you can escape the heat of the city and cool off in the shade of the old trees.

Short and long hiking tours of between 5 and 20 km are best started from the Wilensteiner Mühle. Past the mill pond, the entrance to the valley is clearly visible and easy to find.

Highlights & Tips

Café Unterhammer offers a wonderful selection of cakes and sweet treats. It also serves home-brewed beer from its own brewery.

At the starting points Naturfreundehaus Finsterbrunntal and Klug'sche Mühle there are sumptuous portions and good Palatinate-style home cooking for refreshment before or after the hike.

Facts

There & away

If you want to reach the Karlstal Gorge by public transport, you should always include a hike in your plans, as the nearest bus stop is several kilometers away from the actual gorge.

From Kaiserslautern, take bus 160 in the direction of Schopp to the bus stop "Abzweig Karlstal". The journey takes around 25 minutes and the bus departs once an hour from Kaiserslautern main station. From here, you start your walk in the direction of Naturfreundehaus Finsterbrunnertal and then set off on the signposted circular hiking trail in Schlucht. The hike takes about 4 hours and is approximately 14 kilometers long.

Google Maps - Bus stop "Abzweig Karlstal"

 

If you have a car or want to enjoy the trip with friends in a car, things are much easier. Drive to Klug'sche Mühle and start one of the numerous, well-signposted hikes through the valley from here.

Google Maps - Klug'sche Mühle

When

A visit is particularly recommended on hot summer days. The forest and clear water provide pleasant cooling.

If you want to enjoy a fairytale winter landscape, you should come when there is snow. If it has been really cold for a few days, fine icicles hang down from the rock formations and the banks of the stream glisten icy. But beware, of course, it is then particularly slippery and slippery. Good footwear is a prerequisite here.

Duration

If you travel by bus, you should allow between 5 and 6 hours. Of course, it's a little quicker by car. In general, the duration of your stay also depends on whether and if so, which hike you do.

Equipment

Good footwear for the hike, especially important if you are out and about in winter. A small picnic, something (warm) to drink and a good camera or cell phone. In summer, it's worth packing a small towel. The small stream invites you to cool your feet.