Waldhütten · 1 comment · Apr 06, 2023

Palatinate forest huts

In summer 2022, we took over the management of a Palatinate forest hut! The forest hut culture of the Palatinate is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site because it is unique in its kind. Most of the almost 80 huts have existed for almost 100 years, as thousands of kilometers of hiking trails were created in the Palatinate Forest at that time. The forest huts hold a special place in the cheerful hearts of the Palatinate people, so for us it's: The destination is not the journey, but the hut!

“Our” hut is located near our winery and is indeed only accessible on foot…

The SCHWEIZER HAUS Pfalz

Opening hours: Wednesdays 11 AM - 4 PM

Saturdays and Sundays: 11 AM - 6 PM

Public holidays: 11 AM - 6 PM

The Schweizerhaus remains closed during heavy rain, storms, and severe weather.
Up-to-date opening hours can be found here.

(Photo: Schweizer Haus Pfalz, Photo credit by Richard Zinken)

The Schweizer Haus is located only about a 20-minute walk from our winery, in the middle of the Palatinate Forest. This area is also known as the "Balcony of the Palatinate", as it offers breathtaking panoramic views over the Palatinate, from the Odenwald to the Black Forest. For physical well-being, everything is taken care of: The kitchen team from Kristine’s Lamesa Catering conjures up regional and seasonal dishes, paired with the delicious wines from our winery.

The history and further background can be found here.

Particularly exciting: Only 10 minutes above the Schweizer Haus is a starting point for paragliders. There you can watch the paragliders take off.

Our tip: For mountain bikers, there are many exciting trekking tours throughout the Palatinate Forest.

NOT SO STRENUOUS?

We have devised a wonderful circular route that offers a relaxing day trip for young & old.

Wine-Forest-Hiking-Circular Route:

1. Start at the Glockenbrunnen hiking car park: 11:00 AM
Park the car, lace up your hiking boots!

2. Approx. 20 minutes hike via the Mariengrotte to the Schweizer Haus,
here sip a cool glass of wine for lunch and crunch a snack from Kristine's Lamesa.

4. Tip: The tour can be extended as desired by making detours to Meistersel Castle, Ludwigsturm and/or Rietburg.

5. Afterwards, return to the Winzercafé Graf von Weyher – here enjoy coffee & cake up to a hearty dinner with a noble Lagenriesling.
Or: Optionally experience a joint wine tasting!

6. After a wonderful hiking day, about a 5-minute walk to the Glockenbrunnen hiking car park and a happy drive home (refreshing non-alcoholic alternatives are available at all three locations for drivers!)

Here you can find the hiking plan as a map.

The hike is slightly uphill but does not require special fitness.

So, dust off your hiking boots, take a weekend off, and come to the beautiful Palatinate! The wine is already chilled and ready!

We are very much looking forward to all hikers!