Preußensteig

Note: Due to fallen trees, the Preußensteig trail is currently impassable in the area around "Schlangenbrunnen"!

Prussia? In the Palatinate? But that was Bavarian territory! Well, the Palatinate Mountains are always good for a surprise, and have often been a border region throughout history. That's why there are Prussian mountains there and an exciting theme for a varied certified hiking trail: along the former Prussian-Bavarian border, the trail climbs high, often on narrow paths. The PreußensteigTrail offers many fantastic views and interesting insights into the history of the region.

You should be reasonably fit, as the approximately 26.7 km circular route leads high up into the “Prussian Mountains” and is characterized by constant ups and downs along the entire route. The reward for your efforts: fantastic views over the Palatinate mountains and a completely different perspective on one of the region's landmarks: Lichtenberg Castle.

A visit to the castle alone would be worth the trip. At 425 meters long, it is one of the largest castle complexes in Germany. Two museums (Musikantenland Museum, Urweltmuseum Geoskop), a restaurant, and a modern youth hostel make it worth staying a little longer.

Burg Lichtenberg is the perfect starting point for the Preußensteig trail. From the castle, the trail first descends to Kusel-Diedelkopf. The town is also worth a visit, with its town and local history museum featuring the Fritz Wunderlich Room and many cozy places to stop for refreshments.

The Preußensteig trail leads past the Kusel bathing and leisure park into the Holzbachtal landscape conservation area. Here you will find the first of many boundary stones along the way. The engraved initials “KB” and “KP” show where you would have been at that moment, in the Kingdom of Bavaria or the Kingdom of Prussia. The old massive stone blocks accompany you for miles.

The real climb up into the Prussian Mountains begins at Pfeffelbach.

The highest point of the trail is the kite launch pad on Herzerberg, the highest mountain in the Kusel district at 578 m. 

A truly fantastic view of Lichtenberg Castle and as far as Potzberg and Saarland reward the effort of the climb.
With a little luck, you can also watch the hang gliders while enjoying a picnic there.

The route leads through varied landscapes, mainly downhill from Herzerberg to Thallichtenberg.

Almost half of the route consists of natural paths, and only 7% is paved.

Enjoy the multifaceted hiking trail with many fantastic views, great historical capital, and varied landscape with challenging climbs! 

Please note: There are only places to stop for refreshments at Burg Lichtenberg and in Kusel along the route.

Therefore, please ensure you bring sufficient food and drink with you.

Further informations can also be found here Preußensteig - Wanderregion

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