Starting in the forest, the rock path reaches the water rocks after a few minutes, which continuously drip water in summer and winter. Geologists call this a layer spring. The water rocks are particularly attractive when water emerging on frost days freezes into slender, meter-long icicles. From here, you can enjoy a wonderful view over the village and Kirkel castle.
The path continues to the Frauenbrunnen, a widely known, mystically appearing spring that presumably served as a cult site for the Celts — another reason why the Romans and knights once liked it here.
The hiking trail continues from the Frauenbrunnen to the "entrance portal" of the rock path, where you walk past the imposing rocks for several hundred meters. On summer days, climbers can occasionally be seen on the rocks.
The last section back to the Naturfreundehaus slopes down through a beautiful beech forest. At some points, you can also find the clues of the listening tour.
Autorentipp
Read on the installed panels what makes the region around Kirkel and the core zone so special and feel free to sit down on benches or in the local gastronomy. You can also download the free listening tour app on your smartphone and "listen" to the special features of Kirkel with a relaxed “smartphone guide.”
Places to eat:
Naturfreundehaus
Limbacher Weg 8, 66459 Kirkel
Tel.: 0 68 49 / 3 85
Email: nfh.kirkel@t-online.de
https://www.naturfreunde.de/haus/naturfreundehaus-kirkel
Burgschenke
Schlossbergstraße 8, 66459 Kirkel
Tel.: 0 68 49 / 65 88 or 0151 / 18 84 82 38
Email: achim@burgschenke-kirkel.de
www.burgschenke-kirkel.de
Ressmann's Restaurant
Kaiserstraße 87, 66459 Kirkel
Tel.: 0 68 49 / 9 00 00
www.ressmanns-residence.de
Wegbeschreibung
At the beginning of the path, an overview map was installed, which geologically covers the Saarland as well as adjacent parts of France and Rhineland-Palatinate, and shows the locations of the erected stones.
The circular hiking trail begins at the Naturfreundehaus. After a few minutes, the water rocks follow, which continuously drip water in summer as well as in winter. Geologists speak of a layer spring.
Further along the path, the Frauenbrunnen, another water source, is soon reached. About 50 m above, in an easterly direction, begins the geological nature trail, created in 1983.
At the end of the geological nature trail turn left, the much praised rock path begins. Here impressive rock formations with high smooth or rugged walls, wide crevices, narrow chimneys, and yellow-red-brown coloration impress.
Soon the path leads to the mighty group of the Unglücksfelsen (Misfortune Rocks). Legend has it that a rider fell here, which, when looking at the rocks, does not seem so impossible. For connoisseurs of geology, the weathering features may be of greater appeal. They originated through the erosion of the softer parts from the harder rock.
The rock path now winds up and down, past all the picturesque groups that the locals call "Hollerlöcher", formed about 240 million years ago.
At the end of the path, the Hollerkanzel surprises once again: a rock projecting far out stands ghostly over the slope. It is clearly visible that a part of it broke off and fell down long ago. Before the return, it is worth taking a look beyond the Hollerkanzel to the north.
You can see the depression leading from Saarbrücken to Kaiserslautern, which took up the transport routes centuries ago: the Kaiserstraße, the railway line, the motorway. Behind it, we see the industrial area of Bexbach-Neunkirchen and beyond that large parts of the Saarland and the northwestern corner of the Palatinate. And in good weather, we can see the once highest mountain of the Saarland, the Schaumberg.
Ausrüstung
All important information about equipment can be found in our packing list.
Sicherheitshinweise
Attention:
Basically, entering the forest and hiking the trails is at your own risk.
Depending on the season and weather, increased surefootedness is required on some sections.
Therefore, wear clothing and hiking shoes suitable for the season and weather with appropriate soles.
TOGETHER WITH RESPECT
Friendliness, understanding, and consideration for each other are principles for the partnership use of our natural environment. The code of conduct is:
Use existing paths, follow signs, and respect trail closures
Do not leave traces such as litter or dog waste and treat the path carefully
Respect other users of forest and fields
Be considerate of animals and plants
Plan ahead and use daylight
DISCLAIMER:
Despite repeated checks and careful preparation of the route descriptions, the publisher does not assume any liability for the accuracy and completeness of the information provided in this description.
USAGE NOTE:
Dear hikers, the hiking trails also lead along natural paths through untouched nature reserves and forests. Preserving and protecting nature is an important concern for us.
We also want to point out the risks and therefore ask you to stay on the designated paths and not to enter existing rock heads for safety reasons. Furthermore, we point out the presence of natural forest hazards. Due to weather, some places on the path may be softened and slippery and must therefore be approached with particular caution. Solid footwear is therefore recommended on all routes, surefootedness is indispensable.
Use of hiking trails and premium hiking trails is at your own risk.
MARKING AND SIGNPOSTING:
All quality trails are circular trails that can be walked in both directions. Therefore, signposting is in both directions. Try walking the route in reverse and you will discover completely new perspectives and viewpoints.
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