The Schlossberg route is a premium hiking trail awarded by the German Hiking Institute and therefore a must for hikers in the Bliesgau Biosphere. This loop offers a wonderful day out with stops at several places to rest. The Schlossberg route combines in approx. 14.6 km all important and interesting things hikers should know about the WaldPark Schloss Karlsberg and the former fairytale castle, revealing the splendour and greatness this complex once had. Already at the starting point of the route, the ruins of the Vauban Fortress, it feels majestic. How might it have looked 300 years ago when the Sun King Louis XIV had the former 12th-century castle expanded into a mighty fortress?
Shortly afterwards, Celtic cult sites such as the Stumpfer Gipfel as well as the extensive garden grounds of the former WaldPark Schloss Karlsberg impress hikers. Here the Karlsberg pond, ruins of the Orangerie, the “Appelallee”, the Bärenzwinger, the Schwanenweiher with their plunge basin, and the Tschifflick Pavilion come into view.
In contrast, the Merburg castle ruins from the 11th century above the Merwoog pond (now the Kirrberg fish pond) appear almost modest. This valley castle lies just 12 meters above the water level of the Lambsbach on a sandstone block, the Malafels. It is one of the smallest castles in Saarland and was restored in its historic form between 1975 and 1980. The remains of the former tower and the castle wall that were restored are clearly visible.
On the last third of the Schlossberg route, forest sections with pines and fresh green mosses on the path as well as passages through beech and oak forests with partly sandy soils invite you onward. The hike ends at the foot of the Schlossberg and invites you to enjoy the view over Homburg and the surrounding region from the plateau of the Vauban Fortress.
The Schlossberg route runs in some places parallel to the Palatinate premium trail Herzog Karl II August Trail.
At the end of the hike, a visit to the Schlossberg Caves, the largest Buntsandstein caves in Europe, as well as to the terrace of the Schlossberg Hotel, a "Quality Host of Wanderbares Deutschland," is recommended.
Autorentipp
Wegbeschreibung
The starting point of the Schlossberg route is at the parking lot of the Vauban Fortress on the Schlossberg of Homburg. More precisely, directly at the large wooden cross opposite the fortress. The trail leads left towards the Schlossberg Hotel and then continues down the stairs to the entrance of the Schlossberg Caves and eastwards parallel to the hillside until it reaches the Schlossberg-Höhen-Straße. This street is immediately crossed and leads past a water reservoir to a natural path. After a few hundred meters, the route meets a large crossroads and turns left onto another path.
Then the path runs along the slope to the left past beautiful Buntsandstein rock formations before steeply ascending to the mystical Stumpfer Gipfel. After the summit, the loop reaches the so-called “Käshofer Sträßchen” and follows the trail markers downhill to a rocky path. Shortly afterwards, the Karlsberg pond with a Kneipp basin and the Karlsberg spring at the foot of the ruins of the Orangerie attract visitors. It goes somewhat strenuously up a path to the Orangerie and then past the Orangerie to the left at the so-called “Ehrenhof” and to the right onto a wider forest path which leads straight ahead for about 400m.
Next, it goes right downhill to the Hirschbrunnen until a small pond is reached shortly thereafter, where the route turns right and uphill towards the “Herzogskastanien” (duke’s chestnuts). The trail follows a natural-wide path to a T-junction, then turns left at the junction onto a broad forest road leading to the ruins of the Bärenzwinger and the Schwanenweiher with its plunge basin in the so-called “Karlslust.” Those who want to make a detour to the Tschifflick Pavilion just have to climb the ascent and take the small circular path back to the Schwanenweiher. At the Schwanenweiher, the Schlossberg route continues into the Lambsbachtal and crosses the L 120/462 (between Homburg and Käshofen) after a path-like passage. The idyllic path reaches the “Vogelbrünnche” after a few hundred meters and continues to the Kirrberg fish pond (also called Merwoog) with the ruins of Merburg as a cultural and historical highlight. The hiking trail runs opposite the fisherman's hut on a rustic path briefly uphill and then continues through a beautiful forest area below the Rabenhorst. At a wide T-junction, it briefly follows the wide forest path before turning directly left and uphill onto a natural path with sandstone steps. This leads at the foot of the Schlossberg back to the Vauban Fortress, which is always worth a visit.
Ausrüstung
You can find all important information about equipment in our packing list.
Sicherheitshinweise
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Attention:
Entering the forest and walking on the hiking trails is fundamentally at your own risk!
Due to seasonal or weather-related conditions, increased surefootedness may be required on some trail sections. Please wear clothing and hiking shoes suitable for the season and weather, with appropriate tread. Be cautious of breaking branches and damaged trees. In stronger winds as well as in winter due to snow and ice, the risk from falling trees and branches increases.
TOGETHER WITH RESPECT
Friendliness, understanding and consideration for each other are principles for the cooperative use of our natural areas. The code of conduct is:
Use existing paths, follow signs and respect trail closures
Leave no traces such as litter or dog waste and treat the trails gently
Respect other users of the forest and countryside
Be considerate of animals and plants
Plan ahead and use daylight
DISCLAIMER:
Despite repeated checks and careful preparation of the trail descriptions, the publisher accepts no liability for the accuracy and completeness of the information contained in this description.
NOTICE ON USE:
Dear hikers, the hiking trails also run on natural paths through untouched nature reserves and forests. Preserving and protecting nature is important to us.
We would also like to point out risks and therefore ask you to stay on marked paths and not to climb on existing rock heads for safety reasons. Furthermore, we point out the presence of natural forest hazards. Some places on the path may be softened and slippery due to weather conditions and should therefore be approached with great care. Solid footwear is therefore recommended on all routes, and surefootedness is indispensable.
Use of hiking trails and premium trails is at your own risk.
MARKING AND SIGNAGE:
All quality trails are circular hikes and can be walked in both directions. Therefore, signage is provided for both directions. Try walking the loop the other way round and you will discover completely new perspectives and views.
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