The wide plain that turns into gentle hills. Vineyards, historic castles and pine forests. Add to that a pleasant climate. What sounds like an advertisement for the Italian Piedmont can also be found in Germany. More precisely in the South Palatinate. The Palatinate Forest located in this region has long been an insider tip among climbers and bikers. However, an ideal running environment for trail runners can also be found here. With changing topography, first-class forest trails and diverse elevation profiles - including mountains of almost 700 meters. The highest elevation in the Pfälzerwald biosphere reserve is the Kalmit with its 673 meters. Numerous trails are located around this peak - three of which I will introduce to you in this collection.On routes between seven and 21 kilometers, you can expect elevation differences of 400 to just over 900 meters. So, conditionally quite demanding routes. The experienced trail runner, who is usually on the move in the Alps, will not find strongly exposed, scree or high alpine terrain here. Instead, pleasantly soft needle carpets and flowy single trails through pine forests with a Mediterranean feel convince. And they are really fun. In addition, the trails are suitable for both beginners and advanced runners due to this. The icing on the cake, besides the trails, is the wonderful view of the Rhine plain, as well as gentle forests and vineyards. Cultural highlights such as Hambach Castle, weather crosses, sandstone rocks and viewpoints can be found again and again on the routes.The starting and finishing points of the routes in Maikammer and Neustadt an der Weinstraße are well accessible by public transport. You can take the bus or train to get there comfortably. There you will find the trail running routes around the Kalmit. Parking spaces can also be found at the starting points. After your run, you can stop at the cozy Palatinate huts and fortify yourself with regional specialties or a cool schorle. The perfect reward after eventful trail running adventures in the Palatinate Forest. You can find more information in my tour descriptions.