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Natural Monuments

Glowing Lichens on Altschlossfelsen

Natural Monuments

Glowing Lichens on Altschlossfelsen

Highlight • Natural Monument

Glowing Lichens on Altschlossfelsen

Recommended by 76 hikers out of 80

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: Biosphärenreservat Pfälzerwald-Vosges du Nord

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Location: Eppenbrunn, Südwestpfalz, Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

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Best Hikes to Glowing Lichens on Altschlossfelsen

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1. Schöneichelsbach Pond – Finsterbach Pond loop from Eppenbrunn

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2. Rocky section – Rock glow loop from Roppeviller

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3. Mühlweiher – Spießweiher loop from Eppenbrunn

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Intermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Intermediate

Tips

oscargynko

July 31, 2025

These lichen formations were very striking; they certainly seemed to glow.

Translated by Google •

Peter

July 27, 2025

Very beautiful lichens that appear to glow green-yellow. These can also be found on a rock near Dahn.

Translated by Google •

🦣 𝕸𝖆𝖒𝖒𝖚𝖙 𝕱𝖗𝖆𝖓𝖐 🏒🥅👨🏼‍🚒🚒

October 16, 2025

The Altschlossfelsen (also known as Eppenbrunn Castle) are a group of red sandstone rocks designated as a natural monument (ND) ND-7340-205 and a cultural monument (KD) in the municipality of Eppenbrunn in the Palatinate Forest on the border with France, and are the largest rock formation in the Palatinate. They are located on the eastern slope of the Brechenberg (406 m) near Eppenbrunn and Roppeviller at an elevation of approximately 365 m above sea level at the northeast end and 380 m above sea level at the southwest end of the rock band.
The Altschlossfelsen are a group of red sandstone rocks approximately one and a half kilometers long and up to 30 meters high. The group consists of sandstone towers and walls. The Altschlossfelsen are crisscrossed by cracks and joints, some of which are wide enough to climb through. They are known primarily for their diverse weathering phenomena and rare lichens. The summit plateau can be reached from the north and south on narrow paths. There, you'll find a sparse forest and moss-covered rocks.

A special lighting situation created by the sun, the "rock glow," is best seen around 7:00 p.m. in the first half of April, depending on weather conditions, vegetation, and the position of the sun. In the morning hours, the glow occurs around 8:45 a.m.
Finds from the Hallstatt and Roman periods attest to earlier settlement of the rock group. In 1964, for example, shards from the La Tène period (c. 450–50 BC) were found. Traces of a medieval castle from the 11th or 12th century are found on the four main rocks. These include the remains of a stepped structure, post holes, remains of masonry, and notches for beams in the rock. A depression with a diameter of four meters is located on a rock, which may have served as a cistern. Additionally, on the southern and northern slopes around the rock formation, humped blocks, which may have originated from the structure of a former castle, as well as shards from the High Middle Ages were found in a wall groove. A more precise dating of the castle complex is difficult, as the castle was not mentioned before 1297 or later in the 1605 border description between Lorraine and the County of Hanau-Lichtenberg.

Source: de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Altschlossfelsen

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Elevation 370 m

Weather

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Tuesday 4 November

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Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

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Location: Eppenbrunn, Südwestpfalz, Palatinate Forest, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany

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Glowing Lichens on Altschlossfelsen

1. Schöneichelsbach Pond – Finsterbach Pond loop from Eppenbrunn

2. Rocky section – Rock glow loop from Roppeviller

3. Mühlweiher – Spießweiher loop from Eppenbrunn

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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