With the first rays of spring sunshine, ambitious hikers and trail running fans can put their athletic form to the test on March 30, 2025 and look forward to an exciting outdoor event at our 9th Hinkelstein. In the immediate vicinity of the imposing abbey church, with the start and finish point at the town hall in Otterberg, the varied route follows the certified Hinkelstein Trail. In addition to natural forest paths and passages across open fields, past historic boundary stones, menhirs and idyllic ponds, the trail offers attractive landscapes and breathtaking views, including of the Donnersberg, the highest mountain in the Palatinate.
Whether at a moderate or brisk hiking pace, possibly even faster - hikers and trail runners have a total of around 42 kilometers and 500 meters of altitude to conquer on the marathon distance. For hikers, there is also an optional half marathon distance with approx. 22 kilometers and 200 meters of elevation gain.
The start times are 7.30-8.00 a.m. for the marathon, 8.00-9.00 a.m. for the half marathon and 9.00-9.30 a.m. for the trail. The route is marked and signposted throughout and there will be various refreshment stations and checkpoints along the way for all participants.
A hiking expert will also be on site: Jürgen Wachowski from Otterberg played a key role in the realization of the Hinkelstein hiking trail. He is the hiking supervisor of the German Hiking Association and, as a trained hiking guide, he will take the participating marathon hikers under his wing on the day of the event. The hiking marathon/trail is organized by the municipality of Otterbach-Otterberg, supported by the tourism offices of the municipalities of Winnweiler and Enkenbach-Alsenborn as well as volunteers from the Palatinate Forest clubs and the Drehenthalerhof hiking club.
Further information, such as the complete tender documents, is available here or from the Tourist Information Office in Otterberg, Hauptstr. 54, Tel. 06301 - 607800, tourist-info@otterbach-otterberg.de.
No day registrations on the day of the event!