The Rhineland-Palatinate State Forestry Department wholeheartedly welcomes the German Forest Days initiative. Organized by the Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL), the eighth German Forest Days will take place from September 18 to 21, 2026.
Under the slogan “Come to the Forest,” foresters, forest owners, associations, and organizations—together with other local stakeholders—invite citizens across the country to numerous events in the forests on the third weekend in September. The focus is on providing information and fostering dialogue about the importance of a healthy forest ecosystem for society and the environment. “Forests are little worlds of wonder and fulfill many important functions for us humans,” explains District Forester Dieter Gass from the Donnersberg Forest Office. Climate protection will continue to play a major role in the forest; a dense canopy creates a comfortable microclimate even when temperatures exceed 35 degrees. But how many hot summers can our forest ecosystem withstand? What will the forest of the future look like? Local foresters will offer insights based on various forest scenarios.
Participants will have to put in a bit of effort on the guided mountain bike tour (approx. 45 km, approx. 650 Hm); however, the focus is more on the shared experience and less on the athletic challenge. This tour is aimed at cyclists aged 50 and older; participation on an e-bike is encouraged.
We’ll meet at 11:00 a.m. at Hofgut Neumühle. The tour starts there and leads through Potzbach and Leithöfe to the “Hub” and on to the Igelborner Hütte. We’ll take the bike path to the “Wäschbach” and on to the Hohlstein Hütte. Then we’ll cross the Gonbacher Feld to the Retzberg Hütte and back to the starting point. We’ll wrap up the day together around a campfire, where we’ll recharge our energy with wild game bratwurst and an isotonic drink.
The forest rangers wear their “green jerseys”; participants should definitely be equipped with a helmet, cycling gloves, and a mountain bike.
The cost is 10 euros per person (including a light meal at the end). The minimum number of participants is 10; the maximum is 20. In case of inclement weather, an alternate date will be announced. The guided mountain bike tour is offered by the Donnersberg Forest Service in cooperation with the Winnweiler Municipal Association’s Tourism Office. Binding pre-registration must be completed by Wednesday, September 17, 2026, with the Winnweiler Municipal Association’s Tourism Office, tel. 06302 602 61 or info@winnweiler-vg.de.
Quick Facts:
“From Hut to Hut” – Guided Mountain Bike Tour
Date: Sunday, September 20, 2026
Time: 11:00 a.m.
Meeting point: Hofgut Neumühle
Tour guides: District Forester Dieter Gass, Forester Franz Kern, and Volker Höfli (bike guide)
Distance: approx. 45 km, elevation gain: approx. 650 m
Duration: approx. 4 to 5 hours.
Helmets and cycling gloves are recommended!
Cost: 10 euros per person (includes a snack at the end)
Registration required by Thursday, September 17, 2026:
Winnweiler Tourism Office, Tel. 06302 602 61 or info@winnweiler-vg.de
You can find all events related to the German Forest Days in Rhineland-Palatinate at