"The mines behind Falkenstein"
This year's series of Falkenstein summer tours starts on Saturday, June 21, 2025 with an exciting hike entitled "The mines behind Falkenstein". The mining history excursion starts at 2:30 pm at the hiking parking lot above the Falkenstein castle ruins and is all about the region's mining history.
The tour is led by Stefan Weber, a tour guide with a background in mining history, who guides participants through the once important iron ore district of the North-West Palatinate. On the way through the districts of Falkenstein, Marienthal and Imsbach, traces of historical ore mining will become visible, which have been preserved in the landscape to this day.
The first relics of the former mining industry can be discovered just a few minutes' walk from the starting point. Historic field names such as "Gebrannter Berg", "Kohlplatz", "Erzhütten" or "Rote Grube" bear witness to the region's active use for the extraction and processing of iron ore - and to the role of charcoal extraction for smelting the ore on site.
The excursion is aimed at those interested in history, hiking enthusiasts and anyone who would like to experience the fascinating combination of nature and industrial history. The guided hike is offered by the local community of Falkenstein in cooperation with the tourism office of the municipality of Winnweiler. Length: approx. 8 km, duration: approx. 3 hours. Due to a limited number of participants, prior registration is required at the Winnweiler tourist office, info@winnweiler-vg.de or phone 06302 602 61. Good footwear is essential. It is also recommended that you bring sufficient drinks with you.
Participation fees:
Adults: 5.00 euros
Children (7-16 years): 2.50 euros
Meeting point:
Saturday, June 21, 2025
2:30 p.m.
Hikers' parking lot above the Falkenstein castle ruins