The best running trails around Kempfeld

Just relax

Seven slate steles arranged in a cross shape offer a panoramic view of the municipalities of Allebach-Wirschweiler-Sensweiler-Langweiler-Kempfeld. In view are the "Wildenburg" to the east, the "Hohenfels" and the "Kirschweiler Fortress" to the southeast, the "Ringkopf" as a Celtic ring wall to the south, the "Erbeskopf" (Erbe's Head) at 816 m to the southwest, and the "Idarwald Ski Area" mountain range to the north. The position of the sun creates a form of time measurement via the shadows cast by the steles. The installation is accessible and makes the monumental energy of millions of years old slate, which was once the seabed, tangible, opening up different perspectives and possibilities for perception. Artist: XO Gerd Edinger

This legendary place lies between gnarled trees and jagged rocks – with a simple wooden sign, yet a mystical aura. The name "Witches' Dance Ground" lends the scene a very unique atmosphere, which is particularly intense in the frosty winter. A quiet, slightly eerie place with a sense of historical magic. 💡 Tip 🔮 Stand for a moment in the middle of the square – history can almost be felt in the quiet snow.

The tower was unfortunately closed during our visit, but it's still a striking landmark on the tour. Even from below, it looks impressive and fits perfectly into the landscape. 💡 Tip: It's worth a quick stop even without climbing it—the area around it is a great place to linger.

Here you'll find one of the beautiful loungers with a magnificent view of the landscape. A perfect place for a break.

Seven slate steles are arranged in the shape of a cross. From here, you can see the surrounding villages such as Allenbach, Wirschweiler, and Kempfeld. In various directions, you can spot special landmarks such as Wildenburg Castle, Erbeskopf (the highest mountain in Rhineland-Palatinate), and old fortresses. The shadows cast by the steles change with the sun, thus indicating the time – similar to a sundial. The steles are made of very old slate, which was once the seabed. You can walk among them, touch them, and experience the power and history of the stone.

The predecessor of the Wildenburg was a presumably Celtic refuge castle with a double rampart from the La Tène period (ca. 450–50 BC). The Wildenburg Wall is one of a series of Celtic ramparts in the southern Hunsrück between the ring wall of Otzenhausen, the Ringkopf, the Altburg and the Alteburg in the Soonwald. A short section of the wall was reconstructed as a "Gallic wall" (murus gallicus). Around the year 350 AD, a late Roman fortification was set up on the Wildenburg for a short time. In the late Middle Ages, Wildgraf Friedrich von Kyrburg built the Wildenburg on the rock at the western tip of the ring wall (first mentioned in 1330) and in 1651 it was plundered and destroyed by marauding Lorraine troops. After partial reconstruction in 1660, the lower castle served as the administrative headquarters of the Wildenburg office until the county was abolished in 1792. Only a few remains of the walls of the upper castle, which is located on a rock, have survived. A 22-meter-high observation tower was built on the top of the rock in 1980 and completed in 1981. It offers a very good view in all directions from its 15-meter-high observation platform, which is arranged in a ring around the tower body. Orientation boards on the parapet explain the destinations. From 1859, the buildings of the lower castle with gate tower, farm buildings and surrounding wall had already been restored to set up the Prussian district forestry office. After further renovations, these buildings now house a castle restaurant and are the headquarters of the Hunsrück Association. The Knights' Hall is used as a registry office and for smaller festivities.

Sturdy shoes and surefootedness required. Not suitable for strollers.