On the trail of the dragon
- Pfalz mit Kids
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
Circular hike to Drachenfels and Lambertskreuz
This 11 km circular hike near Bad Dürkheim is a real adventure for hiking enthusiasts and explorers - with rocks, caves and a legend from the Nibelung saga.
FACTS
Price: free
Weather: dry weather
Age: from school age
Dogs: allowed, must be kept on a leash
Location: Bad Dürkheim
The hike at a glance
The circular tour starts at the Saupferch hiking car park in the heart of the Palatinate Forest. From here, the path leads steadily uphill through dense forest towards Drachenfels , one of the most striking rock formations in the region.
Along the way, you'll encounter impressive sandstone cliffs, narrow forest paths, and stunning viewpoints. The highlight for children are the two caves in the rock.
Dragon's Cave – a large rock cave in the Bunter sandstone
Dragon's Chamber – a rock chamber with a view right next to it
This is a wonderful place to take a short break for exploration – perfect for imaginative stories about dragons and the hero Siegfried and how he became (almost) invulnerable.
The path is not suitable for strollers, but doable with a child carrier if you can manage the ascent with the carrier.
The connection to the Nibelung saga
The name Drachenfels ( Dragon's Rock) is not without reason. The mountain and its caves have been associated with the Nibelung saga for centuries.
According to legend, the hero Siegfried slew the dragon here and thus obtained the Nibelung treasure. He bathed in the dragon's blood and became invulnerable, were it not for a linden leaf falling on a spot that would henceforth determine his fate. For after a quarrel, he was killed at this very spot by Hagen.
Of course, nobody knows whether the legendary dragon fight really took place here – but it is precisely this mix of history, nature and fantasy that makes the tour particularly exciting for children.
You can find a detailed tour plan here - you can download the GPX data here:
The hike in detail
At the Saupferch parking lot, you'll first pass the "Zum Saupferch" inn – I wouldn't recommend stopping there. From here, follow the trail marker with the dragon symbol "On the Trail of the Dragon" up a steep path. The trail continues steeply upwards until you reach a shelter , perfect for a short break.
Almost there – one more climb brings you to the western rock of the Drachenfels massif . Fantastic views over the Palatinate Forest included! Enjoy the panorama and continue along the rocky path up to the southern rock . A narrow path along the ridge leads you directly to the southern rock with its impressive plateau. Shortly before you reach the southern rock, there's a small descent on your left, secured with a railing. This leads you to the Dragon's Cave .
On the south side of the rock itself, somewhat hidden on the left, lies the descent to the Dragon's Chamber – an open cave beneath the Dragon Rock. Everything is very mysterious, and the imagination is given free rein. Where was the treasure? Where might the dragon have lived?
From the south rock, the path leads back a short distance, past the dragon's cave to a fork in the road, where it rejoins the main path. Follow the signs until the Lambertskreuz (Lambert's Cross) appears before you. After your break, return to your starting point via a narrow path downhill.
Important! The rocks around the Dragon's Cave and Dragon's Chamber are not secured .
There are steep drops.
Children can easily climb onto the rocks and misjudge the depth of the fall.
The variegated sandstone can be slippery when wet.
Be careful here, this is not a playground.
Stop at the PWV hut Lambertskreuz
After about 7 kilometers you will reach the Lambertskreuz , one of the most famous huts in the Palatinate Forest. Here you can fortify yourself with traditional Palatinate hut cuisine before heading back towards the parking lot.
Lambertskreuz is so popular because things move really quickly here (the management team is incredibly well-organized), because there's plenty of seating both indoors and outdoors, because dogs are allowed inside, because the Bienenstich (bee sting cake) is simply legendary, and, of course, crucially – the children's playground at Lambertskreuz is fantastic and offers a wide variety of activities. Perfect for picking up the pace after a 7km run.
Additionally, it's worth packing a picnic and enjoying it on the Drachenfels with a view over the Palatinate Forest – a truly special place.
👉 Important: This area is located within a nature reserve . Please be sure to take all your rubbish with you . This is regularly checked.
Also possible as a shorter tour
The classic circular hike is about 10 km long , which is already a longer tour for many families.
Those hiking with children can shorten the hike by only walking to the caves and the Drachenfels and then returning the same way. This way, the highlight is preserved without making the route too long.
But be warned – the first part in particular is steep, and by the time you reach the rocks, you've done the hard part. The path from Drachenfels to Lambertskreuz is then relatively flat and easy.
More pictures
Directions
Don't be surprised if Google Maps doesn't guide you directly to the parking lot. Once you leave the main road, an asphalted forest road will lead you to the parking area. It goes deep into the woods. The "Zum Saupferch" inn is signposted, and the hiking parking lot is right in front of it.
