Wilgartswiesen Forest Marble Run

Pfalz mit Kids
21. Dez. 2025
3 Min. Lesezeit

NEW: Ball fun on the new marble run

The first forest marble run in the Palatinate region is located in Wilgartswiesen. The approximately 1.5-kilometer-long circular route can be combined with a visit to the castle and a beautiful viewpoint.

FACTS Price: free, marble €2

Weather: dry weather

Age: any age

Dogs: allowed

Location: Wilgartswiesen

Let the marbles roll! On the first forest marble run in the Palatinate, you'll pass a total of 5 tracks that make the circular route child's play.

However, the path isn't suitable for strollers. Kids love walking along it on their own, though. Depending on their age, you can easily extend the path. I've prepared three suggestions for you.

Parking lot and start of the forest marble run

First, park in the large parking lot below the Falkenburg Hall. A little further down, you'll find a lovely, renovated playground, for which you should allow plenty of time at the end of your visit.

The starting point of the forest marble run is located slightly above the Falkenburg Hall. You'll find the vending machine where you can purchase the wooden marbles at the hall itself. Be sure to have €2 coins ready, as there's no way to get change there.

Opposite the hall you'll see a barbecue hut. To the left of the hut, a small path leads up into the woods; the first marble run is already in sight. On some days, you'll find a small snack bar at the barbecue hut.

Directions to the Forest Marble Run

The route isn't well signposted at the moment. After the first course, continue uphill along the forest path. It then crosses a wider track, and there you'll find the very long second course.

You can reach the third track by continuing along the wide path alongside the marble run. The path descends gently to the next station. Here, you can enjoy more marbles! Continue downhill along the path to reach the fourth track (on the left) and the forest classroom (on the right). Here you can decide whether you would like to extend your hike to include the Deichenwand viewpoint.

The fourth track has some really nice features where the marbles can even overtake each other. Who will win the race? Continue downhill along the path and you'll soon find the fifth and final marble run on the hiking trail. Here, too, the marbles can race downhill.

You now continue down the path and turn left onto the road to return to the starting point or to take another combination route to Falkenburg Castle.

Combination options

A long 6.5 km circular hike featuring a forest ball run, the Deichenwand viewpoint, and the Falkenburg castle ruins: This tour has an elevation gain of approximately 280 meters and is therefore more suitable for experienced hikers. However, it's perfect as a half-day or full-day hike. For this tour, combine the two shorter circular hikes: first to the Deichenwand viewpoint, then on to Falkenburg Castle.

Tour description at outdooractive

Short circular hike of 3.5 km with forest ball run and viewpoint Deichenwand

To do this, after Station 3 at the forest classroom, turn onto a hiking trail behind it, past the insect hotel, and continue uphill on a small path. You'll cross a wide track and continue uphill on the narrow path. The path becomes flatter; keep to the right and descend a short distance until the viewpoint appears in front of you. Follow the path downhill to the right, zigzagging downhill. You'll emerge back at Station 2 and can murmur again. Now follow the wide track back to the forest classroom.

Short circular hike of 3.8 km with a forest ball run and Falkenburg castle ruins:

After the last station (5), do not return to the starting point, but turn right and head uphill into the forest. Follow the signposted path as it winds its way up to the castle ruins. Narrow steps lead you up to the ruins, which are permanently open and offer a beautiful view of the surrounding Wasgau region.

Nearby places to eat and drink

Unfortunately, there are no permanently open restaurants or cafes directly on the trail. However, you can either stop for refreshments in Wilgartswiesen itself ( Matz Brunnenhof and Hotel am Hirschhorn ) or drive to the Paddelweiher-Hütte in Hauenstein and enjoy a relaxing end to your hike there. For a more upscale experience, the Waldhotel Felsentor in Hauenstein is recommended; please book well in advance.

For a picnic, the Deichenwand viewpoint, the forest classroom at station 4 or the Falkenburg ruins are good options.

Pfalz with Kids wishes you lots of fun playing marbles!

* We received no compensation for this report.