Saarburg - Kastel Rock Path

Saarburg - Kasteler Felsenpfad
Signpost/GPS Circular Trail 23 km
Start/End: Saarburger Sesselbahn
Difficulty Level: Moderately Difficult due to several ascents
Ascent: 604 m
Descent: 586 m

High on the cliff above the Saar runs an exceptionally high summit, the Kasteler Felsenpfad.
Historical treasures, distinctive rock formations, mysterious caves, chambers, and columns, and a beautiful view of the Saar valley and Hunsrück.
Cultural highlight is the mausoleum of the blind Bohemian King John of Luxembourg, built by the architect Schinkel. The mausoleum stands on a rock outcrop high above the Saar valley with a view far beyond Saarburg.

Ancient finds prove that the Celts and later the Romans appreciated the extraordinary location of this place high above the Saar as a fortress. During the Romanesque period, the Christian cult took possession of the exposed cliff.
During the Crusades, numerous caves, chambers, and niches were carved into the soft red sandstone, symbolizing the myth of the crucifixion. Devout hermits lived and prayed here in the Middle Ages to be close to God in absolute seclusion.

In the 17th century, it was the French Franciscan monk Roméry who created a two-story building next to the caves, which was divided into church space and residence. The hermits lived there until the French Revolution.
The building fell into disrepair until the Prussian King Frederick William IV rediscovered it during a visit in the mid-19th century. On behalf of this Prussian King Frederick William IV, the architect Karl Friedrich Schinkel created the mausoleum, the mausoleum for the blind King John of Bohemia, one of the most significant examples of Romanesque architecture and a highlight of German Romanticism.

From the former Celtic high fortress and today's historical national monument "Klause," it continues over a narrow rock outcrop, high above the Saar, in the rocky wonderland of monumental sandstone. Bizarre rock formations interspersed with columns, caves, and chambers named Eißelsfels, Altfels, Pilsfels, North Gate of the Romans, or Rock Gate are today's varied hiking program.
The Altfels can be climbed. One must be in good shape, but the view from this rock plateau is one of the most spectacular in the region.

The Pinschbach valley, traversed by a quietly bubbling stream, surprises with deep gorges, caves, and narrow paths.
An ocean cave can be admired just as the Elisensitz, the favorite spot of the crown princess Elisabeth of Bavaria, offering a beautiful view of the Altfels.

Tips:
- Sturdy (hiking) footwear is essential.
- Bring enough provisions; there is sufficient catering at the start/finish, no catering en route.
- Opening hours of the Hermitage Klause van Kastel-Staadt:
Mid-March to the end of October Wednesday - Sunday from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm
https://www.saar-obermosel.de/nl/bezienswaardigheden/sehenswertes/klausekastel-staadt.html
- You can shorten the route and then take the train from Serrig station to Saarburg station.