May 7, 2025 - Impressive Sunset on the Kleiner Hahnstein

One of the few rocks in the southern Palatinate Forest that can be reached on foot and without climbing equipment and is suitable as a photo spot, is the Kleiner Hahnstein, a 451 m above sea level mountain. The name Hahnstein comes from the Middle High German "Hagan u. Stein," which means "the rock in the dense forest."

On the Kleiner Hahnstein, a 451 m above sea level mountain in the Palatinate Forest

It is located in the Southern Wine Route district of Rhineland-Palatinate in the Dahner Felsenland, a part of the Wasgau region, which is formed by the southern part of the Palatinate Forest.

Due to its close proximity to the historic trio of castles (Trifels, Anebos, and Münz), the mighty Asselstein, and the Rehberg Tower, famous for its panoramic views, the Kleiner Hahnstein has a difficult time attracting visitors. Nevertheless, it offers a unique view and an interesting rock formation that is perfect for climbers and nature lovers alike.

The Kleiner Hahnstein offers a unique view

That afternoon, I decided to visit this interesting rock for the first time, even though the weather app showed a broad band of clouds over the Southern Palatinate.

However, I could see a nearly cloud-free stretch to the west, which gave me confidence.

Ultimately, a hike and being outdoors is always worthwhile, regardless of whether or not you get a nice photo.

A nearly cloud-free stretch to the west

The parking lot can be reached via the access road to Trifels Castle. Coordinates: (49.182288, 7.977667). From there, take the wide, gravel path on foot, which leads away from the Trifels road with a slight incline. Follow this path for about 10 minutes until you reach a small clearing with a small rest hut.

Leave the hut at Hohen Markstein behind you and turn left at the intersection there. Follow the path for a few more meters until a relatively short, steep zigzag path leads uphill through the forest (49.17619, 7.973985). Follow this path; it leads directly to Kleiner Hahnstein (49.176309, 7.971963). Handholds and steps on the north and south sides of the rock make climbing the summit rock easier.

A brief glimpse of Scharfenberg Castle (Münz)

The mountain is completely forested. The summit is formed by a red sandstone cliff approximately 20 m long, 3 m wide, and 11 m high. The cliff is designated a natural monument in the municipality of Waldrohrbach. From the summit, there is a far-reaching view of the Queichtal Valley, the mountains of the northern Wasgau, and Scharfenberg Castle (Münz), part of the Trifels Castle group. Unfortunately, the view to the north and towards Trifelsburg is obstructed by the much higher Rehberg.

Extensive views of the Queichtal Valley and the mountains of the northern Wasgau

The journey there was ultimately worth it in two ways. Firstly, the almost 360° view, offering striking cliffs, fantastic vantage points, and a castle ruin, nestled in a beautiful forest hike. Secondly, a spectacular sunset that lasted only a few minutes but had an intensely penetrating light in vibrant orange tones.

A piece of the Palatinate, straight out of a picture book!