3x3Salinental: VitalTour Rotenfels

From the hiking portal, our path leads diagonally right across the road into the

forest. After the Götzenfels with two magnificent viewpoints and a

steep, rocky descent, we reach the impressive

Götzenfelsblick through vineyards. First ascending through vine fields, later through forest,

our path reaches the height of the Kreuznach city forest. We

make a detour around the television tower and hike down from the Dachskopf

into the Lohrer Valley. We continue over a ridge to the open

Kauzenburg plateau, passing the viewpoint Teetempel into the

romantic castle park with its museums. Through the park, we reach

Kreuznach's charming historical Neustadt and the bridge houses

on the old Nahe bridge. Now our path follows the panoramic path

upwards with a view over the rooftops and back down until it turns onto

a narrow path. This leads us up to the Leni-Müller-

Hütte. On comfortable forest paths, we reach the open land on the Rotenfels plateau.

Subsequently, shady paths lead down to the Stegfels

with its magnificent view of Bad Münster am Stein – Ebernburg. After

a stretch of flat rocky path through sparse vegetation and a rocky tunnel,

we ascend again over stony switchbacks to the edge of the slope

of the Rotenfels steep wall. Accompanied by spectacular distant views, we walk

200m above the Nahe to the viewpoint Rotenfels·Bastei. We return

to the hiking portal via forest paths.

The tour includes sections that may be exposed to strong sunlight from midday onwards. It is strongly advised to bring drinks and sun protection.

At various points, there are fall protection and non-slip ground cover (rubble).

Warning: Oak trees can be extensively infested by the oak processionary moth. The caterpillar of the oak processionary moth poses a health risk. The stinging hairs of the caterpillars contain a nettle toxin. They can also be carried by the wind. Contact with the caterpillars can be harmful to humans and pets. Caterpillar dermatitis is particularly common, with symptoms including: skin rashes and redness, slight swelling of the skin, hives, itching, and burning all over the body. If the stinging hairs (which contain Thaumatopoein) are inhaled, this can lead to irritation of the oral and nasal mucosa, bronchitis, asthma, or even an allergic shock. Even after the life cycle of the pupa, caterpillar, and moth, the empty webs with their stinging hairs pose a risk for an extended period.

Precautions:

Observe warning signs.

Avoid infested oaks (do not use seating areas nearby).

Caterpillars and webs must not be touched under any circumstances (never attempt to destroy webs yourself).

Do not sit or lay on the ground near infested oaks.

Protect the body with clothing (neck, arms).

Keep pets on a leash and stay on the path.

Report findings. These can possibly be removed professionally with specialized equipment, and endangered areas can be marked.

If you come into contact with the stinging hairs of the caterpillars, you should change your clothes and shower.

Wash clothing at a minimum of 60°C.

Sturdy footwear, sun protection

Detour to the spa park with its brine atomizer. In the Kreuznach castle park, visit the Roman Hall, the Museum of Puppet Theatre Culture, and the Castle Park Museum.