Katzweiler: Open-Air Stage, Mill Wheel and Trails

Katzweiler brings together open-air theatre, mill history and trails by the water. The open-air stage is in a small valley on the edge of town; by the landscape pond, you’ll find a circular path, a Kneipp basin and a playground. There are also routes of varying lengths, as well as horseback riding and covered wagon rides.

Open-Air Stage, Mill Wheel and Village History

The picturesque natural stage of the Katzweiler Open-Air Theatre is on the edge of town in the small Eselsdelle valley, nestled between two wooded slopes. The programme includes children’s theatre, musicals, plays and boulevard comedies. The specific productions change seasonally; if you’re planning to attend a performance, check the show dates for your travel period.

The old weighing house on the village square in Waagstraße is now used by the tourist association and the open-air theatre. The theatre’s advance ticket sales also take place there. In the town centre stands the village mill, dating from 1756. It has an overshot waterwheel measuring 8.40 metres. The village mill wheel is considered the largest mill wheel in southwestern Germany; the mill is no longer in operation.

Hiking Between the Village Square and the Landscape Pond

Opened in 2012, the accessible experience trail passes sights and places to stop for refreshments. You can walk it as a 3-kilometre or 6.7-kilometre loop. The two route lengths make it easy to plan an outing. Another circular route is the Himmelstour, which has been in place since mid-2019: it is around 9 kilometres long and leads from Katzweiler via Himmelsblick, Engelsberg and Himmelreich back to the starting point.

There are three designated Nordic walking routes in Katzweiler. The Nordic walking circuit comprises more than 20 kilometres of signposted trails along forest and field paths. For a shorter walk to the village mill, take the Mühlwanderweg: the mill is about 100 metres from the starting point at the village square. The trail also allows for a detour to the landscape pond.

The landscape pond lies between the Lauter River and the railway line, covers around 4,000 m² and is encircled by a path with benches. The Kneipp basin is right by the pond and is particularly popular with hikers and cyclists in the summer months. A 2,000 m² playground is also located directly beside the pond.

Activities and Choosing Accommodation

The Bonanza Ranch in Katzweiler offers covered wagon rides, riding lessons for beginners and advanced riders, rides through the countryside and pony rides. The Bonanza Ranch Reiterstube is a restaurant with a beer garden. Check operating details before visiting.

The activities each offer something different: at the open-air stage, the choice depends on the seasonal programme; on the circular trails, it depends on the distance you prefer; and at the pond, it depends on the facilities available on site. This makes it easy to plan your stay around whether you’re mainly interested in a performance, a particular route or outdoor activities.

Explore the Wider Kaiserslautern Destination

The wider Kaiserslautern destination also offers natural and cultural sites, each with its own character. In the Mehlinger Heide, an approximately 1.5-kilometre heathland trail with information boards and activity stations leads through the area; it is also connected to the Palatinate Forest hiking trail network. The abbey church in Otterberg dates from the 12th century, is one of the most significant buildings in the Palatinate and is considered a monumental masterpiece of early Gothic architecture. The Kaiserslautern district is a member of the Rhine-Neckar Transport Association; timetable and fare information is available on the VRN website.

Discover more destinations: Niederkirchen, Krickenbach, Neuhemsbach, Heiligenmoschel, Schallodenbach, Lambsborn, Hohenecken, Fischbach.

Back to the wider travel overview: Kaiserslautern.