Silz: Lake, wildlife park and trails in the Palatinate Forest

Silz brings together Silz Lake, wildlife watching and hiking trails, offering a range of ways to shape your stay. The village is located in the Klingbach valley, beside Silz Lake and within the landscape of the Palatinate Forest Biosphere Reserve. At the lake, you can stroll or linger along the paths and shore; the wildlife and hiking park has its own focus on animals and circular trails.

Silz Lake and Nature Discovery Trail

At Silz Lake, paths and areas along the shore offer opportunities to stroll and linger. The Silz Lake Loop Climate and Nature Discovery Trail adds discovery stations to the nature theme. These include a tree discovery trail, a water-experience station and a fish quiz. This way, different topics take centre stage as you explore, from trees to aquatic life.

The trail also features an Actionbound game and information in easy-to-read language via the SÜW Erlebnis app. As digital features may change, check them before your trip if needed. If you prefer to explore without an app, the trail also has the learning and discovery stations mentioned above as tangible themes along the way.

Wildlife watching and circular trails in the wildlife park

The Southern Wine Route Wildlife and Hiking Park in Silz covers 100 hectares. Visitors can observe more than 400 animals from 15 European species there. Short and long circular trails, a petting area and an adventure playground complement the wildlife watching. The park therefore combines a range of experiences: observing animals, exploring circular trails and using the playground.

This combination offers a different focus from a stroll by the lake or a hike to a viewpoint. You can choose what to do in Silz based on the experiences you’d like to prioritise.

Hiking destinations and trail conditions

Nature Park Circular Trail 25 leads to the Abtskopf shelter and the Wasgaublick viewpoint. As trail conditions can change, check them before your trip. Nature Park Circular Trail 26 reaches the panoramic view at Schweinsfelsen via a steep but secured ladder. Take this section into account when planning your trip; trail conditions and safety measures can also change.

Silz is a starting point for hiking and cycling excursions in the Trifels region and the Palatinate Forest. Hiking routes lead towards Lindelbrunn, Berwartstein, Landeck and Madenburg. The Klingbach Cycle Route runs towards the Rhine. The options therefore range from hiking destinations to a cycle route; choose the focus that best suits your plans.

Memorials and local tradition

Silz’s main street is associated with a memorial to Pastor L. Karbeck, a crucifix and a stone cross dating from 1823. West of Silz, a remnant of the Westwall forms part of a protected heritage area: an anti-tank obstacle line several hundred metres long. These two historical features offer different points of interest, from a roadside memorial to a military relic outside the village.

Silz’s traditional nickname, “snails,” is associated with a damp meadow valley crossed by three streams. The Schneckekerwe festival is also connected with this name. If you’d like to plan your trip around this local event, check the dates before you travel.

Getting there and finding your way

The public hiking car park at the sports ground is accessible at all times and can be reached by car or by bus route 531. Check bus services before setting off. Silz also has a motorhome pitch; check its availability before your arrival.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Böllenborn, Rinnthal, Leinsweiler, Gleisweiler, Oberotterbach, Vorderweidenthal, Hochstadt and Edesheim.

Go to the main travel overview: Southern Wine Route.