WALDWÄRTS – Bike ‘n’ Hike in the Palatinate Forest: A New Event for Outdoor Enthusiasts

Trippstadt-Johanniskreuz, Germany – A new event, WALDWÄRTS – Bike ‘n’ Hike in the Palatinate Forest, is set to take place on Sunday, April 26, 2026, at the House of Sustainability in St. John’s Cross. Building on the success of the Natursport Opening event, WALDWÄRTS will focus specifically on cycling and hiking within the Palatinate Forest, offering a blend of sporting challenges, ecological awareness, and family-friendly activities.

A Celebration of Active Nature Experiences

The Palatinate Forest, a designated nature park covering 1,771 km² , provides an ideal backdrop for outdoor adventures. With approximately 7,000 kilometers of signposted hiking trails and around 900 kilometers of mountain bike routes , the region attracts nature enthusiasts and athletes alike. WALDWÄRTS aims to celebrate this unique environment and promote sustainable engagement with nature.

Event Highlights

WALDWÄRTS promises a diverse range of activities for all skill levels:

• Pump Track: A dedicated pump track will be available for riders of all ages and abilities.
• Driving Technique Course: Participants can hone their cycling skills with a specialized driving technique course.
• WALDWÄRTS Rally: A brand-new rally featuring challenging questions about hiking and cycling in the forest, with a raffle for prizes.
• Guided Tours: Guided gravel, mountain bike, and hiking tours will explore the scenic trails around Johanniskreuz.
• Children’s Program: A variety of activities will keep younger visitors entertained.
• Exhibitors & Test Bikes: Bicycle exhibitors will showcase their products, and attendees can test ride bikes and gain professional bike checks.
• Bicycle Coding: An innovative activity focused on bicycle coding will be available.
• Live Music: Live music will add to the festive atmosphere.

Sustainability at the Core

The event is organized jointly by the House of Sustainability / State Forests of Rhineland-Palatinate and the Zentrum Pfälzerwald Touristik eV, in cooperation with the premium partner Mountainbikepark Pfälzerwald eV. The House of Sustainability, located within the Palatinate Forest-North Vosges Biosphere Reserve , exemplifies sustainable living and building practices. It utilizes a photovoltaic system for power, a wood pellet heating system, and rainwater harvesting . WALDWÄRTS reflects this commitment to environmental responsibility by offering an ecosystem-friendly natural sports experience.

Event Details

• Location: House of Sustainability – St. John’s Cross
• Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Information: www.zentrum-pfaelzerwald.de/Waldwaerts

Sponsors

The organizers gratefully acknowledge the support of their sponsors: Sparkasse Kaiserslautern, Volksbank Kaiserslautern, Zukunftsregion Westpfalz, and IKK Südwest.