Felsenpfad, Hiking trail in Kirkel, Germany

Felsenpfad is a hiking trail in Kirkel that passes through forested areas with red-brown sandstone formations. The path runs through narrow passages between rock walls, creating an immediate connection with the landscape as you walk.

The trail passes the site of the Hollerburg on the Hollerkanzel, a wooden-earth fortification probably dating to the 9th century. The Geological Teaching Path was set up in 1983 with rocks from different geological formations of Saarland, and a map at its start shows their find spots.

The trail's name comes from the sandstone crags it follows. At the Hollerkanzel rock, a wooden-earth hillfort called the Hollerburg is thought to date to the 9th century. The Frauenbrunnen spring below was used as a cult site by the Celts, and locals told children it was where babies came from.

The route is about 7 km long and runs almost entirely on a narrow, partly rocky and root-covered path, so light to moderate fitness is needed. At the start of the geological teaching path set up in 1983, a map shows the Saarland and the origins of the displayed stones. The rocks along the way are used by climbers and mountaineers for training.

At the site of the Hollerkanzel stood the Hollerburg, an early medieval timber-and-earth fortification probably dating to the 9th century. Nothing of it remains above ground, so walkers pass the spot without noticing it.