Westwall War History Hikes by Ramstein Air Base with WWII Dragon’s Teeth, Bunkers, Trenches

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Get a close up of Germany’s dark history on foot & find cool places to eat on the Siegfried Line along Germany’s Höckerlinie Westwall.

Höckerlinie Westwall
Höckerlinie Westwall

I’m a veteran and want to spend Veteran’s Day in a way that fills my soul in remembrance for those who’ve given the ultimate sacrifice and appreciation for Nature, health and the joy of our more peaceful existence today.

It’s really something to think of how much better things are in the entire world from just even when I joined the Navy in 1997. It’s incredible and hopeful.

For me, there’s nothing better than spending the day outside, with my family, friends and dogs.

So I’ve spent the week researching and creating this hiking guide with lesser known places to combine some war history and hiking and food – to honor my friends who’ve past or continue to walk on their journey with visible or invisible wounds from their service.

My hope is that this guide will empower you to do the same and have some fun exploring bunkers, tunnels, trenches and navigate through the infamous “Dragon’s Teeth” while wandering on the Höckerlinie Westwall in Germany.

Ruined Bunker
Ruined Bunker – Climb inside and on Top

What is the Westwall – Höckerlinie Westwall?

Also known as the “Siegfried Line”, the Westwall acted as the nazi defense line during WWII. Originally constructed during WWI it was massively expanded in WWII and used for propaganda and defense with over 22,000 bunkers and pillboxes.

Climbing under and on bunker ruins, going into dark tunnels, hopping across trenches and seeing the creepy green walls of half buried bunkers will delight history buffs. This website goes into great detail.

Dragon’s Teeth: 390 miles of Barricades

However, the most interesting war history outdoor relics are the “dragon’s teeth”. These concrete barricades were erected as Nazi propoganda and anti-tank protection in 1936-1939.

They were placed over 390 miles, stretching from Kleve near the border with the Netherlands all the way to Weil am Rhein near the Swiss border.

They were like the precursors to retractable barricades in pedestrian zones, except they stopped tanks–not cars.

dragons teeth in germany
No Dragon’s Teeth Can Stop My RubyGirl!

The dragon’s teeth now have mostly been destroyed, but the remaining ones stand like imposing moss covered artifacts of a day long gone. They are covered in moss and small patches of them have been preserved for history, sometimes right in the middle of a horse paddock or an ancient apple orchard.

250,000 Allied Casualties to Take the Siegfried Line

The contrast of these war relics next to the tranquility of the German countryside is difficult to reconcile. It took 2,000,000 Allied attackers 6 months to take the Siegfried line during the Allied advance after D-Day. They suffered 250,000 casualties to overcome this defense.

This Westwall Hiking Guide & Maps are for:


This hiking and food guide is for people who want to not only to remember Germany’s tortured past, but immerse into their senses by walking on the Siegfried Line in places where history has been preserved like a sort of outdoor museum.

This guide also help you find something good to eat after the hike. The guide includes detailed GPS guided hikes, food recommendations, and history highlights.

Who is this guide NOT for?

This hiking guide explores the nazi line of defense during WWII. If this troubles you and you’re more interested in the Allies line of defense you can easily check out the Allied “Maginot line”. This post from Atlas Obscura has maps and directions to the French town of La Ferte-sur-Chiers with an intact fort on the Maginot Line.

If you’re looking for some climbing excitement this isn’t for you. You can try to the nearby Calmont Klettersteig on the Moselle River or the Mittlerhein Klettersteig on the Rhine River.

Dragons Teeth

This guide is also not for people who want a full museum experience. These hikes have plenty of signage describing the history and landscapes, but for you history buffs that want more– there are multiple indoor museums to get a little piece of history.

What are the Alternatives?

The town of Irel in Rhineland Pfalz hosts a volunteer-run indoor museum. It’s generally open Sundays, but as it’s a volunteer organization please call ahead and make sure they will be open.

It’s near the border of Luxembourg so it would make a great combination to pop into the old town of Luxembourg and eat at many of the amazing restaurants.

There are many Portuguese immigrants that work in Luxembourg, so I’d recommend checking out an authentic Portuguese restaurant like Piri Piri.

Where to stay near the Höckerlinie Westwall?

And there’s no better location to stay than the Grand Hotel Cravat. It’s got a view of the Notre Dame and Gëlle Fra War Monument with an American Bar in the lobby.

If you want to go inside a tunnel museum, check out the Westwall Museum in Pirmasens. Located only 30 minutes from Landstuhl, you can walk inside the 5km of tunnels built for the Siegfried line.

Open on the weekends during the summer, it may not be open for tourists in November. If you are interested, the phone number is listed on their website and a private tour may be an option for Veterans day. Pair this with a visit to Die Brasserie, a Michelen star restaurant on the outskirts of Pirmasens.


Most Scenic Westwall Hike – St. Wendel

St Wendel WWII Walk – Bunkers and St Wendel’s Basilica : Westwall Hike Series

This hike is for you if you want a foliage-filled, sport stroller friendly, super WWII and Roman and Christian and Pagan historical + mystical path around probably the best city in this part of Germany. It’s worth spending an entire weekend here to explore all the fun things to do.

Trail Name: St Wendel WWII Walk – Bunkers and St Wendel’s Basilica : Westwall Hike Series

How to use this map: Use your computer mouse or fingers to zoom in and out. Click on the icons to get more information. Click the arrow on the top left corner for the written index. Click the star next to the title of the map to add this map to your google maps account. To view the saved map on your smartphone or PC, open google maps, click the menu button, and go to “your places”/ “maps.”

Location: St Wendel — 30 min from Landstuhl

Trail Guide: Westwall Series : St Wendel Bunkers & Basilica

Type of Hike: 1 Loop

Distance: 4.4 miles

Elevation: 450 ft up, 450 ft down

Duration: Approx. 1.5-2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Start/end point: CITY Garage, Mia-Münster-Straße 4, 66606 St. Wendel

Kid-friendly: yes

Stroller-friendly: yes – sport

Dog-friendly: yes

Fees: Yes, parking

Camino de Santiago: Yes – Long Stretches on Camino & the Good Shepherd Path of St Wendel

Something Good to Eat: Le Journal – Amazing food at Schlossstrasse 16 66606 St Wendel

Where to Stay: Wellness Right in the Old Town Center at Hotel am Fructmarkt. Bring your dog! Located right in the Old Town, an easy walk from the train station, and it offers massage. Perched right over the delicious Cafe Luise.

WWII Bunker St Wendel

Starting at the city parking lot, come above ground and wind your way through the Altstadt and out of the main part of the city going past the main square.

You’ll be headed towards the hidden little chapel in the woods under the St Wendel’s Basilica.

You’ll see old grand homes that remind you of Boston with gorgeous details and fine gardens and amazing colors.

When you come to the chapel take a moment to read the signs in English about the history during so many different time periods in this land that switched back and forth. St Wendel is pretty popular around these parts. A hermit, a Scotsman…

Sculpture Path all the Way to Russia

Watch out for the many sculptures, even randomly in the forest. There’s a path going to Russia with similar sculptures. Crazy.

Go uphill and walk around to the left of the gorgeous Basilica. Then go uphill towards Wendlinushof. It’s a whole ecosystem of organic farming, yoga studio, cafe, market and a place where people with disabilities work and earn their living and independence.

Then carefully cross the highway and turn into the forest onto the Tiefenbachpfad – this trail is really cool. A 10k loop that’s worth doing – but the entire thing isn’t good for a stroller.

Just after you pass a nursing home on the left, continue about 200 meters and there’s a rad overlook of the city of St Wendel that’s built into a natural bowl with gentle farms surrounding the city.

Siegfried Line Bunker

Then if you’re not paying attention you’ll miss the WWII bunker on the same overlook. It’s part of the Siegfried line or Westwall. Hitlers last defence. It’s creepy and interesting at the same time. It’s easy to see why this hillside was important.

After turn left and wind your way down through the farms, housing and back into the city and to the main Altstadt of St Wendel to finish the loop.

St Wendel WWII Walk – Bunkers and St Wendel’s Basilica : Westwall Hike Series Trail Guide

Komoot App with GPS Tracking:

https://www.komoot.com/tour/547929339


Most Impressive Dragon’s Teeth Hike – Orscholz Höckerlinie Westwall

Dragon’s Teeth WWII Walk – Siegfried Line & Nähe Bunker : Westwall Hike Series

This flat easy hike is for you if you want to walk in the steps of WWII soldiers on impressive dragon’s teeth anti-tank lines, ruined bunkers, ruined tunnels, and long trenches.

Make it a full day and see the famous “Saarschleife” view and treetop walk just a few miles away. The photos here will not disappoint and the playgrounds are amazing.

Trail Guide: Dragon’s Teeth WWII Walk – Siegfried Line & Nähe Bunker : Westwall Hike Series

(Click here to learn how to use this map)

Location: Orschultz — 60 min from Landstuhl

Type of Hike: 1 Loop

Distance: 3.4 miles

Elevation: 300 ft up, 275 ft down

Duration: Approx. 1.5-2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Start/end point: Höckerlinienweg Parking Lot

Kid-friendly: yes

Stroller-friendly: no, but this Hiking Child Backpack will carry toddlers up to 48 pounds with pressure relief for your comfort.

Dog-friendly: yes

Fees: No

Camino de Santiago: No

Something Good to Eat: Vesperstübchen – Open Wednesday to Sunday with lunch hours and dinner hours. Indoor and outdoor dining options.

Where to Stay: Make it a WELLNESS trip at the Landhotel Saarschleife. Sauna, spa and massage with the hotel located directly on the riverbend.

This hike starts with all the drama right up front! The dragon’s teeth hit you immediately. Walk through and soak up the history. You’ll walk on many pieces of lumber set down to protect against mud and the first stop is lunch at the super cute Vesperstübchen.

Backtrack a bit to the trail and then make a nice long loop around the ruined bunkers which are entirely climbable. There’s also long trenches throughout the hike to view. Cross the highway and then turn left into the forest toward “bärenfels”.

Then a long line of ruined tunnels await. Then turn into the enchanted forest, this may be hard in summer as it’s quite overgrown with nettles but certainly beautiful before coming back to the main highway. Walk 200 meters back to the access road where you parked.

Dragon’s Teeth WWII Walk – Siegfried Line & Nahe Bunker : Westwall Hike Series Trail Guide

Komoot App with GPS Tracking:

https://www.komoot.com/tour/556184749


Best Westwall Hike for Strollers – Kindsbach Bunkers & Ziplines

Kindsbach WWII Walk – Bunkers & Ziplines: Westwall Hike Series

This hike is for those who want a quick trip to walk by WWII history or even schedule a private tour inside the bunker. The hike starts at the Bärenloch playground with a great pond, playground (with it’s own zipline), and rejuvenating “kniebad” – a cool water plunge to ease your tired feet.

For less of a history hike and more of a super kid friendly hike near Ramstein Air Base, the Käfer Safari hike offers an interactive, touchable outdoor exhibit for the little ones.

Location: Kindsbach — 5 min from Landstuhl

Trail Guide: Kindsbach Westwall Series: Bunkers & Ziplines,

(Click here to learn how to use this map.)

Type of Hike: 1 Loop

Distance: 4 miles.

Elevation: 375 ft up, 425 ft down

Duration: Approx. 1.5-2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Start/end point: Bärenloch Parking

Kid-friendly: yes

Stroller-friendly: yes – sport

Dog-friendly: yes

Fees: No

Camino de Santiago: Yes – Very Short Stretch

Something Good to Eat: Landhotel Schuff. I actually LOVED their liver. I normally hate liver. But it’s super delish. The Italian-Mediterranean menu normal food is amazing! Address: Kaiserstraße 58, 66862 Kindsbach

Kindsbach Bunker
Kindsbach Bunker

Starting at the Bärenloch parking lot, walk to the left around the zipline playground. You’ll follow the trail to the right and go uphill, when you come to an intersection turn hard left.

From here you’ll go up a wooded path and around some beautiful red “fels” or rock cliffs before coming to the overlook where you can see all of Ramstein Air Base. Then wind uphill through the secluded woods. You’ll turn hard left to start back downhill and end up eventually in a “neighborhood” of townhomes. Walk to the left and all of the sudden you’ll see the bunker!

Guided Bunker Tour

If you want to schedule a tour to actually go inside, contact Wolfgang at this email to book a date. He offers tours through the bunker for 10 or more people, 10€/ Person, ~1.5-2h. Or you can go alone without a time limit for 50 euros up to 3 persons, each additional person 15 euros.

In both cases: Flashlight necessary, no light in the facility. It’s weirdly massive.

To finish the hike, walk on the main street of town back to the Camino de Santiago and turn to the left back to Bärenloch.

Kindsbach WWII Walk – Bunkers & Ziplines: Westwall Hike Series Trail Guide

Komoot App with GPS Tracking:

https://www.komoot.com/tour/545500982


Closest Dragon’s Teeth Hike to Ramstein – Lambsborn

Lambsborn Dragon’s Teeth Westwall Stroll: Westwall Hike Series

This easy stroller friendly village stroll delights family with an easy path going by a chicken farm, a goose farm, and horses. There’s a natural springs and a hütte to take a picnic. We even saw something that looked like a badger! My dogs were a bit foamy on this stroll, so if your dogs get crazy with farm animals maybe pass.

(Click here to learn how to use this map.)

Trail Guide: Lambsborn Dragon’s Teeth Westwall Stroll: Westwall Hike Series

Location: Lambsborn — 12 min from Landstuhl

Type of Hike: Out and Back

Distance: 1.9 miles

Elevation: 200 ft up, 200 ft down

Duration: Approx. 45 min to 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Start/end point: End of Waldstrasse Parking lot

Kid-friendly: yes

Stroller-friendly: yes

Dog-friendly: yes – many farmyard animals though

Fees: No

Camino de Santiago: Yes – Mostly

Something Good to Eat: Gaststätte-Zum-Kuckucksnest, Hauptstraße 18, 66894 Lambsborn

Dragons teeth lambsborn germany
Dragons Teeth

Starting at the parking lot, follow the wide path through the woods downhill. Follow Camino de Santiago signage and go past the Possbergquelle (springs) and Hütte. Go through farm area and turn left. Cross the main road and head towards the opposite side of valley and when getting to farm go hard right onto grassy path near the side of the field. Dragon’s teeth will be in the forest on your left. Return the same way back.

Lambsborn Dragon’s Teeth Westwall Stroll: Westwall Hike Series Trail Guide

Komoot App with GPS Tracking:

This app has 1 free region so you can download and use offline if needed.

https://www.komoot.com/tour/557407393

More Cool German Adventures

🚠 SUMMER CHAIRLIFTS 🚡 🚠
An easy & relaxing Way to experience the 🇩🇪 German OUTDOORS 🚠

It doesn’t have to be HARD to explore & connect to Nature 🌎.

1️⃣ On the Upper Middle Romantic Rhine UNESCO site:
the Boppard Chairlift and Assmannshausen chairlift offer stunning views of the Rhine River. The Rüdesheim cable car offers wheelchair accessibility.

2️⃣ Flying over the Moselle River:
the Cochem chairlift takes you over vineyards and slate blue craggy mini-mountains.

Just like an e-bike, a bit of technology can make exploring nature more accessible to everyone. ❤️ ♿️


Author profile: Morgan Fielder is a Doctor of Physical Therapy and passionate hiker who believes in exploring the world on foot with good food. Follow her journey as she shares science-based hiking tips and advocates for sustainable tourism.

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