Palatinate · €€ · Hardenburg

Waldgasthof Hardenburg

The Waldgasthof Hardenburg lies picturesquely in the green Isenach valley below the mighty Hardenburg castle ruin — one of the largest castle ruins in the Palatinate — right at the gateway to the vast Palatinate Forest. The Hardenburg district has long been a classic excursion destination: after a hike through the woods or a visit to the impressive fortress, day-trippers from across the region gather here. The kitchen focuses on hearty regional classics — Pfälzer Saumagen with sauerkraut, crispy schnitzel, rump steak and, in the colder months, game from the surrounding woods such as roast venison and wild boar goulash with hand-scraped spätzle and cranberries. Alongside there is Palatinate wine from the nearby Wine Route — Riesling, Pinot Blanc and Dornfelder, gladly as a spritzer — freshly tapped beer and homemade cakes for the afternoon. The lovely shaded beer garden under old chestnut trees beside the babbling Isenach brook is a popular summer meeting point where walkers and hikers come together. A classic, time-honoured excursion inn for walkers, cyclists, castle visitors and families who want a hearty, cosy stop after a day in the green.