Erfenbach combines insights into transport and local history with a walk for which the duration and distance are specified. The former Bachbahn railway is the focus of the Bachbahn Museum; the “Forest Bathing between Erzhütten and Erfenbach” walk takes about an hour and covers 3 km. This lets you choose between cultural topics and a clearly measured walking route for your stay.
The Bachbahn Railway and Art
The Bachbahn Museum presents the economic and social history of the former Bachbahn railway. Models of the stations and displays about transport infrastructure show various aspects of the railway system in the past. There is also a model railway with about 180 metres of track. Technology and everyday history sit side by side here: the exhibition focuses not only on the railway as a means of transport, but also on its infrastructure and its importance to the economy and society.
The “Haltepunkt Kunst” (Art Stop) exhibition is also associated with the Bachbahn Museum. It features sculptures and paintings by Erfenbach artist Rudolf Blanz. The exhibition may change, so if you are particularly interested in it, check what is currently on display before your visit.
Farmhouse and Church
The Erfenbach farmhouse was restored from 1993 to 1996 and is a listed building. The house contains a small museum room with a shoemaker’s original workshop. Alongside architecture, crafts and local everyday history are therefore among the themes that make Erfenbach distinctive.
The Catholic Church of the Immaculate Conception of St Mary was built in 1927 in the Neo-Baroque style. It burned down completely during the Second World War, after which it was rebuilt in a similar form and reopened in 1950. Its exterior is described in detail: the church is finished in white plaster, the nave is topped by a pitched roof covered with red tiles, and the windows and doors have red sandstone surrounds. Its construction date, rebuilding and material details offer different ways to explore local architectural history.
Minerals, Mining and Historic Dress
Dieter’s Rock and Mining Collection brings together natural history and mining history. Its exhibition space of more than 35 m² displays mining equipment, minerals and fossils. It also includes selected rocks from around 130 sites around Kaiserslautern. The collection thus spans geological finds and objects from the world of mining work.
The exhibits include mine lamps, ranging from pine splints to modern rechargeable lamps. Traditional miners’ ceremonial costumes are also represented: they come from Saarland, the Ore Mountains, Austria-Hungary, Upper Bavaria and Upper Silesia, and are displayed on life-size figures. If you are interested in mining, you will find not only tools here but also examples of how different regional traditions come together in the collection.
Walks and Woodland History
The “Forest Bathing between Erzhütten and Erfenbach” walk takes about an hour, is 3 km long, and is suitable for children and those looking for a leisurely outing. Another walking time relates to the “Waldbad” (forest bathing area): from the car park by the power-line corridor between Erzhütten and Erfenbach, follow the signs for about 15 minutes on foot.
The Lautrer Children’s Forest was established on a woodland area of about 10,000 m² between Erzhütten and Erfenbach. The area was devastated by Storm Kyrill in January 2007. The historic section of Erfenbach Cemetery is also part of the area’s local history: a characteristic sandstone wall and valuable old lime trees define its appearance. As the cemetery is still in use, please be respectful when visiting this place of remembrance.
The walking times refer to different planning questions: about an hour for the 3 km walk, and about 15 minutes on foot from the car park mentioned to the “Waldbad.”
Beer History at Schermer Farm
A former pigsty is also part of the local story: a brewery was established there, at Schermer Farm, in early 2018. It brews a dark, naturally cloudy beer using three preferred malt varieties. Check whether the beer is available before travelling there.
Discover more destinations: Erzenhausen, Niederkirchen, Steinwenden, Trippstadt, Eulenbis, Schwedelbach, BruchmĂĽhlbach-Miesau, Hauptstuhl.
Return to the wider travel overview: Kaiserslautern.
