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***image1***The union community of Hochspeyer with the villages of Hochspeyer, Frankenstein, Fischbach and Waldleiningen is located in the east part of Kaiserslautern County. It spreads over an area of almost 8,000 hectares and has about 7,500 inhabitants. The union commun-ity mayor is Walter Rung; his office is in the Hochspeyer town hall.
In 1195, Hochspeyer is mentioned for the first time in a document of the Otterberg monastery in which Emperor Heinrich VI confirms that the monks own property in Hochspeyer. The village has its name from the creek called Hoch-speyer, which originated here.
***image2***In 1500, there were 18 houses. People could not live from farming due to the lean soil, but they could make a living off the forest. During the Thirty Years’ War the village was destroyed and without any settlers for the next 15 years. Despite new wars in the 18th century, it was revived. New farms were built along the main street. Then the railroad tracks were built and many people got a job with the railroad company.
Today, Hochspeyer lures many people to its new housing areas. It offers various leisure activities including hiking trails, a Nordic-walking park and a heated adventure swimming pool.
Frankenstein is known for its castle ruins, which sit above the village. Around 1100, there was only a tower, and in the beginning of the 13th century the castle was extended on the rocky area. Visitors can explore it throughout the year.
***image3***Guided tours are offered. Cost is €2 for adults and €1 for children. Call Hans Ellgass at 06329-989765. English fliers for €1 with information about Frankenstein Castle are available at the Hochspeyer town hall. Diemerstein is a part of Frankenstein. On top of it sits another castle ruin, which is not open to the public.
Fischbach has about 830 inhabitants. It is known for its traditional charcoal fest, which takes place for the 25th time this year. It started Wednesday and continues through Aug. 1.
Waldleiningen has about 400 inhabitants. It won several prizes in the “nicest village” contest. In the forest between Waldleiningen and Johanniskreuz, there is a sandstone block known as the Palatinate world axle. It has an inscription saying that the world axle gets greased there and, because it’s being watched, nothing bad will happen.
***image4***According to the local author, Paul Münch, the center of the world is right here. The actual event of “greasing the world axle” takes place in October.
The Mountain Bike Park of the Palatinate Forest is all around the union community of Hochspeyer. One entrance is set up at the train station in Hochspeyer. The Nordic Walking Park can be entered from one location in each of the villages. There are signs leading to the different routes of different lengths and levels of difficulty.
For more information about the union community, visit www.hochspeyer.de.
