Donnersberg

Mountain Highest peak in Rhineland-Palatinate, volcanic hill

At about 687 metres, Donnersberg is Rhineland-Palatinate’s highest peak; hikers come for its trails, panoramic hilltop views and Celtic-era archaeological remains.

Main image

Donnersberg is the highest mountain in the state of Rhineland-Palatinate in western Germany, rising to about 687 metres above sea level. It is the dominant feature of the North Palatine Uplands.

The summit and slopes include the site of a substantial late Iron Age hillfort and settlement associated with the Celtic La Tène culture, indicating long-term strategic use of the site. Over later centuries the area has been used for forestry, pasture and rural settlement.

Donnersberg sits in central Rhineland-Palatinate in the North Palatine Uplands, visible from nearby towns and villages; it lies within a rural landscape of forests and fields and is accessible by local roads and footpaths.

  • Elevation: At 687 metres elevation it is the highest point in Rhineland-Palatinate and a recognised local landmark for hiking and views.

What to See #

  • Summit: The summit area at 687 metres above sea level provides panoramic views across the North Palatine Uplands and is the focus for hiking and walking routes up the massif.
  • Celtic hillfort: Archaeological remains of a large late Iron Age hillfort and settlement complex dating to the Celtic La Tène period, with visible earthworks and terraces on the slopes.
Donnersberg
49.6252, 7.9147

Tips for Visiting Donnersberg #

  • Go on a clear day for the summit views - Donnersberg is the highest point in the Palatinate and visibility matters for the panoramic outlooks.
  • Use one of the well‑marked hiking routes from the surrounding villages and start early to avoid weekend walkers; the walking trails and summit viewpoints are the main reasons to go rather than a quick drive-by.

Best Time to Visit Donnersberg #

Best from late spring through early autumn when trails are clear and weather is most favorable for hiking.

Late spring to early autumn (best)
May-September · 5-25°C
Mild to warm days and generally snow-free trails make this the prime time for hiking Donnersberg and enjoying summit views.
Summer
June-August · 15-25°C
Warm and pleasant for extended hikes; expect the most day visitors at weekends.
Winter (snow possible)
December-February · -5-5°C
Cold with possible snow or ice on trails-good for experienced winter hikers but many paths may be slippery or closed.

Weather & Climate near Donnersberg #

Climate

Donnersberg's climate is classified as Oceanic - Oceanic climate with mild summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -2°C to 21°C. Moderate rainfall (840 mm/year), distributed fairly evenly throughout the year.

Temperature & Rainfall
Temperature Range
21°
Warmest Month
-3°
Coldest Month
Monthly Conditions

January

January is the coldest month with highs of 2°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (65 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Freezing
C
Temperature
-3°

Weather

65 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

February

February is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -2°C. Moderate rainfall (59 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-2°

Weather

59 mm
Rainfall
4.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

March

March is cold with highs of 7°C and lows of 0°C. Moderate rainfall (63 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

63 mm
Rainfall
4.3 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

April

April is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 3°C. Moderate rainfall (58 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

58 mm
Rainfall
3.9 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

May

May is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 7°C. The wettest month with 81 mm of rain.

Comfort

11°
Feels Like Cool
11°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.7 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

June

June is cool with highs of 18°C and lows of 10°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

14°
Feels Like Cool
14°C
Temperature
10° 18°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

July

July is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. The wettest month with 81 mm of rain.

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

81 mm
Rainfall
3.4 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

August

August is cool with highs of 21°C and lows of 12°C. Moderate rainfall (61 mm).

Comfort

17°
Feels Like Cool
17°C
Temperature
12° 21°

Weather

61 mm
Rainfall
3.2 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

September

September is cool with highs of 16°C and lows of 9°C. Moderate rainfall (66 mm).

Comfort

13°
Feels Like Cool
13°C
Temperature
16°

Weather

66 mm
Rainfall
3.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

October

October is cold with highs of 11°C and lows of 5°C. Moderate rainfall (76 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
11°

Weather

76 mm
Rainfall
3.8 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

November

November is cold with highs of 5°C and lows of 1°C. Moderate rainfall (74 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature

Weather

74 mm
Rainfall
4.1 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

December

December is cold with highs of 3°C and lows of -1°C. Regular rainfall (80 mm).

Comfort

Feels Like Cold
C
Temperature
-1°

Weather

80 mm
Rainfall
4.5 m/s
Wind
Light Breeze

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