The Rheinsteig trail, one of Germany's top walking trails, follows the course of the River Rhine up and downhill through different regions from Wiesbaden to Bonn.
Experience the beautiful surroundings and local culture and enjoy spectacular views while passing woodlands, vineyards, romantic castles and half-timbered towns.
The Rheinsteig trail is 320km long and begins in Wiesbaden at Biebrich Palace, but you can easily begin your walk at any stage along the route thanks to excellent rail links and riverboat services. Many of the stages can be shortened by taking a riverboat. The trail is exceptionally well signposted and allows either ambitious long-distance walking or a variety of more leisurely short tours.
The Rheinsteig path is a real nature experience and is marked by a picturesque landscape which is displayed during this walk to its fullest. From time to time, you will pass sleepy wine villages and romantic towns which invite you to rest and enjoy some local specialities for lunch. Between Rüdesheim and Koblenz, you walk through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site, boasting a variety of romantic castles. Worth seeing are Pfalzgrafenstein Castle in Kaub which is located on an island in the river north of Koblenz as well as Marksburg Castle in the village of Braubach.
Next are the Taunus Hills and the lofty peaks of the Westerwald Forest, followed by the outstanding conservation area of the 'Siebengebirge' mountain range with the famous Mount Drachenfels towering over the Rhine, the place where the hero of the famous German Nibelungen Saga, Siegfried, fought the terrible dragon. The route comes to an end on the market square in Bonn.
Things To Do
Rheinsteig
- Enjoy parts of your journey on the water with a river cruise where you can
see the region from a different angle. Relax for the next stage of
your walking tour.
- Visit one of the many mystic
castles along the way and learn about their turbulent
history.
- Wine and Dine on the Rhine in one of the regions
many taverns, famous for their delicious wines.
- Visit Bad Ems, a former royal spa town 20km from
Koblenz. The surrounding Lahn Valley, with its impressive highland
scenery, is a must for nature lovers.
- Visit Koblenz, located on the famous 'Deutsches
Eck' (German Corner) where the Rhine and the River Moselle meet.
The 2,000 year old Roman city has an abundance of cultural
monuments and historic buildings, narrow lanes and cosy
alleyways.
- For a spectacular view over the river and some of the steepest
vineyard's
of the region, take the 20 minute chairlift ride from Boppard up to the viewing point.
Your Itinerary
River Rhine
From St. Goarshausen to Leutesdorf This stage of the Rhinesteig is one of the most exciting and diverse.
Route Character
Pleasant walking tour with 5 to 7 hours hiking a day.
Day 1 - Arrival
You will arrive in St. Goarshausen and check into your hotel. Highlights in St. Goarshausen are the castle Katz, the two town towers, St. Martin's Church and the Loreley Wine Museum.
Day 2 - St. Goarshausen to Kamp-Bornhofen
(20km) Walk up to the Patersberg and you will soon reach the point from which you can see three castles and enjoy the wonderful view of the Rheinfels Castle in St. Goar, situated on the other bank of the river. During your walk 33 blackboards inform you about the characteristics of the landscape. You will cross narrow paths with breathtaking views until you reach Kamp-Bornhofen.
Day 3 - Kamp-Bornhofen to Braubach
(22km) You will walk up to the Bruno Löhr Cottage from where you have a great view over Kamp-Bornhofen and Boppard. Follow the path in the direction of Osterspai, past Liebnick Castle. Wide woodland flows into steep and rocky trails until you reach a viewpoint from where you will have a great view over Braubach and Koblenz. In due course, the route arrives at the idyllic village of Braubach. From here, the path climbs up to the imposing Marksburg, the only castle on the Rhine that has never been destroyed during its long history. Join the guided Castle Tour.
Day 4 - Braubach to Koblenz
(21km) Take the shifting trail through wood and grasslands, along an idyllic rivulet, and climb over rocks until you reach the Ernst Wagner Park with its high ropes course and climbing wall. The romantic Rupperts Gorge is another highlight, but be careful, the gorge is steep and slippery at some parts. Continue your walk and enjoy amazing views over the Rhine Valley, Koblenz, Stolzenfels Castle and Ehrenbreitstein Fortress. Down at the Rhinebank you can take the ferry to the famous German Corner in Koblenz.
Day 5 - Koblenz to Bendorf
(17km) This idyllic part of the Rheinsteig takes you through various terrains; small paths, residential areas, meadows, fields and woodlands.
Day 6 - Bendorf to Rengsdorf
(21km) On a forest path you will soon reach Neuwied Zoo, where more than 1,500 animals from Germany and around the world live in spacious outdoor enclosures. You will also climb up Wingertsberg Hill, where traces of the Roman Limes are still visible. Walk through the dense pine forest before you reach Rengsdorf.
Day 7 - Rengsdorf to Leutesdorf
(19km) A stage characterised by varied scenery. The path leads from the Westerwald to the banks of the Rhine. The terrain is mountainous and you will pass many picturesque valleys such as the Laubachtal with its beautiful waterfall.
Day 8 - Departure
Insider Tip
The Rheinsteig tour gives visitors the chance to observe unique plants and spectacular wildlife. Here you will fi nd around one third of Germany's flora and fauna, even plants and animals originating from the Alps and the Mediterranean.
Travel Information
From Frankfurt Airport to:
2hr by train.
From Frankfurt Hahn Airport to:
2hr by train.
From Cologne / Bonn Airport to:
2hr by train.
Resort combination
Combine your hiking trip with a stay in the cities of Koblenz, Wiesbaden or Bonn, all situated on the banks of the Rhine.
Your Package Includes
7 nights accommodation including breakfast.
All rooms with shower/bath and WC in hotels and country hotels (in
exceptional cases at inns or guesthouses).
Pick-up/ transfer to starting points (if public transport is not
available).
Luggage transfers between hotels, tourist tax.Walking map,
detailed route description.
Certificate, Rheinsteig badge.
Cost of public transport not included.
Highlights
Romantic Castles.
Silent Forests.
Rugged Cliffs.
Gorges along the route.
Stunning views over the Rhine Valley.
Fresh air and mild climate.
Gorgeous Wines.
Vineyards.
Idyllic towns and villages.