8.000 markers
waymarked with the blue “R” along the trail
320 kilometers
stretching from Bonn to Wiesbaden
21 stages
ranging from 11 to 23 kilometers
40 castles & palaces
dotting the route
UNESCO World Heritage
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
Route & Itinerary
The Rheinsteig stretches for about 320 kilometers from Bonn, via Koblenz, to Wiesbaden — always on the right side of the Rhine. Sometimes high above the river, sometimes winding through vineyards, forests, or historic half-timbered towns. Walking here, you’ll experience true Rhine romance: steep slate slopes, endless rows of vines, mysterious castle ruins, and of course the world-famous Loreley.
The trails are excellently signposted — over 8,000 markers with the blue “R” guide you reliably along the way. Some rocky paths require sure-footedness, but the mix of forest trails, meadows, and vineyard paths makes the Rheinsteig varied and fully manageable for walkers with some experience.
Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours
Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours
Questions and Answers about hiking the Rheinsteig Trail
The Rheinsteig is located in Rhineland-Palatinate in central Germany.
The Rheinsteig is 320 kilometres long.
The Rheinsteig is classed as mountain hiking. The route mostly leads along winegrowing trails and idyllic hiking trails through beautiful natural landscapes. With a good basic level of fitness and surefootedness, our hiking holidays on the Rheinsteig are guaranteed to be a successful experience.
A real highlight and top photo opportunity are the Loreley rocks, which you can experience on the crowning stage of the Rheinsteig. These special slate rocks are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A culinary highlight that shouldn’t be missed is the excellent Rheingau Riesling.
On the daily stages of our hiking tours on the Rheinsteig, you cover between 11 and 23 kilometres of hiking per day. Note: The daily stages can usually be shortened by train, bus or boat.
The route on our hiking tours varies depending on the duration of the tour, here is a brief overview:
- Rhine walking: Mainz - Koblenz, 11 days: The route leads from Mainz via Dörscheid/Kaub and St. Goarshausen to Koblenz.
- Rhine walking: Rüdesheim - Koblenz, 8 days: The route leads from Rüdesheim via Dörscheid/Kaub and St. Goarshausen to Koblenz.
- Rhine walking: Rüdesheim - St. Goarshausen, 5 days: This short hiking holiday leads in three daily stages from Rüdesheim to St. Goarshausen.
The best travel time for hiking on the Rheinsteig is from April to October.
On our hiking tours on the Rheinsteig you will spend the nights in cozy middle-class hotels and inns.






The Most Beautiful Places Along the Rheinsteig Trail
Bonn
At the foot of the Siebengebirge, the Rheinsteig begins in Germany’s former capital. Here, culture, history, and Rhine romance come together — and with a view of the Drachenfels, the journey kicks off with a true classic.

Königswinter
This charming town sits right on the Rhine, dominated by the legendary Drachenfels and its castle ruins. Those who climb to the summit are rewarded with one of Germany’s most iconic views. Legends and stories surrounding the Drachenfels continue to shape the town’s enchanting atmosphere.

Koblenz
Where the Moselle meets the Rhine, the heart of the Middle Rhine comes alive. The Ehrenbreitstein Fortress towers impressively above the river, offering sweeping views of the Deutsches Eck and the surrounding landscape.

St. Goarshausen
This small town is inseparably linked with the Loreley Rock, which rises dramatically above the Rhine. The famous viewpoint provides expansive vistas of the narrow Rhine Valley, and myths and songs about the Loreley make it a true symbol of the region.

Kaub
Kaub is best known for Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, perched on an island in the middle of the Rhine. Surrounded by slate slopes and vineyards, the town offers an especially authentic taste of the Middle Rhine, where history and Rhine romance go hand in hand.

Rüdesheim am Rhein
Nestled in the heart of the Rheingau, Rüdesheim is a highlight along the Rheinsteig. Steep vineyards, the famous Drosselgasse, and the Niederwald Monument rising above the river define the town. Visiting here means enjoying both Rhine wine culture and breathtaking views.

The Most Scenic Stages on the Rheinsteig Trail
16 Kilometers | ↗ 350 Meters | ↘ 350 Meters
The tour begins in the charming wine town of Rüdesheim. Winding through the vineyards of the Rheingau, the trail climbs to the Niederwald, where sweeping views of the Middle Rhine Valley unfold. Passing the Niederwald Hunting Lodge and through the picturesque wine villages of Assmannshausen and Lorch, you’ll encounter half-timbered houses, steep vineyards, and the region’s distinctive atmosphere.
↔ 18 Kilometers | ↗ 600 Meters | ↘ 600 Meters
This stage begins in the Amselgrund and ascends over plateaus to the Hockstein summit. The trail then descends through the Wolfschlucht into the Polenztal. Following forest paths, you’ll reach the Brandbaude, a cozy spot for a break, before continuing to the National Park Railway and finally arriving at the spa town of Bad Schandau.
↔ 14 Kilometers | ↗ 700 Meters | ↘ 800 Meters
The bus takes you directly into the National Park. Hiking through open pine forests, you’ll reach the Zeughaus and then the Goldstein, with expansive views reaching into Bohemian Switzerland. Continuing over the Großer Winterberg, you arrive at the organic village of Schmilka, where you cross the Elbe by ferry before heading on to Gohrisch.
↔ 21 Kilometers | ↗ 660 Meters | ↘ 680 Meters
The final stage takes you over the rock passage Nadelöhr onto Pfaffenstein, with its lookout tower and breathtaking panoramic views. Following boardwalks and passing the Barbarine rock formation and Diebeshöhle cave, the trail leads to Königstein. A short detour to the fortress is a must before concluding the hike at Thürmsdorf Castle and returning to Pirna by public transport.
Why Choose to Hike the Rheinsteig Trail?
Vineyards Up Close
Enjoy Riesling and immerse yourself in local culture.
Rhine Panoramas
Marvel at sweeping views of the river and valley.
Castles and Palaces
Discover historic architecture at every turn.
Nature and Relaxation
Fresh air along forested paths and peaceful trails.
Diverse Stages
From gentle strolls to more challenging hikes.
Travel Stories on the Rheinsteig Trail
Rheinsteig Trail: Your Benefits with Eurohike
Perfectly organized hiking tours
In Eurohike hiking vacations, you enjoy that extra level of service and comfort. From start to finish, our Eurohike travel specialists plan and organize your active vacation, giving you even more time to enjoy your active getaway. During your hiking tour, you can focus worry-free on what truly matters: the joy of hiking with your loved ones.

Comprehensive guidance from our travel specialists
Our experienced travel specialists are available to assist you at any time, both during the selection of your tour and throughout the booking process. Your wishes and concerns are our top priority, ensuring that your journey becomes the most beautiful time of the year.

Well-prepared travel information and route descriptions
All guests receive a comprehensive information package with detailed walking maps and travel documents including tips and information on culture, cuisine, country and people - tailored to the respective region and requirements of the individual walking tour. Every year, we review the route meticulously, and continually develop new variations that provide even more insights into the land and culture.

Accommodations with feel-good factor
After a wonderful day of cycling, you will be welcomed in our carefully selected accommodations in the evening. We choose our accommodations with care and consideration, always with a focus on their special orientation towards active vacationers and opportunities for evening relaxation. You'll experience that extra level of comfort on our charming hiking tours, where you can enjoy even more feel-good facilities and an added touch of indulgence.

Hiking without luggage
With us, you'll enjoy the most comfortable form of active vacation. Eurohike transports your luggage to the next accommodation every day. Leave the hotel in the morning with ease, and by evening, your bags will already be waiting at the next lodging. Experience a completely carefree hiking adventure across Europe with our luggage transfer!

Personal on-site support
Our Eurohike original tours are characterized above all by the personal touch for which we have been known for many years. For our original tours, you will be personally welcomed by our team members at the arrival destination. In an informational meeting, all details about the tour and the itinerary will be explained. Our on-site team is also available for tips and recommendations.

Exploring the most beautiful routes with our on Tour-App
We invest a lot of time and effort in crafting our routes and meticulously review them regularly. Thanks to the Eurobike & Eurohike on Tour app, navigating the most beautiful cycling routes in Europe becomes child's play, ensuring you don't miss any of the highlights along the way.

Travelife-Certification
We are certified as a sustainable tour operator! Our green actions have been officially confirmed by Travelife - an international certification programme for sustainability management in the travel industry. We had to fulfil over 260 criteria in various areas: from environmental protection and energy-saving measures to emissions management and consumer protection.

Ready for Your Personal Hiking Adventure?
Whether you want to hike across the Alps, stroll along sunny coastlines, or discover Europe’s most beautiful islands—wherever your journey leads, we’ll help you find the perfect tour. Our team is happy to guide you toward your next unforgettable adventure!
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If you have any questions about your hiking trip on the Rheinsteig Trail, I am here to help and advise you!