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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

Questions and Answers about hiking the Rheinsteig Trail

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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:

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.

The old town hall of Bonn

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.

Königswinter and the Drachenfels

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.

The German Corner and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress in Koblenz

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.

View of the Loreley rock and St. Goarshausen

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.

The Pfalzgrafenstein customs castle near Kaub

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 Niederwald Temple near Rüdesheim

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.

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Hikers at Lake Kaltern

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.

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Team Eurobike & Eurohike

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.

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Hiking in the Dachstein Mountains

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.

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Finca Son Palou in Majorca

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!

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Bavaria's royal castles

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.

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Information talk on site

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.

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Hikers in Riva on Lake Garda with App

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.

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Other Hiking Paths in Europe

Julia Winklhofer

If you have any questions about your hiking trip on the Rheinsteig Trail, I am here to help and advise you!

Julia Winklhofer
Team Leader of Eurohike Travel Specialists
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