Rheinsteig Trail | All details | Eurohike Walking holidays

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

All Tours on the Rheinsteig Trail

Hiking Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All Tours on the Rheinsteig Trail

Questions and Answers about hiking the Rheinsteig Trail

Where does the Rheinsteig start?

The Rheinsteig starts in Bonn and runs along the right bank of the Rhine all the way to Wiesbaden in central Germany.

When is the best time to experience the Rheinsteig?

The best travel time for hiking on the Rheinsteig is from April to October.

For which experience level is hiking on the Rheinsteig suitable?

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.

How long is the Rheinsteig and how much elevation gain does it include?

The total length of the Rheinsteig is approximately 320 kilometers, with a total ascent of around 10,000–12,000 meters.

How long are the daily stages on the Rheinsteig?

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.

What types of hotels or accommodations are included on the Rheinsteig?

On our hiking tours on the Rheinsteig, you will stay in beautiful hotels and accommodations.

How does luggage transfer work with Eurohike?

Your luggage is collected from your accommodation each morning between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.), allowing you to hike completely relaxed, carrying only light day packs.

The Abbey of St. Hildegard near Rüdesheim

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

Rüdesheim – Lorch

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.

Spa Town Rathen – Bad Schandau

↔ 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.

Bad Schandau – Spa Town Gohrisch

↔ 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.

Rüdesheim – Lorch / St. Goarshausen

↔ 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

April 1, 2025

Taking a Quick Break

A long weekend is just around the corner and the forecast promises mild spring temperatures. The mountains beckon with blooming alpine flowers and fragrant meadows. There’s only one thing to do: lace up your hiking boots and immerse yourself in nature! A hiking tour is the perfect way to escape the daily grind, unwind in the great outdoors, and recharge your energy. Do you have a few days off and dream of vast alpine landscapes, charming vineyards, or the thrill of reaching a mountain peak? Here, you'll find plenty of travel inspiration for a short hiking tour. No need to venture far – these travel tips offer a quick and easy getaway, bringing you to the mountains in no time. Tempting, isn’t it?

September 19, 2024

Must-Hike Trails: The Most Stunning Hiking Trails in Europe

Throughout Europe, a diverse range of hiking routes, officially marked long-distance trails, certified climbs, and various other paths stretch across the continent. Each one offers its own unique features and stunning highlights. We've selected four particularly impressive routes from the extensive network of trails, focusing on some of the most famous and popular ways in Germany, Austria, Great-Britain and Spain that we highly recommend exploring. Additionally: Take a look at our hiking holidays 2025 and set your sights on distant horizons.

Hiking trail with vineyards on the world heritage trail Wachau

September 13, 2022

On the trail of wine

The most beautiful wine-growing regions in Europe can be explored in a variety of ways – the most beautiful and probably most intensive way is individual hiking. Step by step you experience dreamy natural scenery, romantic terraced vineyards, cosy wine taverns, picturesque ‚cellar lanes‘ and wonderful hiking paths by foot. After a dream day of hiking in nature, you can look forward to a wonderful dinner with accompanying wines – food and wine from the immediate region, of course. On our Eurohike HikingBlog, we will now reveal where active connoisseurs can hike through the wine regions most worth discovering, experience the full comfort of a hiking holiday with luggage transfer and at the same time taste world-renowned wines.

July 12, 2022

Team on Tour

Travel report: My hiking break on the Rhine Trail

For three years now I have been responsible for the beautiful hiking holiday on the Rheinsteig Trail and now I can finally hike the tour myself and get to know it personally. I am really looking forward to finally meeting all my colleagues from the local hotels in person, with whom I have already been in email contact and often spoken on the phone. Naturally, we want to do the complete tour over 11 days and 9 hiking stages – what can I say – it is very challenging, but we manage it and are quite proud that we walked almost 170km in 9 days. Travel tip: in addition to the classic hiking tour Rheinsteig Trail: Mainz - Coblenz. 11 days, you can also book the shorter version on the Rheinsteig Trail: Rüdesheim – Coblenz, 8 Days or the short hiking holiday on the Rheinsteig Trail: Rüdesheim – St. Goarshausen, 5 Days.

Panoramic views while hiking in the Altmühltal

Naturpark Altmühltal

December 9, 2020

Quality & premium hiking trails in Germany

Hiking tours with Eurohike are not only perfectly planned – from the travel documents, the maps or the carefully selected hotels and accommodation – but they also take you to the dreamiest places in Germany. For us at Eurohike, it is not only very important to lead you to the most beautiful places and dreamy hiking routes, the hiking paths should also be subject to a clear quality criteria. There are certified hiking trails in Germany that promise unlimited hiking pleasure and hiking quality at the highest level. With Eurohike you will experience perfect hiking quality and pure active pleasure in nature on your hiking holidays in Germany. You can now read all about the difference between quality hiking trails and premium hiking trails, what criteria these trails are subject to and what makes these routes so special on our blog.

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.