Mountain chains with legendary views onto the river Rhine, vineyards as far as the eye can reach, countless castels and palaces, enchanting half-timber: all of this and more will you discover during the hiking week located between Mainz and Coblenz. The Rheingau-region with its idyllic wine locations and numerous wine taverns called ‘Straußenwirtschaften’ invite you to sample the delicious Riesling-wine. In the UNESCO-World Cultural Heritage region of the ‘Mittelrheingau’ you walk past a number of majestic strongholds situated on ledges along the tracks of pure Rhine romanticism, which already inspired Heinrich Heine to create his Loreley-song. Incredible scenic beauty and culture – it is not for nothing that the Rheinsteig-path was nominated Germany’s most beautiful hiking route. Simply hiking ‘on a high level, in the truest sense of the word!
It starts in wonderful Mainz, which invites you to take a stroll through the great old town. Along the banks of the Rhine, you are particularly close to nature in the direction of Schlangenbad. You should try the award-winning wines of the region at the latest on the stages towards Rüdesheim.
Half-timbered houses and castles characterise the next stages from Lorch via Kaub to St. Goarshausen and not only make architecture lovers sigh in delight. A top-class photo opportunity awaits you with the legendary Loreley Rock, where, according to legend, many boaters have met their deaths. The last few kilometres take you to beautiful Koblenz, where you can review your journey.
Hiking along Germany's most famous river: Did you know that with 1,232 km, the Rhine is one of the busiest waterways in the world and is therefore a junction between the Mediterranean region and the north of Europe. While hiking you can enjoy countless great views of the imposing river.
Vineyards, Rhine Riesling & rustic wine bars: Around 80% of the vines in the region produce Riesling grapes. Reason enough to try a drop or two. But also red wine lovers get their money's worth with a Pinot Noir. By the way, you can find out a lot of interesting facts about grapes on the Loreley wine trail!
Idyllic villages with half-timbered houses: Numerous small towns along the route offer a great counterpoint to the nature-based hikes. Enjoy the liveliness of the region and the sight of the characteristic architecture.
Imposing castles and palaces: A special attraction on the Rheinsteig is the “three-castle view” of Katz Castle, Maus Castle and the Rheinfels castle ruins. But that was by no means all, because over 40 castles, palaces and ruins await the hikers.
UNESCO World Heritage region: Man and river in a very special harmony - the Upper Middle Rhine Valley is one of the UNESCO World Heritage regions. Not least because of this, the area around the Rhine is always worth a visit!
The Rhine walking can be walked all year round, sturdy equipment and a good basic level of fitness make the tour easier. It is one of the premium hiking trails in Germany. This means first-class signage and natural hiking paths.
All details and information about the famous Rheinsteig are available here.
While hiking along the Rheinsteig, you will explore a UNESCO World Heritage region that combines towns, quaint villages and imposing castles. After the tours along the vineyards, you will taste the world-famous Rhine Riesling.
In Mainz carefully restored half-timber houses and opulent Baroque churches in the charming historic centre invite you for a walk. We highly recommend you also visit St. Martins Cathedral, the Gutenberg Museum or the electoral palace and the Roman amphitheatre.
At the start of your holiday a boat ride on the Rhine awaits. The route leads from Biebrich Palace in Wiesbaden to the harbour in Schierstein. Onwards directly along the unspoilt Rhine riverbanks through a nature reserve and bird retreat area into the historic wine village of Walluf. You continue through vineyards and remote woodland to the nature monument ‚Grauer Stein‘ (grey stone). Via the Rheingau vineyards you reach the spa town of Schlangenbad in the Taunus-region.
Hotel example: Residenz & Hotel am Kurpark
The route leads along forest paths and paths across meadows to the castle ruin of Scharfenstein and then through the vineyards to the impressive monastery complex of Eberbach. Take time to visit the renowned movie backdrop from the 12th century before you proceed into the picturesque wine village of Oestrich-Winkel. Enjoy a leisurely end to the day with a glass of wine.
You walk along the ‚Riesling‘-path to the well-known vineyard estate Palace Vollrads. Light broadleaf woodland lines your way to the pilgrimage destination of Marienthal Monastery. Then through the Blaubach-valley and the neat vine-area with extensive views you proceed to the famous St. Hildegard abbey. You are welcomed by the ancient vintner town of Rüdesheim, where the Romans already grew wine, full of quaint wine taverns and historic half-timbered houses.
Today you tackle (by cable car) the mountain chains to the Middle Rhine Valley and enjoy a breathtakingly beautiful panorama and view onto the Nahe-estuary. Past the hunting lodge Niederwald you hike to Assmannshausen, renowned for its exquisite red wines and the stunning half-timbered houses. In your Day Finish Lorch again lots of half-timber awaits you and on top of that excellent wine.
On diverse paths and along mountain chains with a fantastic panorama over the Rhine valley the route leads into the historic shipping town Kaub or via the mountain chains to Dörscheid. Castle ruin Nollig, Gutenfels castle and as a highlight the impressive toll-castle Pfalzgrafenstein, situated directly on an island on the Rhine, transform today’s tour into a true experience.
The heart of the Middle Rhine Valley awaits with serpentine-tracks, fabulous views and legendary castles. The best-known rock on the Rhine, the Loreley-Rock, is also part of your itinerary, as well as the three-castle-view onto Katz castle, Maus castle and Rheinfels castle. A crowning finale to today’s tour before you reach St. Goarshausen.
Today you walk along unspoilt tracks, fantastic scenery and past defiant castles whilst crossing the Filsener Lay, one of the most beautiful nature reserves of the region. Liebenstein castle and Sterrenberg, the so-called ‚hostile brothers‘ accompany you along the way into the wine-growing parish.
Hotel example: Anker
Along the route to Braubach you come across Liebeneck castle, the Dinkelhold Mills and the impressive castle ‚Marksburg‘. We highly recommend you take time to visit this complete extant castle. The wine-growing village of Braubach welcomes you with its town wall and numerous half-timbered buildings.
During the final stage again several highlights await: castles, nature reserves, woodland and the blooming Bienhorn-valley. The tour offers long-distance views, amazing nature as well as an adventurous section through the Ruppertsklamm-ravine, a genuine highlight! You cross the Rhine via the impressive bridge ‚Pfaffendorfer Brücke‘, before you finally end your week of hiking at the ,Deutsches Eck‘ in Koblenz.
Wine-grower paths, solitary walking paths and old bridle paths ensure varied walking. Basic fitness and sure footedness is required for uphill/downhill sections on the mountain ridges of Middle-Rhine valley. Walking times of up to 6 hrs. and distances of up to 24 km are to be reckoned.
Prices & Dates
Prices per person in EUR
Sustainably on the go
Our contribution to climate protection
246 kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
With a hiking holiday, you are opting for an extremely climate-friendly form of travel. We are aware that even this generates a certain amount of CO2 emissions, even if this is low compared to other forms of travel. The emissions caused are calculated per travel and person using the internationally recognised ‘Carmacal’ CO2 calculator and offset by supporting carefully selected climate protection projects. A detailed overview of emissions in the areas of transport, accommodation, activities and on-site catering can be found here.
Accommodation (73%)
Meals (18%)
Transport (9%)
100%
246 kg
CO₂-Emissions are offset
With a hiking holiday, you are opting for an extremely climate-friendly form of travel. We are aware that even this generates a certain amount of CO2 emissions, even if this is low compared to other forms of travel. The emissions caused are calculated per travel and person using the internationally recognised ‘Carmacal’ CO2 calculator and offset by supporting carefully selected climate protection projects. A detailed overview of emissions in the areas of transport, accommodation, activities and on-site catering can be found here.
Accommodation (73%)
Meals (18%)
Transport (9%)
100%
Services & Information
Further details about this tour
Included
Accomodation in middle class hotels and country hotels
Breakfast
Luggage transfer
1 Ferry trip from Mainz to Biebrich
1 Wine tasting
Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book
Service hotline
Optional
Printed route book, per room EUR 20
Arrival / Parking / Departure
Arrival by train to Mainz
Frankfurt/Main or Frankfurt/Hahn airport
Parking: Hotel garage, costs approx. EUR 20 per day, public parking spaces/garage, costs approx. EUR 10 to EUR 20 per day
Departure by train from Koblenz to Mainz, duration approx. 1 hour
Things to note
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
Services & Information
Further details about this tour
Included
Accommodation in middle class hotels and country hotels
Breakfast
Luggage transfer
1 Ferry fare from Mainz to Biebrich
1 Wine tasting (German, English)
Carefully elaborated route description
Detailed travel documents 1x per room (German, English, French)
App for Navigation and GPS-data
Service-Hotline
Arrival / Parking / Departure
Train journey to Mainz and a few walking minutes/short taxi ride to the hotel.
Frankfurt/Main or Köln/Bonn airport.
Parking Mainz: Hotel parking garage, approx. EUR 16 per day, public parking spaces/public parking garage approx. EUR 10 to EUR 20 per day.
Return to starting point by train, duration 1 hour for all routes.
Return to starting point by ship (www.k-d.com), travel times: St. Goarshausen – Rüdesheim approx. 3 hours, Koblenz – Rüdesheim approx. 6 hours, Koblenz – Mainz on request (1x change).
Things to note
Tourist tax, if due, is not included in the price
Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
Join us in achieving greater sustainability by choosing our digital route book, rather than the printed version. As a small thank you we will give you a discount of €20 per room.
Whether it's Alpine panoramas or coastal trails – your dream hike awaits. Book now for 2026, secure your desired date and benefit from the early bird bonus until 28 February.
Whether it's Alpine panoramas or coastal trails – your dream hike awaits. Book now for 2026, secure your desired date and benefit from the early bird bonus until 28 February.