Mountain ranges offering legendary views of the River Rhine, vineyards stretching as far as the eye can see, countless castles and palaces, and enchanting half-timbered houses – all of this and more awaits you during a hiking week between Mainz and Koblenz. The Rheingau region, with its idyllic wine-growing villages and numerous traditional wine taverns known as Straußenwirtschaften, warmly invites you to sample its renowned Riesling wine. As you explore the UNESCO World Heritage area of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, you’ll pass majestic fortresses perched high on cliffs, following paths that embody the spirit of Rhine romanticism – the same landscape that once inspired Heinrich Heine to write his famous “Loreley” song.With its breathtaking natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, it’s no wonder that the Rheinsteig was named Germany’s most beautiful hiking trail. Hiking at its finest – in every sense of the word.Wine-growers’ trails, secluded walking paths, and historic bridleways ensure a varied and enjoyable hiking experience. A basic level of fitness and sure-footedness is required, especially for the uphill and downhill sections along the mountain ridges of the Middle Rhine Valley. Hiking times can be up to 6 hours per day, with distances of up to 24 km to be expected.
Highlights:
♦ Panoramic viewpoints - the Rhine River and surrounding valleys
♦ Ancient bridleways and forest trails - offering peaceful and varied hiking experiences
♦Charming cities and historic towns - Mainz, Rüdesheim, Lorch, St. Goarshausen, and Koblenz
♦Vine-covered slopes of the famous Rheingau wine region, home to world-renowned Riesling wines
♦Мedieval castles and fortresses - Marksburg Castle, Stolzenfels Castle, Rheinstein and Reichenstein Castles, Katz and Maus Castles
Itinerary:
Day 1. Arrival in Mainz
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. -/-/-
Day 2. Mainz – Schlangenbad
Your holiday begins with a scenic boat ride on the Rhine, from Biebrich Palace in Wiesbaden to the harbour in Schierstein. From there, you hike along the unspoiled riverbanks, passing through a nature reserve and bird sanctuary, into the historic wine village of Walluf. The trail continues through vineyards and quiet woodland to the natural monument known as the Grauer Stein (Grey Stone). You then walk through the beautiful Rheingau vineyards, arriving in the spa town of Schlangenbad, located in the Taunus region.B/-/-
Walking: approx. 4.5 hrs, 17km, uphill/downhil: 390 m/ 190 m
Day 3. Schlangenbad – Oestrich-Winkel
The route leads along forest trails and across meadows to the ruins of Scharfenstein Castle, and then through the vineyards to the impressive Eberbach Monastery complex. Take some time to visit this renowned 12th-century site, which has served as a backdrop for several films, before continuing on to the picturesque wine village of Oestrich-Winkel.Enjoy a leisurely end to the day with a glass of local wine.B/-/-
Walking: approx 6hrs, 24 km, uphill/downhill: 510 m/700 m
Day 4. Oestrich-Winkel – Rüdesheim
You follow the Riesling Trail to the well-known wine estate, Schloss Vollrads. Light broadleaf woodland lines your path as you continue to the pilgrimage site of Marienthal Monastery. From there, the route leads through the Blaubach Valley and a well-tended vineyard area with expansive views, before reaching the famous Abbey of St. Hildegard. You are then welcomed by the historic wine town of Rüdesheim, where the Romans once cultivated vineyards. The town is full of quaint wine taverns and historic half-timbered houses.B/-/-
Walking: approx 5 hrs, 17 km, uphill/downhill: 370 m/370 m
Day 5. Rüdesheim – Lorch
Today, you tackle the mountain ridges of the Middle Rhine Valley and enjoy a breathtaking panorama, including views of the Nahe estuary. Passing the Niederwald Hunting Lodge, you hike to Assmannshausen, renowned for its exquisite red wines and stunning half-timbered houses.At your final destination, Lorch, you’ll once again be greeted by charming half-timbered architecture—and, of course, excellent wine. B/-/-
Walking: approx 5.5 hrs, 21 km, uphill/downhill: 660 m/680 m
Day 6. Lorch – Dörscheid/Kaub
Along varied trails and across mountain ridges with fantastic panoramic views over the Rhine Valley, the route leads to the historic shipping town of Kaub, or alternatively via the ridges to Dörscheid.
The ruins of Nollig Castle, Gutenfels Castle, and— as a highlight— the impressive toll castle Pfalzgrafenstein, located on an island in the Rhine, turn today’s hike into a truly memorable experience. B/-/-
Walking: approx 4 -4.5 hrs, 13 km, uphill/downhill: 460 m/460 m
Day 7. Dörscheid/Kaub – St. Goarshausen/Umgebung
The heart of the Middle Rhine Valley awaits, with winding trails, fabulous views, and legendary castles.The most famous rock on the Rhine, the Loreley Rock, is also part of your itinerary, along with the stunning Three-Castle View featuring Katz Castle, Maus Castle, and Rheinfels Castle—a perfect highlight to crown today’s tour before you reach St. Goarshausen. B/-/-
Walking: approx 6 hrs, 19 km, uphill/downhill: 590 m/620 m
Day 8. St. Goarshausen/Umgebung – Kamp-Bornhofen
Today, you walk along unspoiled trails, through fantastic scenery, and past imposing castles, while crossing the Filsener Lay—one of the most beautiful nature reserves in the region. Liebenstein Castle and Sterrenberg Castle, the so-called “Hostile Brothers,” accompany you along the way into the wine-growing parish. B/-/-
Walking: approx 6 hrs, 21 km, uphill/downhill: 690 m/700 m
Day 9. Kamp Bornhofen – Braubach
Along the route to Braubach, you will pass Liebeneck Castle, the Dinkelhold Mills, and the impressive Marksburg Castle.We highly recommend taking the time to visit this fully preserved medieval castle.The wine-growing village of Braubach welcomes you with its historic town wall and numerous half-timbered buildings. B/-/-
Walking: approx 5,5 hrs, 17 km, uphill/downhill: 620 m/620 m
Day 10. Braubach – Koblenz
Several highlights await you on the final stage: castles, nature reserves, woodlands, and the blooming Bienhorn Valley.This tour offers breathtaking long-distance views, stunning natural scenery, and an adventurous section through the Ruppertsklamm Ravine—a true highlight! You cross the Rhine via the impressive Pfaffendorfer Bridge before finally ending your week of hiking at the Deutsches Eck in Koblenz. B/-/-
Walking: approx 5,5 hrs, 20 km, uphill/downhill: 690 m/680 m
Day 11. Departure or extension: B/-/-
Practical information:
Arrival by train to Mainz
Frankfurt/Main or Frankfurt/Hahn airport
Departure by train from Koblenz to Mainz, duration approx. 1 hour
Recommended period of travelling: May - August
Price Includes: Accomodation:10 overnights at standard hotels in a double room with breakfast included
Luggage transfers
1 Ferry trip from Mainz to Biebrich
1 Wine tasting
Digital travel documents incl. navigation app,GPS-data,route book
Service hotline 24/7
Not Included: Flight tickets
Transfers from/to the airport and other transport
Drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
Entrance fees
Tips
Insurance
Personal expenses
Tourist tax if due is not included in the price.
Extra Services: Printed route book per room EUR 20
