Rheinsteig
Description
- Name Rheinsteig
- Length of trail 320 km, 199 miles
- Length in days 16 days
- Start of trail Bonn
- End of trail Wiesbaden
- Traildino grading EW, Easy walk, nature trail
Rhine valley, Bonn – Wiesbaden, 320 km, 18 days.
The Rheinsteig is a popular trail along the Rhine, passing many historic castles and market towns, wandering through vineyards and beautiful beech and oak forests. In the depths of the valley, the legendary river meanders. Today the river is a busy thoroughfare. On both banks run heavily traveled roads and railways. And on the water itself big towboats fight themselves upstream between Holland and Switzerland.
The Rheinsteig was opened in 2005. Other paths existed of course, including the Rheinhöhenweg (the route on the west side of the river coincides with the E8) and Rheinburgenweg, a path along the many castles. These trails are still there, but the Rheinsteig pushed them into oblivion somehow.
The Rheinsteig was noisily promoted through all media. Uschi from Ober-Kestert remembers the thousands of hikers snapping the streets of her little village - 10 houses, 19 people - with their sticks. A real shock! The following year she chased the horses from her shed, converted it into a café and B & B, and since then she welcomes walkers from all countries.
The vast hordes of the first years have disappeared, perhaps because everywhere in Germany "Steigs" have been created. These trails must meet certain standards in terms of marking and quality. The Rheinsteig was the beginning of an important revival of long distance footpaths in Germany. Those who hike the Rheinsteig, understand why. The trail is well marked and laid out, it carefully chooses the most beautiful spots, and is very well documented with its own website, multiple map series and guides. And along the Rhine, it is easy to find shelter for the night. Every village counts at least one hotel. A train connects the walker in a jiffy to Bonn, Koblenz and Wiesbaden.
Also fun for the interested hiker: you'll make a step back in time, some forty, fifty years, when tourism was booming here. Past glory now. Many hotels still function. Others are empty and poorly maintained. It is part of the charm of this path.
Opinions
- ZoradeRuig June 2018
- Rate 9
- Positive Mooie natuur
- Negative Veel langs de grote weg, langs de Rijn.
- Oranginas, long distance hiking trails Europe August 2015
- Rate 9
- Positive A very well marked trail. Narrow paths mainly, some steep climbs and frequently those imposing views.
- Negative Nothing
- Joke ter Weele October 2010
- Rate 9
- Positive Good trail with great views, barges on the Rhine, nice castles and some charming towns of faded glory
- Negative A bit urban and not so quiet in parts
- Henk Nouws October 2010
- Rate 8
- Positive Well designed trail. Very pretty views over river Rhine. Comfortable hotels. Good maps and guides. Good walk for autumn, even in bad weather.
- Negative I lost my map half way.
Links
Facts
- Rheinsteig - Top Trail am Rhein (German)
Excellent page by Fernwege.de on the Rheinsteig, with sketch maps, route description, GPS donwload, documentation.
- Rheinsteig | Rheinland-Pfalz | Fernwanderweg - www.wanderkompass.de (German)
Day to day description.
- Rheinsteig: Home
Official home page of the trail.
- walk-in-europe.com: Rhine Trail - Rheinsteig - The Top Trail in Germany
Excellent page in English by Fernwege.de on the popular Rheinsteig.
- Wanderbares Deutschland (German)
Use the left menu to find any trail. Wanderbares Deutschland (Wanderful Germany) is a very good webpage, created and maintained by the German Walking Association, Deutscher Wanderverband. You will find many trails, including sketch maps, descriptions (often also in English), relevant guides and maps, and so on.
- Leaflet: Walking above the Rhine (pdf)
A leaflet in both English and German about this trail.
- Rhein Wandern (German)
German website about hiking routes along and close to the river Rhine.
- Rheinsteig
Introduction to the trail
- Rheinsteig - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
- Rheinsteig – Outdoor Wiki (German)
- Rheinsteig – Wikipedia (German)
- Rheinsteig Deutschland (Dutch)
Een foto-impressie van deze prachtwandeling langs de rivier de Rijn, UNESCO-werelderfgoed-gedeelte van Koblenz naar Rüdesheim.
- Three sections of this famous trail along the Rhine
A trail with stunning views, along some old castles and with some steep climbs.
- Walking Beside The Rhine in Germany: Rheinsteig, the 250-Mile Walking Trail on the East Bank of the Rhine
Here's a short introduction to the trail.
Reports
- Rheinsteig, 320 km von Bonn nach Wiesbaden, allein und am Stück (German)
Good trip report, a lot of things worth to know. Hans' writing is in German.
- Hiking the Rheinsteig
Trip report of completing the Rheinsteig in stages
- Hiking trails Germany Rhine Steig
A very well marked trail. Narrow paths mainly, some steep climbs and frequently those imposing views. Through forests, vineyards and little villages. Many castles. The region is World Heritage listed
- Laufbericht vom Rheinsteig Erlebnislauf 2007 (German)
Helmut did the trail in spring, and here is his day to day story.
- Reisebericht: Weinberge, Wälder, Wehrburgen: Auf dem Rheinsteig von Rüdesheim nach Koblenz - Deutschland, Rüdesheim bis Koblenz - GEO-Reisecommunity.de (German)
Day to day report
- Rheinsteig (German)
Trail report and picture gallery by the Wanderfreunde Leidenhofen.
- Rheinsteig (German)
Trail report and some pictures.
- Rheinsteig komplett - outdoorseiten.net (German)
- Rheinsteig-Wanderweg: Verlauf von Wiesbaden nach Bonn (German)
The former chairman's "des Netzwerks Weitwandern e.V." findings of this trail.
- Ruf des Rheinsteigs: Von Braubach nach Lahnstein mit Ruppertsklamm (German)
Short report and some photographs.
- Wandelen op hoog niveau: de Rheinsteig langs de Rijn (Dutch)
This is a trip report by writer Gerrit Jan Zwier.
- Wandelen Rheinsteig (Dutch)
Ellen Baidenmann's hiking stories: trip report in Dutch, but with a lot of pictures.
- [DE] 4 Tage Wandern am Rheinsteig - outdoorseiten.net (German)
Trail report.
- Wanderfreunde Leidenhofen (2007) (German)
Report of a hike along the Rheinsteig in 9 stages.
Guides and maps
Lodging
Organisations
Tour operators
GPS
Other
- Wander-Webcams (German)
Snow or not? Check out yourself!! Webcams!!!
Books
Netherlands
- WF5223 Rheinsteig Kompass
- De Kompass wandelgids + kaart geeft een overzicht van alle wandelroutes in het gebied met nauwkeurige routeaanwijzingen en hoogteaanduidingen, De extra grote kaart, schaal 1:35 000, is ideaal om van te voren uw route uit te stippelen en om onderweg te gebruiken • naast de bekende bestemmingen, worden ook de minder bekende vermeld • openbaar... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- WF5223 Rheinsteig Kompass
- De Kompass wandelgids + kaart geeft een overzicht van alle wandelroutes in het gebied met nauwkeurige routeaanwijzingen en hoogteaanduidingen, De extra grote kaart, schaal 1:35 000, is ideaal om van te voren uw route uit te stippelen en om onderweg te gebruiken • naast de bekende bestemmingen, worden ook de minder bekende vermeld • openbaar... Read more
Netherlands
- Wandern
- In Wandern bekommen Sie das komplette deutsche Mittelgebirge und noch mehr! Mehrere 1000 Kilometer Wanderwege ziehen sich durch die deutschen Mittelgebirge. Es gibt Qualit tswege und Fernwege, Naturschutzgebiete und Nationalparks. Wer soll da noch den berblick behalten? Der 'deutsche Wanderpapst', wie ihn die internationale Wanderpresse... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- Wandern
- In Wandern bekommen Sie das komplette deutsche Mittelgebirge und noch mehr! Mehrere 1000 Kilometer Wanderwege ziehen sich durch die deutschen Mittelgebirge. Es gibt Qualit tswege und Fernwege, Naturschutzgebiete und Nationalparks. Wer soll da noch den berblick behalten? Der 'deutsche Wanderpapst', wie ihn die internationale Wanderpresse... Read more
Netherlands
- Rheinsteig Hiking - Your pocket guide to unmissable highlights
- The 320km Rheinsteig in south-west Germany follows the twists and turns of the Rhine on its eastern bank from Bonn in North Rhine-Westphalia through Rhineland-Palatinate to Wiesbaden in the Rheingau. Narrow paths guide you through stunning scenery as you wind your way along cramped rocky gorges, up and over precipitous cliffs, past beautifully... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- Rheinsteig Hiking - Your pocket guide to unmissable highlights
- The 320km Rheinsteig in south-west Germany follows the twists and turns of the Rhine on its eastern bank from Bonn in North Rhine-Westphalia through Rhineland-Palatinate to Wiesbaden in the Rheingau. Narrow paths guide you through stunning scenery as you wind your way along cramped rocky gorges, up and over precipitous cliffs, past beautifully... Read more
Netherlands
- WF1080 Rheinsteig Kompass
- 17 Etappen auf 320 km LängeDe Kompass wandelgids + kaart geeft een overzicht van alle wandelroutes in het gebied met nauwkeurige routeaanwijzingen en hoogteaanduidingen, De extra grote kaart, schaal 1:35 000, is ideaal om van te voren uw route uit te stippelen en om onderweg te gebruiken • naast de bekende bestemmingen, worden ook de minder... Read more
- Also available from:
- Bol.com, Belgium
Belgium
- WF1080 Rheinsteig Kompass
- 17 Etappen auf 320 km LängeDe Kompass wandelgids + kaart geeft een overzicht van alle wandelroutes in het gebied met nauwkeurige routeaanwijzingen en hoogteaanduidingen, De extra grote kaart, schaal 1:35 000, is ideaal om van te voren uw route uit te stippelen en om onderweg te gebruiken • naast de bekende bestemmingen, worden ook de minder... Read more
Maps
United Kingdom
- Central Rhine Valley: Spay - Koblenz - Andernach
- The northern section of the Central Rhine Valley on a contoured and GPS compatible map at 1:25,000 from the survey organization of Rheineland-Palatinate, covering both sides of the Rhine from Spay upstream to Koblenz and beyond it to Andernach and Neuwied. The area is now a UNESCO World Heritage site and the whole valley between Bingen and... Read more
United Kingdom
- Rheinsteig long-distance Trail Kompass 2503
- The Rheinsteig, a 306km long-distance hiking trail from Bonn to Wiesbaden along the right bank of the Rhine, including a 65km stretch of the Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage area and home to many castles, historic towns and vineyards which have inspiration for many writers, artists and composers. The route is presented on 16 panels,... Read more
United Kingdom
- Rhine High Routes Kompass 829
- The High Route along the Rhine between Wiesbaden / Mainz and Bonn on a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:50,000 from Kompass printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper. The map presents the route on five separate panels and highlights its course along both banks of the river. Also marked are numerous other local and... Read more
- Also available from:
- Kompass, Germany
Germany
- Die Rheinhöhenwege zwischen Bonn und Mainz/Wiesbaden und der Rheinsteig.
- KOMPASS-Wanderkarten enthalten alles Wissenswerte für Wanderer wie aktuelle Wanderwege mit Markierungen, empfehlenswerte Radrouten und wichtige touristische Informationen.Der topographische Inhalt wird bei aller Detailgenauigkeit leicht lesbar und anschaulich dargestellt.Ein übersichtlich gestaltetes Beiheft mit zahlreichen Farbfotos informiert... Read more
United Kingdom
- Bonn - Siebengebirge - Ahrtal Kompass 822
- Bonn – Ahrtal area of northern Eifel between Bonn and Mayen on a detailed, GPS compatible map at 1:50,000 from Kompass with local and long-distance footpaths, cycling routes, accommodation, etc, printed on durable, waterproof and tear-resistant synthetic paper.KOMPASS HIKING & RECREATIONAL MAPS: this title is part of an extensive series... Read more
- Also available from:
- Kompass, Germany
- Bol.com, Netherlands
- Bol.com, Belgium
Germany
- Bonn, Siebengebirge, Ahrtal
- Destination:- Das enge Rheintal zwischen Koblenz und Köln prägen zahlreiche Burgen und hübsche Fachwerkorte.- Die Berge des Siebengebirges sind vulkanischen Ursprungs, am bekanntesten ist der Drachenfels, auf den die Drachenfelsbahn fährt. Von den Gipfeln genießt an eine weite Sicht in die Eifel und die Kölner Bucht.- Steile Weinberge und... Read more
Netherlands
- Bonn, Siebengebirge, Ahrtal WK822
- Die KOMPASS Wanderkarten überzeugen durch eine GPS-genaue und aktuelle Karte zur einfachen Orientierung lesefreundliche Optik im idealen Maßstab von 1:25.000/1:35.000 oder 1:50.000Toeristische kaart voor wandelen, fietsen en vrije tijd met activiteitengids en stadsplattegronden • goed leesbare schaal van 1:50 000 • te gebruiken met GPS • met... Read more
Belgium
- Bonn, Siebengebirge, Ahrtal WK822
- Die KOMPASS Wanderkarten überzeugen durch eine GPS-genaue und aktuelle Karte zur einfachen Orientierung lesefreundliche Optik im idealen Maßstab von 1:25.000/1:35.000 oder 1:50.000Toeristische kaart voor wandelen, fietsen en vrije tijd met activiteitengids en stadsplattegronden • goed leesbare schaal van 1:50 000 • te gebruiken met GPS • met... Read more
Walking holidays
United Kingdom
- Castles of the Romantic Rhine
- Self guided walking tour along the best of the Rheinsteig in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley; home to more than 30 castles. The picture-book Upper Middle Rhine Valley is perfect for walkers and wine lovers. Discover countless (more than 30!) hilltop castles and stately homes as you follow the Rheinsteig hiking trail along the eastern side of this... Read more
United Kingdom
- Castles of the Romantic Rhine In Style
- Self guided walking tour, staying at 4-star castle and wine hotels as you walk along the best part of the Rheinsteig. Stay in authentic castle hotels and wineries as you walk along the River Rhine. Follow the Rheinsteig, one of Germany’s Top Trails, as you wind your way between over 30 castles and palaces. In our opinion this is the best part... Read more