Castles of the Romantic Rhine

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&B’s, inns, and guesthouses.

Grade & Terrain

This walk is graded moderate and you should be an experienced hiker in good physical shape, to make the most of this tour.  You’ll be walking up to 24km each day, with alternating steep ascents and descents. Some of the trail is on narrow, uneven paths, which require you to be sure-footed.  Hiking poles are recommended as you will be climbing/descending on trails up to and down from the castles. However, a bonus is the excellent network of public transport along the Rhine, and many places have a train station (with regular services) which will allow you to shorten your day’s walk should you wish to take a break.

Navigation

The Rheinsteig is comprehensively way-marked  all along the trail. It is one of the ‘Top Trails in Germany’. We supply you with an excellent map, and detailed route notes, so you can easily find your way. 

Experience & Fitness

You should have a good level of fitness and a sure foot to get the most from this trip. However, there are regular public transport options for shortening or skipping sections. 

• 7 Nights in hand-picked small hotels, guesthouses and country inns
• 7 Breakfasts
• Daily door to door luggage transfers
• Detailed route descriptions with maps and a comprehensive pre-departure information pack
• 24/7 telephone support from our German and UK offices

• Flights and travel to Koblenz and from Rüdesheim
• Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks
• Travel Insurance
• Taxi transfers or public transportation if you wish to shorten a walk
• Return train from Kaub to Lorch am Rhein (approx. EUR3 each way, payable locally)
• Any items not specifically mentioned in the programme

• Additional nights during the tour

When To Go

This walk is available to start on any day of the week between mid-March and mid-November. 

Rhine in Flames Festival: Please be aware that should you wish to travel during the festival ‘Rhine in Flames’, then accommodation is normally very difficult to secure unless you book a considerable time in advance, and the hotels may charge a premium. We will always do our best to make arrangements for you, however, at busy times a supplement may be payable for transfers or superior accommodation. Contact us for more information.

Weather and Climate

The weather in the Rhine area region is changeable. Very hot days are often followed by rain and thunderstorms. Therefore you should be prepared for all weather eventualities. Check the weather report each day locally before setting off for your hike.

Getting to the Start

By Air: There are several airports close to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.  Frankfurt Airport is is 1h15 by direct train to Koblenz. You could also fly into the smaller Frankfurt Hahn Airport which is 1h10 by bus to Koblenz. Dusseldorf Airport is 1h10 by direct train to Koblenz. Cologne Bonn Airport (Koln-Bonn) is 1h25 by direct train from Koblenz. For further information visit the website of Deutsche Bahn for timetables and tickets. By Rail: Koblenz Hauptbahnhof has excellent connections for trains throughout Germany and further into Europe. Visit www.bahn.co.uk for information. By Road: Please let us know if you are planning to arrive in Koblenz by car; so that we can inform your first hotel and check as to availability of parking. Please note that there can be a charge for parking your car (if available) at the first hotel for the duration of your walk. It is essential to check this in advance.

Getting from the End

In Rüdesheim there is a train station and there are many connections to other stations in Germany. Train journeys to nearby aiarports are as follows: Frankfurt Airport 1h20 (change Mainz-Kastel), Frankfurt Hahn Airport 2h20 (train via Mainz to Wiesbaden, then bus to airport), Dusseldorf Airport 3hrs (change in Koblenz), Cologne-Bonn Airport 2h10 (change at Frankfurt). Again, please see Deutsche Bahn for detailed timetable information and tickets.

Baggage Transfer

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.

General Information

The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all the necessary items, for example, proper rain gear, sun hat, sunscreen. Your information pack has detailed advice and a kit list on what to take. This includes good waterproof gear, walking shoes/boots, and lots of other useful bits and bobs.

Equipment

In your information pack you will find a detailed packing list which includes walking boots, walking poles and waterproof clothes amongst other things.