Castles of the Romantic Rhine
- Walk along the Upper Rhine Valley, between historic castles on the Rheinsteig
- Exploring romantic vineyard riverscapes on footpaths high above the river
- The Loreley rock, made famous in song, at the narrowest point of the Rhine
- Walking between picturesque villages and historic hilltop fortresses
- Sipping a Riesling in a timber-framed tavern in Rüdesheim’s Drosselgasse
Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1 Arrive in KoblenzYour journey begins in beautiful Koblenz - a city set at the confluence of two rivers; the Mosel and Rhine. At the headland of Deutsches Eck you can note the difference in colour as the rivers meet, and admire the imposing equestrian monument of Emperor William I.
Koblenz welcomes you with several castles, historic townhouses and the Ehrenbreitstein Fortress with its cable car that takes you high above the Rhine. Enjoy exploring the quaint old town with its many restaurants and wine bars.
Hotel Brenner is a family-run ***romantic hotel. Due to its location in the centre of Koblenz it has direct access to the city’s touristic highlights as well as to the best shopping and dining facilities. All rooms are decorated in a romantic style but with a high comfort and standard.
The Diehls Hotel is located directly on the River Rhine, opposite Koblenz's Old Town. Family-owned for over 95 years, Diehls Hotel is today the oldest owner-managed hotel in the Rhine-Moselle-city of Koblenz.
Centrally located beside the main train station, this modern hotel awaits you with its comfortable business rooms. The GHOTEL bar with its a cosy atmosphere is an ideal place to end the day with a glass of locally brewed beer or one of the area's famous wines.
The fortress is the perfect place to start your walk on the Rheinsteig, and this first day promises plenty of variety and even a touch of adventure! After a quiet start, the trail climbs to reach one of the most beautiful sections of the entire distance; the leafy ravine of the Ruppertsklamm, whose narrow path climbs 235m over 1.5km, secured with ropes. You should be a confident, sure-footed hiker for this section, however there is also an alternative route if you prefer. Passing Burg Lahneck you reach Braubach, known for the fabulous Marksburg Castle.
Ascent/Descent:Â 770m / 760m
Depending on availability, you may be accommodated two nights in the same village. You can get to/from the walks by bus, train or boat.
Hotel Zum Weißen Schwanen is a small family-run hotel situated in the village of Braubach, famous for the legendary Marksburg. The rooms have been furnished in an individual and traditional style. They have en-suite bathrooms, hairdryers & TV. The hotel has two restaurants, which are famous for their hearty dishes.
Hotel Garni Maaß, a charming 3-star hotel, is located in Braubach, a small town with a well preserved old town and beautiful half-timbered houses dominated by the Marksburg, the only undestroyed castle on the Rhine.
The Rheinsteig leads you alongside the walls of the remarkably well-preserved Marksburg Castle, a principal site of the UNESCO World Heritage Rhine Gorge. The castle is well worth a visit, taking you back to the Middle Ages as you stroll past eery dungeons and gun ramparts. Ahead lies the most famous of all of the Rhine’s loops, as you hike through the nature reserve of Filsener Ley en route to the traditional timber rafting and shipping community of Kamp-Bornhofen.
Ascent/Descent:Â 780m / 780m
Depending on availability, you may be accommodated two nights in the same village. You can get to/from the walks by bus, train or boat.
This charming, traditional hotel is housed in a 12th-century farmhouse with a half-timbered facade in the historic Kamp-Bornhofen, picturesquely situated amidst the Unesco World Heritage "Upper Middle Rhine Valley".
Landhotel Becker is located in romantic Bornhofen right next to the Franciscan monastery and has been family-run for four generations. It is located directly on the Rheinsteig, a small wellness area is part of the hotel.
The family-run Hotel Garni Rheinpracht with an annexe is only separated from the Rhine by a road.
You can look forward to a day full of highlights, starting right behind Kamp- Bornhofen with two castles—Sterrenberg and Liebenstein, only 150m apart and yet sworn enemies in days gone by! Continue on to pretty Maus (Mouse) Castle. Built between 1353-1388 it was one of the most modern fortresses of its time. Finally, you arrive at your overnight stop of St. Goarshausen with its small. attractive old town.
Ascent/Descent:Â 940m / 940m
Depending on availability, you may be accommodated two nights in the same village. You can get to/from the walks by bus, train or boat.
Hotel Colonius, which has been owned by the family of the same name since 1867, boasts marvellous views of the Rhine and Rheinfels Castle.
From here you can start your excursions in all directions, whether in the romantic Rhine Valley or on the Rhine heights with the wonderful vantage points on the Loreley Plateau. What began as a water mill a long time ago is now, after more than 200 years of tradition, a cozy country hotel with familiar hospitality.
Nassauer Hof is a small family-run guesthouse, which has been carefully renovated and refurbished. This family-run hotel is housed in a 200-year-old building in Sankt Goarshausen, just steps away from the River Rhine.
Today is the absolute pinnacle of the Rheinsteig; a unique section which perfectly symbolises the romantic Rhine. The paths are an absolute joy to follow, with views over the dream-like Upper Middle Rhine Valley. The absolute highlight is of course, the 132m-high Loreley slate rock. Take the time to immerse yourself in the myths and legends of this famous spot at the fascinating visitor centre. Once you arrive in the atmospheric wine village of Kaub with its beautiful half-timbered houses, you can enjoy the famous view of the Burg Pfalzgrafenstein before heading to your hotel.
Ascent/Descent:Â 810m / 770m
Depending on availability in Kaub, you may be accommodated in Lorch tonight. In this case, take the train to Lorch after your hike and return to Kaub the next morning.
Hotel Deutsches Haus with its pleasant ambience is located in a cosy building and has been run by the Kirdorf family for 7 generations.
Enjoy your stay in Kaub in in the historic Hotel zum Turm just a few metres from the banks of the Rhine.
This cosy 3* hotel is centrally located in the small town of Kaub.
Kaub is a pretty spot with its photogenic half-timbered houses. As today you've only 14km to walk, you have time to take a ferry from Kaub across the Rhine to visit Pfalzgrafenstein Castle, perched on a rock in the middle of the river. Later, you will discover a real curiosity; the ‘Free State Bottleneck’ (Freistaadt Flaschenhals), a short-lived quasi-state that existed from 1919-1923, due to the miscalculations of the French and American forces in dividing their occupied zones, following the Armistice of 1918.
Ascent/Descent:Â 540m / 520m
Depending on availability, you may be accommodated two nights in the same village. You can get to/from the walks by bus, train or boat.
Hotel Im Schulhaus provides guests from around the world a modern, comfortable hotel***Superior in the midst of beautiful countryside. The rooms are tastefully equipped with flatscreen TV, W-Lan and modern baths. You can borrow books from the small library and there are self-service drinks in the basement around the clock. All in all this hotel combines modern and comfortable standard with warm and friendly hospitality. There are many places for dinner in Lorch, just a short walk from the hotel.
The modern inn offers rooms with shower, WC, TV and internet access. The rustic vintner‘s pub is open from March through December. They can offer their own quality wines and regional cuisine.
The former Burghotel – is now a small, personally run guesthouse. All rooms are spacious and furnished with an individual touch. In good weather, you can relax or take your breakfast on the Rhein-Terrace or the flowering garden.
Your Rheinsteig walk may be nearing its close, but of course the best is saved for last, with a multitude of wonderful wine experiences! Passing by the steep slopes of the Teufelskadrich (the devil’s residence), you reach the red wine region of Assmannshausen, before arriving at the Riesling-paradise of Rüdesheim. If you feel like taking it easy today, you can take the Aßmannshausen chairlift up to the hunting lodge of Niederwald, then enjoy a forest walk before taking the cable car down to Rüdesheim. Celebrate having walked one of Germany’s Top Trails, with a well-deserved glass or two of local wine in one of the taverns on the lively Drosselgasse; a cobbled street filled with wine bars, shops and restaurants.
Ascent/Descent:Â 720m / 700m
Depending on availability, you may be accommodated two nights in the same village. You can get to/from the walks by bus, train or boat.
Housed in a traditional half-timbered house, this Bavarian-style hotel is near the vineyards of the Rhine region.
This 3-star Superior hotel is located in the Old Town in the center of Rüdesheim am Rhein, a wine town in the Rhine Valley and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
This small guest house in the center of Rüdesheim is located on the cobblestoned Drosselgasse and offers views of the Rhine.
If you’ve not booked extra nights at the end of your tour, then check-out after breakfast and bid farewell to the romantic UNESCO Middle Rhine Valley.
This trip has a carbon score of 4kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 4kg is equivalent to 2.5 avocados. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information about how we've carbon counted our trips.
Other Information
Is it for me?If you like the sound of walking, castles and wine, then this tour is the perfect fit for you; focusing on the very best sections of the Rheinsteig, in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Experienced hikers will love this rewarding, undulating trail past castles and riverscapes. The excellent train connections mean you can shorten the daily walks, if you’d like to spend a few more hours enjoying the excellent local wine!
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 in Scotland, the world renown Tour Du Mont Blanc and Germany's Moselle Cycle Path, to name but a few!
Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.
Solo Travellers, Families with Teens
The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years
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.
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.
One of the highlights of this tour is the authentic, family-run accommodation. You’ll stay 7 nights in carefully chosen properties that are a mix of comfortable small hotels, traditional guesthouses and country inns.
Many of the properties are in special wine areas or are associated with a particular 'Weinstube' (wine bar/wine establishment).Â
Please be aware that twin & double rooms in Germany (Doppelzimmer in German) are typically 2 single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows.
A list of our preferred/usual accommodation choices is given here, however, these are subject to availability and particularly in peak season can be very much in demand. If unavailable then we will book you into accommodation of the same or a higher standard. Â
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
This trip is available to solo walkers and a supplement is payable as some of the costs are not shared. Single rooms are available should some of your party wish to have their own room and a single supplement is again then payable.Â
Meals
7 Breakfasts are included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before) or you can stop on the way; there are plenty of biergarten and kiosks to satisfy your thirst and appetite! Dinners are not included but available at all overnight accommodation or close by.
The Rheinsteig is comprehensively waymarked 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.
- 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 program
- Additional nights during the tour
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.
If your preferred travel dates are between mid-March and mid-April, or between mid-October and mid-November then please contact us - these dates are available with a supplement.Â
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.
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.Â
By Rail: Koblenz Hauptbahnhof has excellent connections for trains throughout Germany and further into Europe. Visit www.bahn.co.uk for information.Â
By Road:Â 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 the 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.
In Rüdesheim there is a train station and there are many connections to other stations in Germany. Train journeys to nearby airports 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.
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.
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes.
It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity and emergency evacuation and hospital care.
You can use the excellent public transport connections or a local taxi to continue to your next overnight stop. There are plenty of train stations all along the route, which are ideal if you want to shorten your walk (train fares are payable locally). Your accommodations will be able to help with arrangements, or we are able to assist you from our German and UK offices.
You can enjoy this tour from the middle of March to mid-October. Spring is great as the more popular areas are quieter, summer can be very hot (if you like the heat!), and we also particularly love later in the season, when the autumn colors of the vines are simply stunning.
Your detailed information pack will be sent to you after you book. This has a detailed equipment list which includes standard walking gear such as good walking boots or shoes, warm and waterproof clothes, and a day pack.
Your bags will be transferred from your accommodation as per your itinerary and moved onto your next overnight accommodation. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.
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 23km 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.
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalized so that we can secure the best accommodation options for you. If you are considering booking during the 'Rhine in Flames' festival, then making arrangements as soon as possible is essential, as this area is extremely popular during September.
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