Highlights
- The Rheinsteig trail, staying in unique 4-star castle hotels and wineries.
- Over 30 castles and fortresses as you walk high above the Rhine Valley.
- A Top Trail in Germany through riverside vineyards and villages.
- Sailing along the river past the Loreley rock and Pfalzgrafenstein Castle.
- A chilled Riesling on Rüdesheim’s cobblestoned Drosselgasse.
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 of this classic European walking trail.
By day explore the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Rhine Valley on foot and by boat, then relax in stylish hotels, including a castle and a winery. Each have great restaurants and a special ambience that exudes history and viticulture. Visit the world-famous vineyards of St Goar and float past cultural gems including Burg Pfalzgrafenstein and the legendary Loreley rock.
Day 1: Arrive Koblenz
Your Rheinsteig walk 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.
Overnight: Diehls Hotel****, Koblenz
Day 2: Walk to Braubach
The fortress is the perfect place to start your walk on the Rheinsteig, After a quiet start, the trail climbs to reach 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. A short train journey (10 mins, payable locally), brings you to your exceptional castle hotel, for a memorable two night stay.
Walk: 20km, approx. 5-6 hrs
Overnight: Hotel Burg Liebenstein, Kamp-Bornhofen
Day 3: Walk to Kamp-Bornhofen
After breakfast, return by train to Braubach (payable locally), where you’ll rejoin the walk where you left off yesterday. 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 and your castle hotel.
Walk: 18km, 4-5 hrs approx.
Overnight: Hotel Burg Liebenstein, Kamp-Bornhofen
Day 4: Walk to St. Goarhausen
After breakfast, pass by Castle Sterrenberg, just 150m from your own castle hotel; these fortresses were 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.
Reach St. Goarshausen with its small, attractive old town. Here you’ll take a ferry over the Rhine to the opposite riverbank and to St. Goar. End the day with a final steep climb up to your unique and stylish castle hotel, where you’ll spend the next two nights.
Walk: 23km, 6 hrs approx.
Overnight: Romantikhotel Schloss Rheinfels****+, St. Goar
Day 5: St. Goar & Loreley
Today you are spoilt for choice; perhaps hike around the Loreley, the most famous slate rock in the world and spend time at the visitor centre uncovering the myths and folklore of the area.
Picturesque wine villages, including Bacharach, are a quick train ride away. Or take time out at your castle hotel; relax in the wellness area with its sauna and treat yourself to a massage, or find a quiet spot in the palace gardens to enjoy a chilled glass of Riesling and views over the Loreley.
Optional Walk: 15km, 4h30 approx.
Overnight: Romantikhotel Schloss Rheinfels****+, St. Goar
Day 6: Boat to Aßmannshausen and walk to Rüdesheim
Enjoy a relaxing start this morning with a scenic boat trip from St. Goar as you float by several castles, including Pfalzgrafenstein, perched on a rock in the middle of the Rhine.
Disembark in the wine village of Aßmannshausen, then walk the last few miles to Rüdesheim and to romantic wine Hotel Rüdesheimer Schloss.
Boat trip: 2h30 approx.
Walk: 6km, 2 hrs approx.
Overnight: Hotel Rüdesheimer Schloss****, Rüdesheim
Day 7: Walk to Rüdesheim
If you feel like taking it easy today, you can take the cable car up to the hunting lodge of Niederwald, visit the famous ruins of Ehrenfels Castle amongst the vineyards, or take a trip to Bingen on the other side of the river.
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.
Overnight: Hotel Rüdesheimer Schloss****, Rüdesheim
Day 8: Onward Travel
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.
Accommodation
One of the highlights of this tour is the unique 4-star accommodation, including castle hotels and 'wine' hotels. 7 Nights bed and breakfast accommodation is included.
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 a similar standard. We recommend booking early to avoid disappointment.
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.
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.
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.
Castle Hotel Liebenstein - Kamp-Bornhofen
This small family-run property is the highest castle hotel in the region, with an impressive medieval decor. Although simple, all rooms enjoy river views. The Knights' Hall restaurant serves traditional Rhineland fare and the wine cellar is filled with fine vintages from the region.
Romantik Hotel Schloss Rheinfels - St. Goar
This superior 4-star property, is located high above the Rhine with views of the Loreley. The hotel combines centuries-old architecture with modern comfort. Three lovely restaurants offer a choice of rustic, regional and fine gourmet cuisine. Relax in the wellness area with swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a beauty salon.
Weinhotel Rudesheimer Schloss - Rudesheim
The wine hotel Rüdesheimer Schloss is a veritable institution in Rudesheim. The family Breuer have created wine here since 1952, and established the hotel in 1993. Located in the heart of Rüdesheim, right next to the Drosselgasse, you'll stay in individual and modern rooms. Enjoy creative food lovingly prepared with local produce in the hotel's restaurant. We recommend you visit the wine cellar/bar to try the Riesling and Pinot Noir from the winery Georg Breuer, amongst others!
Diehls Hotel - Koblenz
This 4-star hotel has modern rooms and is located overlooking the Rhine. Relax in the panorama-sauna with views over the river, take a dip in the swimming pool, or treat yourself to a massage.
Availability
This walk is available to start on any day of the week between late-March and mid-October.
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. Specific dates for 2017 are: 1 July in Rüdesheim, 12 August in Koblenz, 16 September in St. Goar,
Single Rooms & Solo Walkers
If you require single rooms within your party we would be happy to accommodate you although there is a single room supplement payable.This walk is available for solo walkers. If you are travelling solo the trip is slightly more expensive as some costs are not shared.
Grade & Fitness
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.Remember that you are also staying at least two nights in each property (whilst on your walk) so you can take rest days if you so wish!
Navigation, Route Notes & Maps
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.
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.
Travel Insurance
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.
General Information
The distances and ascents/descents are approximations of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all 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.
Getting to Koblenz
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.
Departing Rüdesheim
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.
Included
- 7 Nights in hand-picked special hotels of a 4-star standard.
- 7 Breakfasts.
- Ferry ticket St. Goarhausen to St. Goar and boat ticket St. Goar to Assmannshausen.
- Luggage transfers between hotels.
- Detailed route descriptions with maps and a comprehensive pre-departure information pack.
- 24/7 telephone support from our German and UK offices.
Excluded
- Flights and travel to Koblenz and from Rüdesheim.
- Train from Braubach to Kamp-Bornhofen (approx. EUR3 each way).
- Lunches, dinners, drinks and snacks.
- Travel Insurance.
- Taxi transfers or public transportation if you wish to shorten a walk.
- Personal expenses such as drinks, phone calls, extra transfers, tips, etc.
- Entrance fees to local attractions and castles.
- Any items not specifically mentioned in the program.
Extras
- Single room supplement(s) if applicable.
- Solo walker supplement if applicable.
- Additional nights during the tour.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We suggest you book as soon as your plans are finalised 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.
How fit do I need to be?
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. Remember that you are also staying at least two nights in each property (whilst on your walk) so you can take rest days if you so wish!
How do the baggage transfers work?
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.
What equipment do I need?
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.
When is the best time of year?
You can enjoy this tour from late 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 colours of the vines are simply stunning.
What happens if I can’t walk a stage?
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 office.
