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5 Days
From
From IntroductoryTo Challenging
Enjoy exploring Germany's most popular region on the Rhine Trail (Rheinsteig). The Rhine River has carved through the predominantly slate rock to produce dramatic cliffs up to 200m, the most famous of which is Loreley Rock. Dotted with castles, many of which were reduced to ruins during the Thirty Years War, and with the southern slopes covered by vineyards producing the famous riesling varietal, the region is as picturesque as it is fascinating. Walking through pretty wine villages with half timbered houses, ascending to the historic castles high above the river are highlights of this walking holiday. In the evening stay in comfortable hotels specially chosen for their location and character.
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Germany
Rüdesheim
St Goarshausen
25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(99kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim
On arrival, check in to your centrally located hotel close to the Rhine and train station where your maps will be waiting for you. Rüdesheim has a wonderful tradition as a winemaking town which is celebrated each summer with a special festival held on the 3rd weekend in August. It is also a music town, hosting Johannes Brahms on numerous occasions. There are numerous sites to visit, however for a stroll through town you cannot miss the Drosselgasse, a laneway in the centre of the old town brimming with beautifully decorated restaurants. The cobblestone street is most alive during the summer when live bands play through the day and night in open-air garden taverns and wine bars. There are also interesting museums, abbeys, castles and wine taverns to visit.
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Walk through the Middle Rhine valley to Lorch (5hrs)
The walk begins along the Rheinsteig trail with a long ascent to a hunting lodge. Alternatively this section can be by cable car (Seilbahn) to the Niederwald monument (optional) high up on the Middle-Rhine valley. From here you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Nahe estuary. As you make your way above the Rhine, pass by the wine-growing communities of Assmannshausen, best known for its red wine, a magical cave and the Niederwald Memorial, before arriving in Lorch, with its many half-timbered houses, typical of the region. Enjoy a complimentary wine tasting this afternoon at the Rössler winery (closed on Wednesdays and Thursdays, but will open with prior arrangement). Overnight Lorch. Walking: 21km/13mi, ascent/descent +660m/2165ft, -680m/2230ft
Meals: B
Day 3
Continue on foot to the small wine growing towns of Kaub or Dörscheid (4.5hrs)
The walk today takes you along well maintained forest trails with panoramic views over the Rhine. You'll pass the ruins of Nollig castle and Gutenfels castle, and have great views of the impressive toll-castle Pfalzgrafenstein, located on an island on the river. This evening is spent in a small wine-grower town, either Kaub or Dörscheid. Walking: 13km/8mi, ascent/descent +460m/1509ft, -460m/1509ft
Day 4
Walk to the fortress town of St Goarshausen and ascend to Loreley Rock (5.5hrs)
A more challenging yet immensely rewarding stage today with many narrow ascents and descents. One of the highlights is an ascent to the legendary Loreley Rock with its impressive viewing platform providing a superb panorama of the Rhine River. The last stage takes you to Dreiburgenblick where you have a fabulous view of Katz, Rheinsfels and Maus castles. From here it is a short descent to the town of St Goarshausen in the Hasenbachtal Valley where you stay overnight. Walking: 19km/11.8mi, ascent/descent +590m/1935ft, -620m/2034ft
Day 5
Trip concludes
Trip concludes after breakfast.
What's included
What's not included
Comfortable 2 or 3 star hotels. These have been specially chosen for their location and character. Please note that a twin room is not always associated with having two beds. Quite often a twin bed has one or two mattresses on the same bed frame but with two separate duvets. Sometimes there might be two beds positioned together, but they cannot be separated because of constraints of the room.
Vineyard paths, walking trails and old bridle paths ensure varied walking. Basic fitness and sure footedness is required for uphill/downhill sections.
GRADE 3 - This trip involves 3 days walking along wine-grower paths, solitary walking paths and old bridle paths. Good fitness and sure footedness is required for uphill/downhill sections on the mountain ridges of the Middle-Rhine valley. Walking times of up to 6 hours and distances of up to 25.5km are to be involved. All stages can be completed or shortened using public transport.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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Personal Experience
We've been exploring the world on foot for over five decades, and our passion for walking runs deep. Having hiked nearly every corner of Europe, we take pride in sharing the joy, freedom and perspective that only travelling on foot can bring, all with the exceptional service and care our travellers know us for.
Great Value & Quality
Our trips offer excellent value for money, with everything you need for a seamless walking holiday. Each package includes detailed route notes, maps and navigation app, luggage transfers, and comfortable locally run accommodation. We take care of the planning, so you can simply enjoy the walk.
Self-Guided Specialists
We've been operating self-guided active holidays since 1973, taking care of every detail so you can relax and explore at your own pace. With many walking and hiking tours departing daily, you'll enjoy the freedom and flexibility to travel when it suits you.
self guided walk
hotel, guesthouse
8Days
Moderate
self guided cycle
hotel, inns
Introductory to Moderate
Self Guided Walking
hotel