Rhine River and Castles Walk

5.0Based on

Carbon neutral

8 daysDuration

Private TourPrivate experience, no group joining

15 peopleMaximum group size

18 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Moderate

Involves sustained activity requiring a reasonable level of fitness and endurance.

Starts

Rüdesheim, Germany

Ends

Koblenz, Germany

Highlights

Walking through the stunning Rhine Valley

Exploring ancient wine-growing villages

Experiencing the areas rich history through its impressive castles and towns

Discovering the charming town of Koblenz where the Rhine meets the Moselle River

Itinerary

Imagine strolling through a landscape dotted with castles, lush vineyards, and picturesque wine villages—this is the charm of the Rhine River and Castles Walk. Designed for experienced travelers and seniors seeking a moderate walking adventure, this eight-day self-guided tour unfolds along Germany’s magnificent Rheinsteig trail.

Your journey winds from Rüdesheim to Koblenz, traversing the storied Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its dramatic 200-meter cliffs and legendary Loreley Rock. As you follow the trail, you’ll pass half-timbered villages, ascend to historic castles, and meander through scenic vineyards producing Germany’s celebrated riesling.

Evenings are spent in carefully selected hotels that blend comfort with local charm, providing a restful retreat after days filled with cultural and natural wonders. The unique selling point of this tour package is its focus on Germany’s rich history and breathtaking river landscapes, all explored at your own pace.

For those who relish a blend of cultural heritage, scenic walking, and authentic regional experiences, the Rhine River and Castles Walk is a captivating way to discover the best of the Rhine Valley.

day 1 - Arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim

Make your own way to Rüdesheim and your centrally located hotel. A wine growing area since Roman times, you'll find quaint wine taverns and historic half-timbered houses abound. Each summer a wine festival is held here (in mid August). It is also a music town, hosting Johannes Brahms on numerous occasions. There are several sites to visit, however you should not miss 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.

day 2 - Walk through the Middle Rhine valley to Lorch (5.5hrs)

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:Breakfast

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

Meals:Breakfast

day 4 - Walk via Loreley Rock to the fortress town of St Goarshausen (6hrs)

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/surrounds in the Hasenbachtal Valley where you stay overnight.

Walking: 19km/11.8mi, ascent/descent +590m/1935ft, -620m/2034ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 5 - Continue through vineyards and past fortresses to Kamp Bornhofen (6hrs)

Another challenging day with steep trails along idyllic paths to wine-grower communities. Today you walk along unspoilt tracks, with fantastic scenery and past defiant castles whilst crossing the Filsener Lay, one of the most beautiful nature reserves of the region. The castles of Liebenstein and Sterrenberg are famous for the legends surrounding the two "hostile brothers“ from the 12th/13th century. You also pass by a historic mining area and a pilgrim monastery from the 13th century which is still run by the Friars Minor. Overnight Kamp Bornhofen.

Walking: 21km/13mi, ascent/descent +690m/2264ft, -700m/2297ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 6 - Walk to Braubach with its half timbered houses (5.5hrs)

Along the route today you will come across Liebeneck castle, the Dinkelholder Mills and the impressive Marksburg castle. Guided tours take approx. 50min and we recommend taking time to visit. Your destination is Braubach, a walled wine-growing town with many half-timbered houses, medieval monuments and buildings that are preserved giving the old town a romantic charm.

Walking: 17km/10.5mi, ascent/descent +620m/2034ft, -620m/2034ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 7 - Walk to Koblenz where the Rhine meets the Moselle (5.5hrs)

During the final stage several highlights await: castles, nature reserves, woodland and the Bienhorn valley. The tour offers long-distance views, amazing nature as well as an adventurous section through the Ruppertsklamm gorge, a genuine highlight! The gorge section is challenging, with rock stairs and some sections of the trail are secured with ropes. This will require a level of attention and if you are not comfortable on exposed trails you can easily skip this section following an alternative route. You cross the Rhine via the impressive bridge 'Pfaffendorfer Brücke‘, before ending your hiking in Koblenz, where the Moselle joins the Rhine. Overnight Koblenz.

Walking: 20km/12.4mi, ascent/descent +690m/2264ft, -680m/2231ft

Meals:Breakfast

day 8 - Trip concludes

Trip concludes after breakfast. If you would like to extend your stay in Koblenz, please ask for our rates.

Meals:Breakfast

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What's Included

Meals

7 breakfasts - generally buffet style and usually consisting of cereals, breads, spreads, meats, cheeses, fruit, tea, coffee and juice

Others

Digital information pack including smartphone app with maps and useful informationLuggage Transfer, no number of items restriction, but max. 20 kg per pieceWine tasting in LorchEmergency hotline

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

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based on 1 review

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Booking was simple and intuitive. Customer Service contacted us upon our initial inquiry and offered their assistance with any additional travel arrangements we may require.

2 days ago

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Highlights

Itinerary

day 1 - Arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim

day 2 - Walk through the Middle Rhine valley to Lorch (5.5hrs)

day 3 - Continue on foot to the small wine growing towns of Kaub or Dörscheid (4.5hrs)

day 4 - Walk via Loreley Rock to the fortress town of St Goarshausen (6hrs)

day 5 - Continue through vineyards and past fortresses to Kamp Bornhofen (6hrs)

day 6 - Walk to Braubach with its half timbered houses (5.5hrs)

day 7 - Walk to Koblenz where the Rhine meets the Moselle (5.5hrs)

day 8 - Trip concludes

Get Trip Brochure & Exclusive Discount

What's Included

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

5.0

Tour Availability

Monthly Price Comparison

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

Why Book with Bookmundi

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

RJ

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What's Included

What's Excluded

Itinerary

day 1 - Arrive in the winemaking town of Rüdesheim

day 2 - Walk through the Middle Rhine valley to Lorch (5.5hrs)

day 3 - Continue on foot to the small wine growing towns of Kaub or Dörscheid (4.5hrs)

day 4 - Walk via Loreley Rock to the fortress town of St Goarshausen (6hrs)

day 5 - Continue through vineyards and past fortresses to Kamp Bornhofen (6hrs)

day 6 - Walk to Braubach with its half timbered houses (5.5hrs)

day 7 - Walk to Koblenz where the Rhine meets the Moselle (5.5hrs)

day 8 - Trip concludes

Customer Reviews

5.0

Keep Exploring Germany

Traveler Types

Tour Types

Top activities in Germany

Other Germany Recommendations

Germany tour packages departing in