Rheinsteig Trail

The Rheinsteig is a roughly 320 km (200 mile) long-distance hiking trail on the right bank of the Rhine, running from Bonn to Wiesbaden. It links the Siebengebirge hills, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley and the Rheingau wine region, and it is one of the best-known multi-day hikes in Germany. If you are planning things to do on the Rhine beyond a river cruise, this is the walker's version: castles, vineyards and long views above the valley.

What makes it special

The trail begins in Bonn, at the market square, and ends at Biebrich Palace in Wiesbaden. It officially opened on 8 September 2005 and carries the German Hiking Seal as a premium trail. In 2009 it became a founding member of the Top Trails of Germany.

The official website divides the route into four regions: Siebengebirge, Lower Middle Rhine Valley, Upper Middle Rhine Valley and Rheingau. Between Koblenz and Rüdesheim, the path runs through the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, and in the Rheingau it passes through a famous German wine region.

The numbers hint at the effort: about 11,700 meters of total ascent. The highest point is 365 m and the lowest is 60 m. It is rated as easy overall, but some passages are physically demanding. Expect many ups and downs even though the Rhine stays in view.

Stages and planning

The number of daily stages depends on the guidebook: about 17 to 21 depending on how you split it. Two early sections are well documented: Bonn to Königswinter is about 22 km, and Königswinter to Bad Honnef is roughly 13.5 to 14 km. For the other stages, use the current stage pages on the official site or a guidebook, since sources differ.

If you do not want to walk the whole trail, pick one region. The Siebengebirge near Bonn is an easy start, the Upper Middle Rhine Valley offers castles and World Heritage views, and the Rheingau is the wine section.

Getting there

The start is in the center of Bonn, which is easy to reach by train. Wiesbaden, at the other end, also has a main station. Note that the official website says the rail line between Troisdorf and Wiesbaden is being renovated from 10 July to 11 December 2026, which may affect your trip. Check Deutsche Bahn for current connections and, if you plan to hike in sections, how you will get back to your lodging.

From Frankfurt, Wiesbaden is the closest end of the trail; from Cologne, Bonn is close by. Check the DB Navigator app for current times. Prices are in euros.

Best time and tips

You can hike it all year, but spring and autumn are usually the most pleasant. Mark the route on a map or GPX file even though it is signposted, and book accommodation early in high season. The trail has many steps and steep sections, so it is not suitable for wheelchairs.

Nearby

Bonn has an old town worth a walk before you set out. Soon after the start you reach the Siebengebirge with the Drachenfels near Königswinter. In the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, castles and villages follow one another, for example Lorch on the right bank, with views across to Bacharach on the far side.