Best backpacking trails in Hesse

This route follows stage 17 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Lorch and ends in Rüdesheim am Rhein. The trail traverses the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage site, climbing through expansive vineyards from the Wisper Bridge. It passes the historic church in Lorch, follows a panoramic path to the Paul-Claus-Hütte, and features expansive castle views from the Ecksteinkopf. Hikers pass through the red wine village of Assmannshausen before reaching the Niederwald hunting lodge, a...

This route follows stage 2 of the Rothaarsteig, connecting the World Cup resort of Willingen with the famous winter sports hub of Winterberg on a visually stunning section. The hike leads over the Langenberg (843 m / 2,766 ft), the highest mountain in North Rhine-Westphalia, and through the Neuer Hagen nature reserve, the state's largest highland heath. Highlights include the sweeping panoramic views from the treeless summit of the Clemensberg, visiting the source of the Ruhr River, and the...

This route follows stage 18 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Rüdesheim am Rhein and ends in Johannisberg. Starting with panoramic views above Rüdesheim, the trail passes the Drosselgasse and the Brömserburg Wine Museum before heading into the vineyards to visit the Benedictine Abbey of St. Hildegard in Eibingen. It traverses peaceful forest paths past the Nothgottes and Marienthal monasteries, ending amidst rolling vines near the historic Schloss Johannisberg. Overnight stays are...

This route is stage 3 of the Neckarsteig, a long-distance trail starting in Neckarsteinach and ending in Hirschhorn. The trail runs through beautiful mixed forests, passing the historic Mittelburg and the ruins of Hinterburg Castle before ascending a steep path toward the Goetheblick viewpoint. Along the way, hikers encounter cultural landmarks like the Rote Bild and the Freischärlergrab before finishing at the well-preserved Hirschhorn Castle. Overnight stays are accommodated in local...

This route follows stage 21 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Schlangenbad and ends in Wiesbaden. The final segment leaves the spa town of Schlangenbad, ascending through the Taunus forest past the Grauer Stein climbing rocks and Schloss Sommerberg. It passes the Goethestein monument before descending through orchards and vineyards into Frauenstein, ultimately reaching the Schierstein harbor and following the Rhine banks to Biebrich Palace. Overnight stays are accommodated in hotels and...

This route is stage 20 of the Rheinsteig, a long-distance trail starting in Kiedrich and ending in Schlangenbad. The path leads through the vineyard country of the Rheingau before entering the quiet forests and rolling meadows of the Rhein-Taunus Nature Park. Hikers pass the timber-framed architecture of Kiedrich, the Valentinuskirche, and the Scharfenstein castle ruins, with rest options at the historic Forsthaus Rausch and a local Kneipp water treading facility before reaching the...

This route is stage 19 of the Rheinsteig, a long-distance trail starting in Johannisberg and ending in Kiedrich. The path traverses the sun-drenched vineyards of the Riesling paradise, passing Schloss Johannisberg, Schloss Vollrads, and the historic Kloster Gottesthal. Hikers follow scenic paths past the Kühns-Mühle mill to reach the Cistercian Kloster Eberbach before crossing the final ridge into Kiedrich. Overnight stays are available directly at Kloster Eberbach or in local guesthouses...

Popular cycle tour in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. This cycle route is located in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park and starts in Waldeck. A particularly beautiful tour around the Edersee, often on forest paths. You can take a lunch break in Herzhausen about halfway along the route. You pass many campsites, so the route can also be completed in several shorter daily stages. Highlights of the route: - Views of the Edersee - Waldeck - Edersee shore near Herzhausen - Idyllic...

This route is stage 4 of the Neckarsteig, a long-distance trail starting in Hirschhorn and ending in Eberbach. The trail follows the Ulfenbach stream before ascending into the shaded mixed forests of the Neckartal-Odenwald Nature Park, passing Schloss Hirschhorn and the Stöckberg. It bypasses the village of Igelsbach, rounds the Tannenkopf summit, and reaches the historic Steinerner Tisch hunting table and the Gretenbrunnen spring. The final stretch offers views of the Neckar River before...

Section of the primeval forest trail, Hesse The last section of the primeval forest trail also leads through mystical, ancient forests and offers wonderful views of the landscape and deep valleys. Highlights: - Waldeck Castle