Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn
50% of reviewers say this trail is hard
16.4kmLength
548mElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
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 guesthouses or hotels in Hirschhorn; wild camping is strictly prohibited along this route. Hikers should pack a water filter to safely treat surface water from natural springs found between towns. Both trailheads are easily accessible via public transit, and train connections can be checked at https://www.bahn.de. The Neckarsteig is a long-distance trail from Heidelberg to Bad Wimpfen, typically completed in 9 stages.
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Part of a multi-day route
Neckarsteig
Top sights
Campingplatz Steinachtal
Campsite
Vorderburg
Castle
Goethe-Blick
Picnic site
Christian Ebert Anlage
Picnic site
Mittelburg
Castle
Hinterburg
Castle
Hoher Darsberg
Peak
Unterm Dilsberg
Campsite
Lachsbach
River
Drei Fichten
Picnic site
Nibelungengarten
Garden
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Check out this 16.4-km point-to-point trail near Neckarsteinach, Hesse. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 46 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
Expected weather for Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn for the next 5 days is:
- Wed 23 September - 19.3 degrees/clear
- Thu 24 September - 21.1 degrees/clear
- Fri 25 September - 23.9 degrees/clear
- Sat 26 September - 28.4 degrees/clear
- Sun 27 September - 28.7 degrees/clear
Where is Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn located?
Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn is a trail located in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald.
How hard is Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn is considered a hard hike that covers 16.4 km, with an elevation gain of 548 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
What is the elevation gain for Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn is considered a hard hike that covers 16.4 km, with an elevation gain of 548 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn a point-to-point trail?
Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn is a point to point trail that covers 16.4 km, with an elevation gain of 548 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
How long is Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn is a point to point trail that covers 16.4 km, with an elevation gain of 548 m. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Point-to-point routes have a different starting point and endpoint. The length of the trail refers to one-way travel on this route. Don't forget to plan for transportation when exploring point-to-point routes!
Are dogs allowed on Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
Dogs may be allowed on Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn.
How busy is Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
According to trailgoers, Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn is usually somewhat busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn.
Are there rivers at Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
Yes, Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn is near Lachsbach.
Is camping allowed at Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
Camping is allowed on Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is backpacking allowed at Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
Backpacking is allowed on Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn. Backpacking trails are typically longer and are often point-to-point trails. Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Are there forests at Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn?
Yes, Neckarsteig Stage 3: Neckarsteinach - Hirschhorn is a forest trail in Geo-Nature Park Bergstrasse-Odenwald.
Last updated on 21 September 2026 at 23:38 GMT+0