Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch
24kmLength
857mElevation gain
8–9hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
The second stage of the Wispertaunussteig premium hiking trail is also worthwhile and shows the beautiful low mountain range landscape with castles and ruins from its best side. The ruins of Blideneck Castle (which was a fortress in the 13th century) and Rheinberg Castle (privately owned) are located in the Werkerbach Valley. If you would like to spend a short time in Ransel, you can visit the country museum: here you can not only discover historical tools, agricultural machinery and a smithy, but also taste wine from the vineyard and beer from the brewery. There are also historical sights in Sauerthal: the 14th century Sauerburg is one of the last medieval castles to be built on the Rhine. At the Nollig ruins (privately owned), the Wispertaunus Trail finally joins the Rheinsteig, which leads to Lorch.
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Top sights
Ruine Nollig
Castle
Hexenturm
Tower
Sauerburg
Castle
Burg Blideneck
Castle
Burgruine Rheinberg
Castle
Nollig
Peak
Sauerbrunnen
Spring
Weiselberg
Peak
Scheuer
Peak
Strunk
Tower
Sauerburgblick
Viewpoint
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Try this 24.0-km point-to-point trail near Lorch, Hesse. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 47 min to complete. This trail is great for backpacking and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring.
What is the expected weather this week for Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch?
Expected weather for Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch for the next 5 days is:
- Tue 22 September - 21 degrees/clear
- Wed 23 September - 19.2 degrees/showers
- Thu 24 September - 20.1 degrees/clear
- Fri 25 September - 22.5 degrees/clear
- Sat 26 September - 25.1 degrees/clear
Where is Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch located?
Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch is a trail located in Rhine Taunus Nature Park.
How hard is Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch?
Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch is considered a hard hike that covers 24 km, with an elevation gain of 857 m. It takes about 8–9 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 Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch?
Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch is considered a hard hike that covers 24 km, with an elevation gain of 857 m. It takes about 8–9 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch a point-to-point trail?
Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch is a point to point trail that covers 24 km, with an elevation gain of 857 m. It takes about 8–9 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 Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch?
Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch is a point to point trail that covers 24 km, with an elevation gain of 857 m. It takes about 8–9 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 Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch?
Dogs may be allowed on Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
Are there scenic views at Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch?
Yes, Sauerburgblick is located on Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch.
Is backpacking allowed at Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch?
Backpacking is allowed on Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch. 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 Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch?
Yes, Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch is a forest trail in Rhine Taunus Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Wispertaunussteig Stage 2: Espenschied - Lorch in Rhine Taunus Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 20 September 2026 at 23:08 GMT+0