Rheinsteig Stage 13: Kamp-Bornhofen - Kestert

This route follows stage 13 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Kamp-Bornhofen and ends in Kestert. The trail runs south through the Rhenish Massif, starting near the rare flora of the Filsener Ley before heading into the forest toward the Wilhelmshöhe viewpoint. Hikers navigate adventurous paths and steep descents before climbing to the historic castles of Liebenstein and Sterrenberg, accessed via the Himmelsleiter. The path then crosses a large grazing enclosure filled with Exmoor ponies and Boer goats before tracking along the cliff edges down into Kestert. Overnight stays are accommodated in local guesthouses and hotels; wild camping is strictly prohibited along this section. Hikers should pack a water filter to safely treat surface water from natural sources between towns. Both trailheads are easily accessible via regional trains, with schedule information available at https://www.bahn.de. The Rheinsteig is a long-distance trail from Bonn to Wiesbaden, typically completed in 21 stages.