Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf
100% of reviewers say this trail is hard
17.2kmLength
784mElevation gain
6–6.5hrEstimated time
Point-to-point
This route follows stage 5 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Bad Hönningen and ends in Leutesdorf. The trail links Roman history with medieval lore, passing the Limes UNESCO World Heritage site and the RömerWelt museum before climbing to the Rheinbrohler Ley and Hammersteiner Ley viewpoints. Hikers traverse slate cliffs and vineyards, with options to visit the Hammerstein castle ruins, St. Goar Church, and the Edmundshütte overlook.
Overnight stays are accommodated in local guesthouses and hotels in Leutesdorf, as wild camping is not permitted along this segment. Hikers should pack a water filter to safely treat surface water from natural springs 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 and typically completed in 21 stages.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Rheinsteig
Top sights
Mitten am Rhein
Viewpoint
Schöne Aussicht
Viewpoint
Burgruine Hammerstein
Castle
Lampental
Valley
Claurenburg
Castle
Rheinbrohler Ley
Peak
Hungerberg
Peak
Zehnthof
Building
Adenauer-Hütte
Weather shelter
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Head out on this 17.2-km point-to-point trail near Bad Hönningen, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 5 h 35 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Expected weather for Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf for the next 5 days is:
- Sat 26 September - 27.5 degrees/onbewolkt
- Sun 27 September - 28.4 degrees/onbewolkt
- Mon 28 September - 29.1 degrees/onbewolkt
- Tue 29 September - 29 degrees/onbewolkt
- Wed 30 September - 21.6 degrees/buien
Where is Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf located?
Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf is a trail located in Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park.
How hard is Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf is considered a hard hike that covers 17.2 km, with an elevation gain of 784 m. It takes about 6–6.5 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 Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf is considered a hard hike that covers 17.2 km, with an elevation gain of 784 m. It takes about 6–6.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf a point-to-point trail?
Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf is a point to point trail that covers 17.2 km, with an elevation gain of 784 m. It takes about 6–6.5 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 Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf is a point to point trail that covers 17.2 km, with an elevation gain of 784 m. It takes about 6–6.5 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 Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Dogs may be allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
According to trailgoers, Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf is usually busy. Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf is open all year round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Mitten am Rhein and Schöne Aussicht.
Is camping allowed at Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Camping is allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf in Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park. 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 Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Backpacking is allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf. 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 Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Yes, Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf is a forest trail in Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen - Leutesdorf in Rhine-Westerwald Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 26 September 2026 at 01:49 GMT+0