Best backpacking trails in Rhineland-Palatine

This route is stage 15 of the Rheinsteig, a long-distance trail starting in Sankt Goarshausen and ending in Kaub. The demanding king stage of the trail follows rocky paths through the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage site, passing Katz Castle and the town of Dörscheid. Hikers climb the famous Loreley plateau before navigating steep, undulating terrain that offers panoramic river views. Overnight stays are accommodated in local guesthouses and hotels in Kaub, as wild camping...

This route follows stage 16 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Kaub and ends in Lorch. Starting in Kaub, famous for the Pfalzgrafenstein toll castle, the trail ascends into the densely forested hills of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Hikers cross the state border from Rhineland-Palatinate into Hesse, entering the historic Freistaat Flaschenhals area. The path features the Wirbellay viewpoint and the Clemenskapelle, navigating a brief cable-secured rocky section that can...

This route follows Stage 10 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Koblenz-Ehrenbreitstein and ends in Niederlahnstein. The trail passes through the Nassau Nature Park, winds through the Bienhorn Valley into the forest, crosses the Liedches Berg with views of historic castles, and concludes with an adventurous passage through the rope-secured Ruppertsklamm gorge. Overnight stays are in local guesthouses and hotels; wild camping is prohibited along the route. Hikers should wear sturdy footwear...

This route follows stage 10 of the Rheinburgenweg, a long-distance trail starting in Sankt Goar and ending in Oberwesel. The path passes the Maria Ruh viewpoint, offering views of the Loreley, and leads past the Beuslberghütte and Günderodehaus before following the upper town wall into Oberwesel. Overnight stays are available in local guesthouses and hotels; wild camping is prohibited. If choosing the optional Ölsbergsteig via ferrata section, a via ferrata set and helmet are recommended....

This route follows stage 18 of the Moselsteig, connecting the historic village of Beilstein with the popular town of Cochem on a challenging section dedicated to the heritage of steep-slope viticulture. The hike leads along rocky trails directly on the ridge's edge, requiring good surefootedness due to the demanding terrain. The physical effort is rewarded with spectacular panoramic views of the deeply carved river valley. A scenic highlight is the path running beneath the sheer, vertical...

This route follows stage 12 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Braubach and ends in Filsen. The trail climbs steeply along the Zecherweg before entering dense forests that lead toward the Marksburg, the only never-destroyed hilltop castle on the Middle Rhine. Hikers traverse rolling woodland paths past the Hexenköpfel and the Lusthäuschen viewpoint, concluding with a scenic ascent to the Filsener Ley nature reserve before dropping into Filsen. Overnight stays are accommodated in local...

This route follows stage 14 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Kestert and ends in St. Goarshausen. The trail tracks through the Pulsbachklamm gorge and runs along the landscape and mining educational trail before ascending to Burg Maus and the high Rhine plateau. Prior to descending into St. Goarshausen, an optional detour allows hikers to tackle the steep Rabenacksteig via ferrata. Overnight stays are accommodated in local guesthouses and hotels in St. Goarshausen, as wild camping is...

This route is stage 11 of the Eifelsteig, a long-distance trail through North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. This specific section starts in Daun and ends in Manderscheid. The path leads from the spa gardens up to the famous Daun Maars: the Gemündener, Weinfelder, and Schalkenmehrener Maar. From the Dronke Tower, hikers enjoy views over the volcanic craters before following the course of the Lieser river through secluded forests, eventually reaching the impressive Manderscheid...

This route is the 8th stage of the Eifelsteig, a long-distance hiking trail through North Rhine-Westphalia and Rhineland-Palatinate. This specific section begins at the Erlöserkapelle in Mirbach and ends in Hillesheim. The trail leads through the transitional landscape to the Vulkaneifel and on to the growing Dreimühlen Waterfall near Nohn, a unique natural monument. Hikers pass the Niederehe Monastery and Kerpen Castle before reaching the crime-themed town of Hillesheim. Overnight stays...

This route follows stage 11 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Niederlahnstein and ends in Braubach. The trail crosses from the Lahn River back to the Rhine, passing Burg Lahneck, the historic Wirtshaus an der Lahn, and the ruins of the Rosenberg mine. Hikers navigate narrow rocky paths and tight valleys through the Schlierbachtal, ascending to the Lahnhöhe and Kerkertser Platte viewpoints before descending past Marksburg Castle into the timber-framed town of Braubach. Overnight stays are...