Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim
60% of reviewers say this trail is hard
13miLength
3,100ftElevation gain
7–7.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route follows stage 17 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Lorch and ends in Rüdesheim am Rhein. The trail traverses the Upper Middle Rhine Valley UNESCO World Heritage site, climbing through expansive vineyards from the Wisper Bridge. It passes the historic church in Lorch, follows a panoramic path to the Paul-Claus-Hütte, and features expansive castle views from the Ecksteinkopf. Hikers pass through the red wine village of Assmannshausen before reaching the Niederwald hunting lodge, a mysterious magic cave, and the famous Niederwald Monument, with an optional cable car descent into Rüdesheim.
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 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, typically completed in 21 stages.
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Part of a multi-day route
Rheinsteig
Top sights
Rossel
Viewpoint
Rossel
Castle
Niederwalddenkmal
Monument
Temple
Attraction
Georgs-Ruh
Weather shelter
Jagdschloss Niederwald
Castle
Vina Bona Hütte
Weather shelter
Leingipfel
Peak
Ehrenfels
Castle
Magic Cave
Attraction
Rittersaal
Viewpoint
Losberg
Peak
Magic Hut
Weather shelter
Naheblick
Viewpoint
Grillplatz Niederwald
Picnic site
Foucaultsches Pendel
Attraction
Zwei-Burgen-Blick
Viewpoint
Bacharacher Kopf
Peak
Bodentaler Bach
Pond
Ecksteinkopf
Peak
Herbert Lange Hütte
Weather shelter
Naturpark-Camping Suleika
Campsite
Strunk
Tower
Top sights
Rossel
Viewpoint
Rossel
Castle
Niederwalddenkmal
Monument
Temple
Attraction
Georgs-Ruh
Weather shelter
Jagdschloss Niederwald
Castle
Vina Bona Hütte
Weather shelter
Leingipfel
Peak
Ehrenfels
Castle
Magic Cave
Attraction
Rittersaal
Viewpoint
Losberg
Peak
Magic Hut
Weather shelter
Naheblick
Viewpoint
Grillplatz Niederwald
Picnic site
Foucaultsches Pendel
Attraction
Zwei-Burgen-Blick
Viewpoint
Bacharacher Kopf
Peak
Bodentaler Bach
Pond
Ecksteinkopf
Peak
Herbert Lange Hütte
Weather shelter
Naturpark-Camping Suleika
Campsite
Strunk
Tower
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Enjoy this 13.0-mile point-to-point trail near Lorch, Hesse. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 6 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 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Expected weather for Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim for the next 5 days is:
- Mon, September 21 - 67 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 22 - 69 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 23 - 62 degrees/drizzle
- Thu, September 24 - 70 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 76 degrees/clear
Where is Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim located?
Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim is a trail located in Rhine Taunus Nature Park.
How hard is Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim is considered a hard hike that covers 13 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,100 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim is considered a hard hike that covers 13 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,100 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim a point to point trail?
Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim is a point to point trail that covers 13 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,100 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim is a point to point trail that covers 13 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,100 ft. It takes about 7–7.5 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 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Dogs may be allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
According to trailgoers, Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim is usually very busy. Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Rossel, Rittersaal, Naheblick, and Zwei-Burgen-Blick.
Is camping allowed at Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Camping is allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim in Rhine Taunus 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 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Backpacking is allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim. 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 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Yes, Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim is a forest trail in Rhine Taunus Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Rheinsteig Stage 17: Lorch - Rüdesheim in Rhine Taunus Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 21, 2026 at 3:15 am GMT+0