Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef
57% of reviewers say this trail is hard
9miLength
2,135ftElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route follows stage 2 of the Rheinsteig, which begins in Königswinter and ends in Bad Honnef. Starting at the Drachenfels rack railway station, the path ascends past Drachenfels Castle into the mixed forests of the Siebengebirge. It passes the Uhlan Memorial above Rhöndorf, winds up to the Löwenburg ruins and the Löwenburger Hof, and navigates steep switchbacks before descending into Bad Honnef.
Overnight stays are accommodated in local guesthouses and hotels in Bad Honnef, 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 and city trams, 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.
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Part of a multi-day route
Rheinsteig
Top sights
Drachenfels
Peak
Löwenburg
Peak
Schloß Drachenburg
Castle
Drachenmarionette (Münzgerät)
Attraction
Burgruine Drachenfels
Castle
Poßberg
Peak
Ruine Löwenburg
Castle
Großer Breiberg
Peak
Breiberg Hütte
Weather shelter
Ölender
Peak
Himmerich
Peak
Merkenshöhe
Peak
Kleiner Breiberg
Peak
Dr.-Horster-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 9.0-mile point-to-point trail near Königswinter, North Rhine-Westphalia. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 55 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking 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 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
Expected weather for Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef for the next 5 days is:
- Thu, September 24 - 69 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 75 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 79 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 79 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 83 degrees/clear
Where is Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef located?
Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef is a trail located in Siebengebirge Nature Park.
How hard is Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef is considered a moderate hike that covers 9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,135 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef is considered a moderate hike that covers 9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,135 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef a point to point trail?
Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef is a point to point trail that covers 9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,135 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 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 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef is a point to point trail that covers 9 mi, with an elevation gain of 2,135 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 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 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
Dogs may be allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
According to trailgoers, Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef is usually busy. Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Is backpacking allowed at Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
Backpacking is allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef. 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 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
Yes, Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef is a forest trail in Siebengebirge Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Rheinsteig Stage 2: Königswinter - Bad Honnef in Siebengebirge Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 1:33 am GMT+0