Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub
88% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
13.5miLength
3,028ftElevation gain
7.5–8hrEstimated time
Point to point
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 is not permitted along this segment. Hikers should pack a water filter to safely treat surface water from natural streams 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.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Rheinsteig
Top sights
Spitznack
Peak
Ein Stück vom Paradies
Attraction
Heiliger Christophorus mit dem Jesuskind auf den Schultern
Viewpoint
Felsklippe Rossstein
Viewpoint
Katz Castle
Castle
Aussichtspunkt Hahnenplatte
Viewpoint
The sevenfold echo
Attraction
Waldschule
Weather shelter
Burg Herzogenstein (Bodendenkmal)
Archaeological site
Sommerrodelbahn Loreley-Bob
Attraction
Fünf-Seenblick
Viewpoint
Aussichtspunkt Schwedenschanze
Viewpoint
Burg Herzogenstein
Castle
Burg Gutenfels
Castle
Rabenack
Peak
Fatal beauty
Attraction
Aussichtspunkt Lennig
Viewpoint
BUND-Schutzhütte Dörscheider Heide
Weather shelter
Schweizertal
Valley
Top sights
Spitznack
Peak
Ein Stück vom Paradies
Attraction
Heiliger Christophorus mit dem Jesuskind auf den Schultern
Viewpoint
Felsklippe Rossstein
Viewpoint
Katz Castle
Castle
Aussichtspunkt Hahnenplatte
Viewpoint
The sevenfold echo
Attraction
Waldschule
Weather shelter
Burg Herzogenstein (Bodendenkmal)
Archaeological site
Sommerrodelbahn Loreley-Bob
Attraction
Fünf-Seenblick
Viewpoint
Aussichtspunkt Schwedenschanze
Viewpoint
Burg Herzogenstein
Castle
Burg Gutenfels
Castle
Rabenack
Peak
Fatal beauty
Attraction
Aussichtspunkt Lennig
Viewpoint
BUND-Schutzhütte Dörscheider Heide
Weather shelter
Schweizertal
Valley
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our community
Adventure starts in the app
Offline maps, navigation, and conditions — all in one place
Top trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Experience this 13.5-mile point-to-point trail near Sankt Goar, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 7 h 3 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What is the expected weather this week for Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
Expected weather for Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub for the next 5 days is:
- Sat, September 26 - 80 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 84 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 84 degrees/clear
- Tue, September 29 - 85 degrees/clear
- Wed, September 30 - 81 degrees/drizzle
Where is Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub located?
Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub is a trail located in Taunus Nature Park.
How hard is Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub is considered a hard hike that covers 13.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,028 ft. It takes about 7.5–8 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 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub is considered a hard hike that covers 13.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,028 ft. It takes about 7.5–8 hr to complete. Hard trails usually cover longer distances, and may have long or steep climbs or more difficult obstacles.
Is Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub a point to point trail?
Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub is a point to point trail that covers 13.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,028 ft. It takes about 7.5–8 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 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub is a point to point trail that covers 13.5 mi, with an elevation gain of 3,028 ft. It takes about 7.5–8 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 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
Dogs may be allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub.
How busy is Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
According to trailgoers, Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub is usually very busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub.
Are there scenic views at Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Heiliger Christophorus mit dem Jesuskind auf den Schultern, Felsklippe Rossstein, Aussichtspunkt Hahnenplatte, Fünf-Seenblick, and Aussichtspunkt Schwedenschanze.
Is backpacking allowed at Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
Backpacking is allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub. 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.
Is Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub is partially paved.
Are there forests at Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
Yes, Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub is a forest trail in Taunus Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rheinsteig Stage 15: St. Goarshausen - Kaub, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 26, 2026 at 12:05 pm GMT+0