Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch
100% of reviewers say this trail is moderate
8.6miLength
1,850ftElevation gain
4.5–5hrEstimated time
Point to point
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 be bypassed if necessary, before opening onto sunny vineyard paths above Lorchhausen and Lorch.
Overnight stays are accommodated in local guesthouses and hotels in Lorch, as wild camping is strictly prohibited along this segment. A water filter is recommended to 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
Ruine Nollig
Castle
Hexenturm
Tower
Zur Clemenskapelle
Viewpoint
lorchhausen viewpoint
Viewpoint
Seppl-Blick
Viewpoint
Kauber Blick
Viewpoint
Dicker Turm
Tower
Burg Gutenfels
Castle
Wirbellay
Viewpoint
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
Castle
Falkenau
Beach
Brunnen Obertal
Spring
Nollig
Peak
Schwätz-Plätzchen
Picnic site
Strunk
Tower
Top sights
Ruine Nollig
Castle
Hexenturm
Tower
Zur Clemenskapelle
Viewpoint
lorchhausen viewpoint
Viewpoint
Seppl-Blick
Viewpoint
Kauber Blick
Viewpoint
Dicker Turm
Tower
Burg Gutenfels
Castle
Wirbellay
Viewpoint
Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
Castle
Falkenau
Beach
Brunnen Obertal
Spring
Nollig
Peak
Schwätz-Plätzchen
Picnic site
Strunk
Tower
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 8.6-mile point-to-point trail near Kaub, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 24 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 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Expected weather for Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch for the next 5 days is:
- Thu, September 24 - 71 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 77 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 82 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 83 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 81 degrees/clear
Where is Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch located?
Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch is a trail located in Rhine Taunus Nature Park.
How hard is Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch is considered a moderate hike that covers 8.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,850 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch is considered a moderate hike that covers 8.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,850 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch a point to point trail?
Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch is a point to point trail that covers 8.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,850 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 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 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch is a point to point trail that covers 8.6 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,850 ft. It takes about 4.5–5 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 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Dogs may be allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch?
According to trailgoers, Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch is usually very busy. Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Zur Clemenskapelle, lorchhausen viewpoint, Seppl-Blick, Kauber Blick, and Wirbellay.
Are there beaches at Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Yes, Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch is near Falkenau.
Is backpacking allowed at Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Backpacking is allowed on Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch. 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 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Yes, Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch is a forest trail in Rhine Taunus Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Rheinsteig Stage 16: Kaub to Lorch, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Last updated on September 24, 2026 at 1:57 am GMT+0