Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen
9.8miLength
1,354ftElevation gain
5–5.5hrEstimated time
Point to point
This route is stage 4 of the Soonwaldsteig, a long-distance trail in Rhineland-Palatinate, starting at Ellerspring and ending in Rheinböllen. The path passes Ellerspring (657 m), the highest point of the Soonwald, and traverses the Glashütter Wiesen nature reserve and ancient beech forests at the Katzenkopf reserve. Key highlights include the views from Schanzerkopf and the heritage-protected observation tower at Hochsteinchen. Overnight stays are available at the Ellerspring trekking camp with prior reservation; otherwise, camping is prohibited. As there are no reliable water sources along the ridge, hikers should carry full supplies from the start. The stage is well-connected to regional transport via bus lines in the Guldenbach Valley, schedules at https://www.rnn.info or https://www.bahn.de.
For the full route and all stages, see https://www.alltrails.com/lists/soonwaldsteig - Official AllTrails List.
This text has been translated.
Part of a multi-day route
Soonwaldsteig
Top sights
Schanzerkopf
Peak
Ellerspring
Peak
Hochsteinchen
Peak
Eichberghütte
Weather shelter
Hochsteinchen Observation Tower
Viewpoint
Gäulstäbelbrunnen
Spring
Ödesborner Höhe
Peak
Cat's Head
Peak
Eichberg
Peak
Trekkingcamp Ellerspring
Campsite
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?
Enjoy this 9.8-mile point-to-point trail near Ippenschied, Rhineland-Palatine. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 4 h 40 min to complete. This is a popular trail for backpacking, camping, and hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
What is the expected weather this week for Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Expected weather for Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen for the next 5 days is:
- Thu, September 24 - 67 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 75 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 75 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 82 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 80 degrees/clear
Where is Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen located?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen is a trail located in Soonwald-Nahe Nature Park.
How hard is Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen is considered a moderate hike that covers 9.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,354 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 Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen is considered a moderate hike that covers 9.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,354 ft. It takes about 5–5.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen a point to point trail?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen is a point to point trail that covers 9.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,354 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 Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen is a point to point trail that covers 9.8 mi, with an elevation gain of 1,354 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 Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Dogs may be allowed on Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen. Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
How busy is Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
According to trailgoers, Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen is usually somewhat busy. Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime.
Are there scenic views at Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Yes, Hochsteinchen Observation Tower is located on Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen.
Is camping allowed at Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Camping is allowed on Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen in Soonwald-Nahe 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 Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Backpacking is allowed on Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen. 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 Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Yes, Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen is a forest trail in Soonwald-Nahe Nature Park.
Are there wildflowers at Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Soonwaldsteig Stage 4: Ellerspring - Rheinböllen in Soonwald-Nahe Nature Park. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on September 20, 2026 at 12:59 am GMT+0