Castles of the Romantic Rhine

If you like the sound of walking, castles and wine, then this tour is the perfect fit for you; focusing on the very best sections of the Rheinsteig, in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley. Experienced hikers will love this rewarding, undulating trail past castles and riverscapes. The excellent train connections mean you can shorten the daily walks, if you’d like to spend a few more hours enjoying the excellent local wine!

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Inn to Inn Walking | Walk from place-to-place changing accommodations each night. Generally staying in B&Bs, inns, and guesthouses.

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

This walk is graded moderate and you should be an experienced hiker in good physical shape, to make the most of this tour.  You’ll be walking up to 24km each day, with alternating steep ascents and descents. Some of the trail is on narrow, uneven paths, which require you to be sure-footed.  Hiking poles are recommended as you will be climbing/descending on trails up to and down from the castles. However, a bonus is the excellent network of public transport along the Rhine, and many places have a train station (with regular services) which will allow you to shorten your day’s walk should you wish to take a break.

You should have a good level of fitness and a sure foot to get the most from this trip. However, there are regular public transport options for shortening or skipping sections. 

One of the highlights of this tour is the authentic, family-run accommodation. You’ll stay 7 nights in carefully chosen properties that are a mix of comfortable small hotels, traditional guesthouses and country inns. Many of the properties are in special wine areas, or are associated with a particular 'Weinstube' (wine bar/wine establishment). Please be aware that twin & double rooms in Germany (Doppelzimmer in German) are typically 2 single mattresses side by side in one double bed frame with two separate duvet covers and pillows. A list of our preferred/usual accommodation choices is given below, however these are subject to availability and particularly in peak season can be very much in demand. If unavailable then we will book you into accommodation of the same or a higher standard.

Single Rooms & Solo Walkers

This trip is available to solo walkers and a supplement is payable as some of the costs are not shared. Single rooms are available should some of your party wish to have their own room and a single supplement is again then payable. 

Meals

7 Breakfasts are included. Packed lunches are available from your accommodation (order the night before) or you can stop on the way; there are plenty of biergarten and kiosks to satisfy your thirst and appetite! Dinners are not included but available at all overnight accommodation or close

The Rheinsteig is comprehensively way-marked  all along the trail. It is one of the ‘Top Trails in Germany’. We supply you with an excellent map, and detailed route notes, so you can easily find your way. 

This walk is available to start on any day of the week between early-April and mid-October. 

Rhine in Flames Festival: Please be aware that should you wish to travel during the festival ‘Rhine in Flames’, then accommodation is normally very difficult to secure unless you book a considerable time in advance, and the hotels may charge a premium. We will always do our best to make arrangements for you, however, at busy times a supplement may be payable for transfers or superior accommodation. Contact us for more information.

If your preferred travel dates are between mid-March and mid-April, or between mid-October and mid-November then please contact us - these dates are available with a supplement. 

The weather in the Rhine area region is changeable. Very hot days are often followed by rain and thunderstorms. Therefore you should be prepared for all weather eventualities. Check the weather report each day locally before setting off for your hike.

By Air: There are several airports close to the Upper Middle Rhine Valley.  Frankfurt Airport is is 1h15 by direct train to Koblenz. You could also fly into the smaller Frankfurt Hahn Airport which is 1h10 by bus to Koblenz. Dusseldorf Airport is 1h10 by direct train to Koblenz. Cologne Bonn Airport (Koln-Bonn) is 1h25 by direct train from Koblenz. For further information visit the website of Deutsche Bahn for timetables and tickets. 

By Rail: Koblenz Hauptbahnhof has excellent connections for trains throughout Germany and further into Europe. Visit www.bahn.co.uk for information. 

By Road: Please let us know if you are planning to arrive in Koblenz by car; so that we can inform your first hotel and check as to availability of parking. Please note that there can be a charge for parking your car (if available) at the first hotel for the duration of your walk. It is essential to check this in advance.

In Rüdesheim there is a train station and there are many connections to other stations in Germany. Train journeys to nearby airports are as follows: Frankfurt Airport 1h20 (change Mainz-Kastel), Frankfurt Hahn Airport 2h20 (train via Mainz to Wiesbaden, then bus to airport), Dusseldorf Airport 3hrs (change in Koblenz), Cologne-Bonn Airport 2h10 (change at Frankfurt). Again, please see Deutsche Bahn for detailed timetable information and tickets.

Your bags will be transferred between your accommodation as per your itinerary. We ask you to limit your luggage to one bag of up to 20kg per person.