At the edge of the spa park in Schlangenbad, the Rheinsteig (RS) stage to Kiedrich begins at the Schlangenbrunnen. Via Rheingauer Straße and Omsstraße, you reach the Wandelhalle, where the RS turns onto an ascending footpath. You briefly walk along the edge of the spa park, then the RS sharply turns left into the forest. Steadily ascending, you follow the forest trail and navigate several branches without significant changes in direction. Gradually, the sounds of the valley fade, and at the Helmut Wagner shelter, the RS flattens out. You leisurely enjoy forest hiking until you reach a crossing near a hut and turn left. After a few steps, a well-maintained Kneipp facility offers a chance for a healthy refreshment.

Visibly invigorated, you follow the RS to the right and circle an orchard meadow. Then you cross the Großer Buchwaldgraben, walk a bit along the forest edge before returning into the forest. It doesn’t take long before the forest opens up, and the RS leads over an extensive meadow framed by forest. In the middle is an inviting rest area at a fork in the path.

With fresh energy, you continue the hike and go back into the forest. After a rather steep descent, you reach the course of the Großer Buchwaldgraben again. You cross the stream and turn left onto a forest road. Here, deep down in the valley, there is wonderful tranquility, making it easy to disconnect. However, as the RS turns left over the stream and ascends along a trail, your strength is challenged. After a significant climb, you pass the junction to the Rauenthal side path and follow the idyllic path with some ups and downs along the hillside. The path slowly descends again toward the valley until it ends at the edge of a forest meadow by the Buchgraben. After crossing it, you hike left on a forest road and shortly reach the Waldgasthaus Rausch, a traditional inn in the middle of the forest offering a hearty refreshment opportunity.

Refreshed, you cross the parking lot, use the bridge over the Sülzbach, and shortly afterward turn right onto a path. It steadily ascends and soon passes the Neue Forsthaus. The RS continues leisurely, reaches the forest edge, and turns right to a great rest area with a magnificent view.

Then, you continue along the forest edge, pass a small vineyard, and may enter the forest again briefly. But it won’t be long before the RS reaches the vines again and leads right through the well-maintained rows.

Along the way, you pass the “vineyard of marriage”: where a vine grows for each couple married in Kiedrich.

Next, the RS heads for the Scharfenstein ruin. In the shade of the old walls, imagination is sparked, and a magnificent view lifts your spirits. The final descent to Kiedrich follows a winding, partly quite challenging path that reaches the town edge at the Kiedricher Bach. You follow the lively stream left until the RS turns right into Tränkeweg and ascends to the center. Passing the impressive Gothic St. Valentinus church (with the oldest functioning organ in Germany), you arrive at Marktstraße, where this stage ends.

Free parking spaces in Eltville on the Rhine bank.

The starting point (Landgrafenplatz stop) is best reached by the bus line (RMV line 173) from Eltville station.

www.rheinsteig.de