Approach: from Geisenheim or Oestrich Winkel (each with rail connection) you can reach Johannisberg by bus or on foot.

In the middle of the Riesling paradise, near the famous Schloss Johannisberg, the stage to Rüdesheim begins. Initially, the Rheinsteig (RS) winds moderately uphill through the vineyards of the Ansbachtal, soon offering magnificent panoramic views. At the edge of Johannisberg, it goes up to the forest edge, where Haus Neugebauer (accommodation & restaurant) is passed. It continues through the forest over the Birkenkopf, where some burial mounds remain unnoticed. Then the RS turns left twice and leads over rolling meadows to the L3272, which is crossed carefully. Shortly afterwards, you follow the forest edge, then the RS descends steeply and leads through the forest down to the Elsterbach valley, accompanied by the Philosophenweg. The quiet valley is a good prelude to the visit to the first monastery of the day, because at the end of the descent the Marienthal Monastery welcomes hikers in the valley floor. The still active Franciscan monastery is a popular pilgrimage destination, so it can be quite busy here.

The RS circles the church and then quickly turns back into the forest. It leads steeply uphill on path-like trails to the Kettler Chapel, a small place of devotion in the middle of the forest. With lively ups and downs, the RS mostly follows comfortable forest paths and leads to the edge of Marienthal. From there it goes over a meadow to the K 630, which is crossed at the hiking car park near the Antonius Chapel. Another quiet forest section follows, on which the RS descends into the Blaubach valley. There the next detour to the former Nothgottes Monastery offers itself, which was a popular pilgrimage site especially in the late Middle Ages and today belongs to the Diocese of Limburg. Afterwards, you wander leisurely through the Blaubach valley and enjoy the varied nature.

Finally, the signs point right over the brook and after a short ascent you reach the vineyards again. You proceed briskly and cross the road to Eibingen. Ahead, a bit uphill, you can already see the monastery.

After a short ascent, the moment has come: you stand in front of the famous Abbey St. Hildegard in Eibingen, founded in 1155 by Hildegard of Bingen, where Benedictine nuns are still active today. A short detour to the monastery is worthwhile both for inner reflection and for a quick visit to the monastery shop. Afterwards, you follow the RS along the edge of the vineyards westward and enjoy the great view. After crossing the L 3034, you reach with some bends the upper station of the gondola at the Niederwalddenkmal. The view of Rüdesheim and the Rhine is intoxicating, and at the small temple you bid farewell to the RS for today.

Approach: now you have the choice: either you hike on the approach path through the vineyards into the old town and possibly further to the Rüdesheim station. An airy (and very comfortable) option is to use the historic gondola.

Parking at Geisenheim station and near Schloss Johannisberg.

By train to Geisenheim station and then by bus (RMV lines 181 and 183) to Johannisberg (stop Johannisberg cemetery).

www.rheinsteig.de