Access: From the train station or the old town of Rüdesheim, a path leads to the small temple. Alternatively, you can use the gondola lift.

From the small temple, it is only a few steps on the Rheinsteig (RS), then you stand before the mighty Niederwald Monument and have a magnificent view of Rüdesheim, Bingen, and the beginning of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley. After entering the forest, the hustle and bustle quickly subsides. The RS makes a short visit in the vineyards but quickly returns to the forest. There, Rossel and Rittersaal, two buildings of the Osteinschen Park from the 18th century, offer a touch of knightly romance and provide great views. Shortly thereafter, the wondrous magic cave, an artificial tunnel with a viewing pavilion at the end, provides entertainment. Afterwards, you hike to the Niederwald Hunting Lodge, where the steep descent to Assmanshausen begins (those wanting an easier hike can take the chairlift during the season).

The RS winds down in switchbacks and reaches Waldstraße Assmannshausen. The descent continues; you pass the valley station and finally arrive at the Alte Bauernschänke, which invites you to stop for refreshments. Reinforcement is advisable, as the next ascent must be mastered! From Höllenbergstraße, the RS leads to the town's edge and steadily climbs on vineyard paths. After the strenuous ascent, one is very pleased when the delicate red wine pavilion invites for a well-deserved break.

Refreshed, you continue to the forest edge. Now it becomes challenging! With a short climbing section, you enter the typical Niederwald and reach the rock path, which winds quite demanding through the very steep slope. The RheinSTEIG lives up to its name, and sturdy hiking boots and very sure footing are now important.

After the path merges into a forest trail, the way continues much more relaxed. Passing a great viewpoint, the Speisbachtal valley is circumnavigated. Back at the edge of the slope, the Paul Claus Hut invites for a scenic break. Shortly after, you must cross the Rosselhalden below the Teufelskadrich before the RS descends noticeably and turns into the Bodental. There, rare silence can be enjoyed while crossing the creek at a small pond. Ascending, you make a curve back to the edge of the slope, pass the turnoff to the Suleika campsite, and arrive at the next spectacular rest area: Georgs Ruh.

Between forest and vineyards, the RS continues parallel to the slope and delights with great views: depending on the angle of view, up to six castles can be seen simultaneously. Entertained so enjoyably, you enter the forest again at the edge of the Bächergrund and climb briskly into the side valley. But soon the opposite side is reached, and the RS gently descends back into the Rhine Valley. You pass a shelter and admire the artistic dry stone walls along the way. Finally, you enter the vineyards and already recognize the day’s destination ahead. The last kilometers are pure panoramic hiking, and accordingly, you arrive cheerfully after a bend at the edge of Lorch. Through narrow alleys, you reach the marketplace, where the stage ends at Martinskirche.

Access: From the marketplace in Lorch, you reach the train station via Rheinstraße.

Parking lot at Rüdesheim station.

By train to Rüdesheim station.

www.rheinsteig.de