Access route: From Rüdesheim station, you can follow the access route through the old town and the vineyards to the Rheinsteig (RS). Alternatively, use the gondola lift.

Not far from the upper station of the gondola lift, you reach the RS and begin the Rheingau stage towards Johannisberg. After just a few meters, the hustle and bustle around the Niederwalddenkmal is left behind and the RS turns into the vineyards after a short forest section. On a comfortable path, you walk gently downhill with a beautiful view and reach the L 3034 after some changes of direction. After crossing the road, the RS heads towards the widely visible church of the Abbey of St. Hildegard in Eibingen. The abbey was founded in 1155 by Hildegard of Bingen and still provides a place of work for Benedictine nuns today. Although the RS turns right before reaching the abbey, a detour to the monastery is worthwhile both for inner reflection and a quick visit to the monastery shop.

The RS leads with several detours through the vineyards down into the Blaubach valley, where wonderful peace and varied vegetation create hiking happiness.

After a leisurely ascent, the RS finally turns right out of the valley, offering the next detour to the former Nothgottes monastery, which was a popular pilgrimage site especially in the late Middle Ages and is now owned by the Diocese of Limburg.

Through forest, the RS continues to climb and crosses near the small Antonius chapel the K 630. Shortly afterwards, you reach the first houses of Marienthal but can immediately dive back into the forest. Here you gain a little height briefly before heading on comfortable paths to the Ketteler Chapel, a small place of devotion in the middle of the forest. From here, the RS leads down a steep path into the Elsterbach valley, where you reach the still active Franciscan monastery Marienthal. A visit to the pilgrimage church is also worthwhile here before following the RS away from the hustle and bustle into the forest.

The RS initially climbs a little, then turns into the mountain slope above the Elsterbach valley and leads steadily but moderately uphill through the quiet valley. Eventually, the path profile becomes steeper and the Philosophenweg, which the RS follows here, winds up to the nature reserve meadows around the L3277. After crossing the road, you may walk right through the wide meadows. Unnoticed, you pass some barrows at Birkenkopf before the Haus Neugebauer invites you for a rest.

Refreshed, you continue the route and leave the forest. Between fields and vineyards, the RS follows a ridge east of Johannisberg with scenic views, and then turns into the Ansbach valley. There, you switch to the other side of the brook and walk through the flank of the Dachsberg, which is characterized by well-maintained vineyard rows. At a distinctive intersection, you say goodbye to the RS for today. An access path branches off to the famous Schloss Johannisberg, which you should definitely visit.

Access route: from Johannisberg, you can walk down to Oestrich Winkel or take the bus to Oestrich-Winkel or Geisenheim (each with train connections).

In Rüdesheim there are several stations. However, most are paid and relatively expensive. Free parking is available at Kastanienallee. From here, it is about 1 km to the gondola lift.

Rüdesheim has a station connected to regular regional transport. Rheinsteig access route or gondola lift to the Niederwalddenkmal.

The stage end Johannisberg is located slightly above the Rhine. From here, it is about 3 km downhill to the station in Oestrich-Winkel (Mittelheim).

www.rheinsteig.de