While the Rhine River is generally seen on an active bike and barge holiday, it is also growing in popularity to explore the charming German villages on foot. This is partly due to the development of the Rhine Trail, or Rheinsteig as it's known in German.

 

 

Recently Arthur walked the Rhine Trail on a self-guided walking tour with UTracks. Read his account of the trip below and see why he rated this a five-star holiday. (All photos by Arthur Hanlon)

 

 

I've just finished an 8-day walk down the Rhine Gorge. UTracks' organisation and accommodation was excellent, the food was very good and the scenery, of course, was spectacular. 
 

I started by catching a train from Mainz to an overnighter in Rudesheim, a very popular tourist town.

 

From there I caught a cable car up to a giant statue of Germania and then started the walk proper. The weather was hot and the paths narrow and sometimes difficult. There were three very steep sections over the whole journey where sturdy cables or ropes were essential.

I walked 20km the first day, 15km on the second and eight on the fourth. I had a little assistance from trains or ferries on the other days.

 

My suitcase was sent on to the next riverside village every morning and I carried a 30-litre backpack, mainly for water. 

The walk ended in Koblenz, a fascinating city where the Mosel meets the Rhine.

 

Overall, my knees held up well but muscle soreness was an issue.

Chatting to walkers and cyclists en route was fun. The overall sense of achievement -- along with sights of at least 20 hilltop castles -- was strong. 

 

 

Discover Germany's most popular region on the recently developed Rhine Trail (Rheinsteig). The Rhine Gorge stretches 65km along the river between Bingen and Koblenz in Germany and with its rich history, geological characteristics and unique culture it was understandably listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2002. The river has carved through the predominantly slate rock to produce dramatic cliffs up to 200m, the most famous of which is Loreley Rock. 

 

 

Dotted with castles, many of which were reduced to ruins during the Thirty Years War, and with the southern slopes covered by vineyards producing the famous riesling varietal, the region is as picturesque as it is fascinating. Walking through pretty wine villages with half timbered houses, ascending to the historic castles high above the river and arriving in Koblenz where the Rhine meets the Moselle are just some of the highlights of this week long walking holiday. 

 

In the evening stay in comfortable hotels specially chosen for their location and character.

 

 

>> View the Rhine River and Castles Walk

>> View all walking and cycling trips in Germany

 

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