Arthur explores the Rhine Trail in Germany

The Rhine is dotted with impressive castles
The Rhine is dotted with impressive castles

Arthur explores the Rhine Trail in Germany

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.
 
Exploring the Rhine Trail
 
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)
 
>> View the Rhine River and Castles Walk
 

Walking the Rhine Trail: Traveller Tale

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.
 
Exploring the Rhine Trail |  <i>Arthur Hanlon</i>

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.
 
Exploring the Rhine Trail Exploring the Rhine Trail Exploring the Rhine Trail

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.
 
Exploring the Rhine Trail Exploring the Rhine Trail Exploring the Rhine Trail

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. 
 
Exploring the Rhine Trail
 

About the Rhine River and Castles Walking trip

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. 
 
Exploring the Rhine Trail
 
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.
 
We very much enjoyed our hike along the Rhine. The altitude changes each day gave us a good workout accompanied with wonderful views of the river and castles each day. The quality of the hotels was highly satisfactory and the luggage was transferred without a hitch. M. Ferguson. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
 
 

 
Are you interested in exploring the Rhine Trail? Share your thoughts in the comment section below.
 
  
Rhine Trail, Germany, Rhine Valley Walking, German walking holiday, Rhine Trail Review

Comment (0)

Your comment will be visible after the administrator's approval.







b i u quote


Save Comment
Join Newsletter
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ADS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Adventures South"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Adventure South</div>
Adventure South NZ is unrivalled in their geographic coverage, originality and overall quality of adventures holidays in New Zealand. Choose from walking, cycling, winter or multi-activity holidays, on either the North or South Island.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/AWH.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Walking Holidays"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Walking Holidays</div>
Australian Walking Holidays specialises in small group guided walking adventures. Since 1982 we have been guiding small groups of travellers on Australia's finest walks across our tropical, coastal or red centre landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GCT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Canadian Trails"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Canadian Trails</div>
Great Canadian Trails specialises in active holidays in Canada. With both guided and supported self-guided options available, our unique itineraries draw upon some of Canada's most inspiring parks, trails and landscapes from coast to coast.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/HUM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Humac Challenge"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Huma Charity Challenge</div>
Huma enables those with adventurous spirits to challenge themselves and make a difference for a cause close to their heart. Travel, fundraise and meet life-long friends on one of Huma's meaningful and unique challenges around the world.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WB.jpg?v2' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Walkers’ Britain"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Walkers' Britain</div>
Walkers' Britain (formerly Sherpa Expeditions) have specialised in walking and cycling trips in the United Kingdom and Europe since 1973. Explore iconic trails and destinations on a self guided or small group active holiday with Walkers' Britain.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TAS.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Tasmania Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Tasmanian Expeditions</div>
Tasmanian Expeditions is the most experienced operator of treks and adventure travel holidays in Tasmania. We own and operate the most comprehensive range of adventure holidays available across Tasmania's varied landscapes.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/UTX-new.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Utracks"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>UTracks</div>
UTracks are the active European holiday specialists. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2-star or 4-star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea – UTracks can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WYA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions Schools"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions Schools</div>
World Expeditions Schools is our specialist division dedicated to organising tailor made overseas school group adventures. Specialists in Service Learning projects, choose from more destinations than any other school group provider.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/YOM.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Yomads"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Yomads</div>
Yomads offers adventures for the 20s and 30s on six continents. Designed as a way to bring young and likeminded travellers together, Yomads caters to those interested in lightly structured and active trips that allow freedom to roam and explore.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/ACT.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Australian Cycle Tours"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Australian Cycle Tours</div>
Australian Cycle Tours specialises in high quality self guided and guided cycling experiences in a selection of the most beautiful regions in Australia.
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/WEX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="World Expeditions"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>World Expeditions</div>
The pioneers of original, worldwide adventure travel holidays since 1975
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/TJX.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Trail Journeys"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Trail Journeys</div>
Self-guided cycling experts on New Zealand's Otago Rail Trail and more
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/BMAC.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Blue Mountains Adventure Company"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Blue Mountains Adventure Company</div>
The original Blue Mountains canyoning, hiking, climbing and abseiling experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/GWNZ.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="Great Walks of New Zealand"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>Great Walks of New Zealand</div>
Explore New Zealand's most spectacular wilderness regions with the self-guided hiking experts
<img src='/portals/World%20Expeditions/Icons/brands/small/NAA.jpg' class='brandPopoverIcon' alt="North America Active"> <div class='brandPopoverBrandName'>North America Active</div>
USA Canada hiking & cycling tour specialists, choose from self-guided or guided trips