The Rheinsteig is a well known hiking trail on the east bank of the Rhine River in Germany. Its 320 kilometres (200 mi) route stretches from Bonn to Wiesbaden.
It is usually divided into 4 major stages:
- Siebengebirge
- Unteres Mittelrheintal
- Oberes Mittelrheintal
- Rheingau.
This FKT route describes the „Etappen Rheingau” or “Rheingau” stages. They cover 58 km and approx. 1600 m elevation gain from Wiesbaden to Rüdesheim. While it can be run in both directions, it’s highly recommended to start in Wiesbaden at the starting point at Biebrich Palace and finish at the “Niederwalddenkmal”, a monumental statue at the finish line close to Rüdesheim. The imposing statue offers a spectacular scenery for your finish of a spectacular run, with a great view of the rhine and the possibility to continue the rest of the length along the Rheinsteig for anyone keen enough. For all others, a cablecar runs down to the town until 6 pm as of this writing in 2026.
The course follows a mix of roads and trails along the rhine river, through picturesque forests and vineyards with views of the rhine. You pass old monasteries, castles and famous vineyards as well as beautiful towns along the rhine river. The route is well marked throughout with the symbol of the Rheinsteig.
A truly beautiful German “Mittelgebirgs”(small mountains) run offering all you could possibly ask for from trails to gravel roads with amazing views throughout.
The Rheingau stages are very suited for unsupported efforts, as many local mineral springs open to the public exist. The most notable ones are located in Schlangenbad (“Schlangenbrunnen” 50.093418, 8.099722); Kiedrich (on the town square 50.04108, 8.08402) and “Wallfahrtskirche Marienthal” (on the outside of the monastary at 50.010901, 7.946625). Other options likely exist, while these 3 were in good condition and offering sufficient water in May 2026. Schlangenbad mineral water consumption should not exceed 1 l per day as indicated by a sign at the spring, due to high mineral content.
For additional information, pictures as well as gpx tracks for the individual shorter stages please refer to https://www.rheinsteig.de/rheinsteig .
