The enchanting Rhine – Day hikes in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley

The Rhine River looks like a scene from a fairytale as it flows through the unique landscape from Rüdesheim to Koblenz. On its journey north, it meanders through narrow valleys and rugged rock formations, passing legendary palaces and castles on its way. The river is hugged by the Hunsrück mountain range on its western bank with the Taunus mountains on the other side. This Collection will guide you through 40 miles (65 kilometers) of spectacular scenery, showing you the beauty and diversity of the region in seven routes. The River Rhine is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is easy to see why.

Each route shows you a different aspect of the Rhine Valley; from rolling hills and forests in the adjacent low mountain ranges to spectacular views of the valley. Let yourself be enchanted by the beautiful surroundings, enjoy the peace and quiet of the plateaus and watch ships as they journey across the Rhine. After a day of hiking, you can enjoy a glass of local wine, learn more about the rich culture and history of the region and who knows, you might even hear the lulling songs of the Loreley.

The Middle Rhine Valley is great for hiking all year round. Due to its mild climate, spring always starts early in the region. The apple trees in the Rhine Valley are already beginning to bloom even when winter still shrouds the Hunsrück and Taunus mountains. Thanks to the mountains, the region is usually quite dry as the Hunsrück holds back any rain clouds. In summer, you can escape the heat in the shaded forests and enjoy a cooling breeze on the higher plateaus. In autumn, the region is a charming natural spectacle as the leaves on the trees and vines transform into autumnal colors. On snow-covered winter days, the castles and palaces look even more like a fairytale. In rain and snow, however, take care on the rocks as they can become slippery.

As most of the routes are suitable for beginners and families, this Collection offers something for everyone. However, the Via Ferrata at Boppard is a more adventurous route and requires a head for heights.

All starting points can be reached with the regional train from Koblenz or Mainz, a pretty train route which follows the river. Koblenz is a great base camp for your hikes. If you would like to experience the river from the water, you can also take a boat across the Middle Rhine to some of the starting points. All departure points, times and prices can be found here: schifffahrt-rhein.de.