Rhine-Castle-Trail Finale

I am back on the Rheinburgenweg, and the weather has improved significantly. A rocky trail leads up to castle Schönburg, and then along vineyards. It's getting hot, and I am glad to be able to dive into the shadows of the forest.

I follow a small path down a creek, then up to a viewpoint offering spectacular vistas again. On an island in the middle of the river Rhine lies the 14th century castle Pfalzgrafenstein, a former toll station. My hiking day ends in Bacharach, where I have booked a room in a B&B.

After a solid breakfast with homemade produce the next climb takes me up to castle Stahleck, today it houses a youth hostel. The single trails leads along the hill crest while opening more views on castles. 

Castle Fürstenberg, Rheindiebach piques my interest, so I venture down a small stairway to explore the ruin. 

After going down and up again Burg Hohneck in Niederheimbach awaits, alas, it is not open for the public.

A welcome stop is castle Sooneck, where I get a a well deserved refreshment. Again, the trail has another hill climb in store for me. A watch tower offers more views of several castles in the area.

Somebody is watching me...

 

I make my way through the forest and a gorge which involves several climbs and descents until I finally make it to the trail head in the town Bingen, where I catch a train back home.

Well, that's it. The Rhein-Castle-Trail is history, and I have another 200 km and 5700 m elevation gain under my belt.