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.

Rocking the Rhine-castle-trail... again!

Two more days hiking solo... and once again I am back on the Rheinburgenweg (Rhine-castle-trail). This part of the region is UNESCO world heritage. The trail is a rollercoaster, it goes up and down, sometimes in somewhat alpine conditions, offering narrow rocky pathways and slippery trails. It rains... a lot, but hey, I do it snail-style, slowly does it.

First it drizzles, then the sun bites its way through the clouds as I climb up and follow the crest trail. Viewpoint follow after viewpoint like pearls on a string. On a downhill path to the village Boppard, a rainstorm hits me hard, I am wet before I can pull on my rain gear.

I visit the 12th century church St. Severus in order to dry up while listening to live organ music. Of course the Romans were here before and left some castle ruins and walls behind.

The trail leads into a park, then it's an uphill climb once again, with some more views to come. No other hikers around, but who else would be so stupid to hike in the rain...

I had planned on camping but decide booking a room in the village of St. Goar instead. The trail is steep and slippery from the rain. Limestone and mud, loose rocks and grass make for some pucker moments but eventually I get to the hotel. Check-in seems to take forever but finally... a hot shower and a hot meal make for a happy ending.

Next day... it had dried up over night, only to start raining again once I am trail-ready. The so called stairway (not to heaven, nevertheless to a fantastic viewpoint) passes an old ruin, leads through a gorge and then up to an awesome panoramic view of the river gorge and the famous Loreley, a 132 m (433 ft) high almost vertical slate rock on the opposite bank of the Rhine.

My section goal, the village Oberwesel is already in sight but it will take almost three hours to get there as I need to cross three valleys. A rollercoaster indeed! At least the weather seems to improve. 

The train arrives on time and is going to take me back home. Another work week awaits.