recommended route
Stage 5
Rheinsteig Stage 5: Bad Hönningen–Leutesdorf (north–south)
-
Blick auf Bad HönningenPhoto: Henry Tornow, Romantischer Rhein Tourismus GmbH
The fortified border linking the Rhine and the Danube, over 500 kilometres long, is heralded as the biggest archaeological field monument in Central Europe. Domitian had his Roman wall erected between 81 and 96 AD. Not far from the starting point of this stage of the Rheinsteig, very close to the Rhine, stands Limes watch tower number 1. If you’d like to find out more about the Romans, you can visit the RömerWelt museum; an access path takes you the 300 metres to the entrance.
On this stage between Bad Hönningen and Leutesdorf the Rheinsteig is again generous with its marvellous views. From the rocky outcrops of the Rheinbrohler and Hammersteiner Lay narrow paths take you to the sun-kissed vineyards above Leutesdorf. Beautiful old half-timbered houses from the 17th and 18th centuries lend this age-old, traditional wine village its typical Rhenish warmth and charm. Leutesdorf is generally claimed to be the last bastion of Riesling wine on the Rhine.
Author’s recommendation
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
Health and safety
- Wear suitable weatherproof clothing that will protect you from cold, wet, heat and sunshine.
- Make sure you take regular breaks and don't overexert yourself.
- Take enough fluids with you as there are sections without rest stops.
- Wear suitable hiking boots/shoes which give you enough grip on slippery, steep, rocky and uneven surfaces.
- Avoid any sections of the route which you feel are too difficult for you. Natural trails can quickly become wet and slippery in adverse weather conditions.
- Particularly in autumn, you should be careful of uneven ground, roots, stones or holes that have been covered by leaves.
- You need to take these kinds of adverse conditions into account every time you go on a hike.
- Particularly steep and dangerous places are made safer with handrails or ropes. Please use these as safety aids. Handrails are not to be climbed on or used to get a better view!
Tips and hints
www.rheinsteig.deStart
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
From the train station in Bad Hönningen you take the south access path towards Rheinbrohl. Once on the actual Rheinsteig, you pass the RömerWelt at Caput Limitis. If you’re into the Romans, you should plan a trip to this museum of living history.
Out of town the Rheinsteig heads off towards Rheinbrohl. However, before you reach the village the trail cuts off to the left up the Hungerberg at the Adenauer Hut. It’s also worth turning back to admire the view behind you here. A little further on you then descend into the Lampen Valley and past the Lampentaler Hof. The scenery then switches between fields and woods before you reach the edge of Rheinbrohl and a little later again start your ascent, this time to the war memorial.
It’s now not far to the spectacular viewpoint at Rheinbrohler Lay, 198 metres above sea level. You can see far into the Rhine Valley from the viewing pavilion. The tour then becomes more adventurous, hugging fencing on the hillside slope and trailing the edge of the forest across the ridge and back down through beechwood to the valley of Hammerstein Brook. After this, the Rheinsteig runs past the houses of Nieder-Hammerstein and through the middle of a vineyard towards Ober-Hammerstein. The climb up to the ruins of Hammerstein Castle now starts. This former stronghold on its rocky spur, 196 metres above sea level, is not directly on the Rheinsteig but the short detour is well worth it for the great view. Beyond the remains of the old keep there are ruined walls and ramparts to be discovered.
A wide track now heads downhill and through vineyards to the Bachhof. From here, a path winds its way up through fields and forest to a woodland hut. You continue along the orchard nature trail through the Langenbergskopf nature conservation area. Time and again you can gaze down on the River Rhine.
Here, the Rheinsteig takes a rocky path down to the Edmund hikers’ hut, where from the terrace you again have magnificent views of the Rhine and cold water geyser on Namedyer Werth near Andernach on the opposite bank of the river. An access path leads down to Leutesdorf through steeply terraced vineyards.
Note
Public transport
Public-transport-friendly
Bad Hönningen and Leutesdorf are both on the regional train network which operates a regular service. An access path marked with yellow Rheinsteig signs takes you to the main trail.
There is a car ferry in Bad Hönningen.
Getting there
Follow the B42 along the Rhine to get to Bad Hönningen and Leutesdorf.
Access is possible by train.
There is a car ferry in Bad Hönningen.
Parking
At the train station in Bad Hönningen. From the station an access path marked with yellow signs leads to the Rheinsteig.
In the Rhine car park in Bad Hönningen near the campsite and thermal baths.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Literatur zum Rheinsteig erhältlich im Online-Shop des Rheinsteigs
Author’s map recommendations
Rheinsteig-Wanderkarten sind erhältlich im Online-Shop des Rheinsteigs
Equipment
- Wanderschuhe
- Witterungsangepasste, zweckmäßige Kleidung
Statistics
- 6 Waypoints
- 6 Waypoints
Questions and answers
Would you like to the ask the author a question?
Rating
Photos from others