RheinBurgenWeg Stage 8: Rhens–Bad Salzig (north–south)

Onward to the Rhine loop!

Starting at the Cattle Gate, the Viehtor in Rhens, the trail passes the outskirts of the town heading for Brey. Past Brey and after a short climb, you'll come to a lodge, a perfect place for a short rest, affording a fabulous view over to the Marksburg Castle. Follow the Rheingoldbogen Traumpfad Trail, designated one of Germany's loveliest trails, as far as the fork leading to the Jakobsberg Hof, then continue along the RheinBurgenWeg, passing hidden burial mounds in the forest. The next section through the airy forest is a lovely stretch allowing you to relax and breathe in the clear forest air. You soon come to the fork that leads to the Middle Rhine via ferrata. A decision is called for here: an alpine climbing adventure for the sure-footed members of the party with a good head for heights or continue along the RheinBurgenWeg to what is known as the Four Lakes viewpoint (Vierseenblick ) where the Rhine looks as if it is divided into four lakes. Follow the trail to Gedeonseck where you can enjoy the view over the Filsen Ley and the famous Boppard Rhine loop. Passing the chairlift's top station, the RheinBurgenWeg leads along a rocky and steep path over the ridge and downhill to the valley station. Just before you reach the bottom, the via ferrata coming from the left once again to meets the RheinBurgenWeg. The descent again and again affords breathtaking views throughout and finally you reach the riverside promenade. Nowhere else does the RheinBurgenWeg come this close to the River Rhine. The RheinBurgenWeg leaves the historic centre of Boppard through a gap in the ancient town wall. Enjoy the leisurely stroll through the park before the trail climbs steeply uphill again. This section is very varied, at times following grassy tracks, at other times following field tracks and leads to the lodge on the Eisenbolz. Once at the top, a wealth of awe-inspiring vistas enrich what is otherwise a fairly flat section. From the other side of the Rhine, the "Hostile Brothers", the castles of Sterrenberg and Liebenstein, greet you and the "Steinerner Mann" viewpoint offers spectacular views of the Rhine Valley. Further magnificent views, as well as rugged cliffs and fragrant woods, await you along the forthcoming descent. The trail passes through a colourful mix of traditional orchards, hedgerows and shrubs to today's destination, the Source Pavilion ( Quellpavillon ) in Bad Salzig.