RheinBurgenWeg Stage 9: Bad Salzig–St. Goar (north–south)

Right through the World Heritage Site!

The 9th stage of the RheinBurgenWeg starts at the Source Pavilion in Bad Salzig. It continues through the Kurpark before leaving Bad Salzig and the first ascent awaits you. After a short way, a rocky cliff provides the first opportunity to catch your breath and take a look around. Continuing uphill, you pass the outskirts of Weiler and cross the Ziehbach stream. There now follows a wonderful section of the trail to the front edge of the slope and onward to the magnificent "Ziehlay" viewpoint with the wooden figure of the praying nun and the view from above over Kestert on the opposite bank. The trail heads back towards Weiler, then bends to the left and descends into the Weilerbach Valley. The trail then follows the mule path uphill. Once you've reached the top, a small shelter at the edge of the forest provides a perfect stop for a well-deserved rest. The trail now passes through the mixed forest and then descends steeply down the alpine path into the picturesque village of Hirzenach. It's definitely worth making a short detour to view the pretty Provost's Garden and the Monastery Church. Well rested, you can now tackle the ascent to Holzfeld, where you really should not pass up on the opportunity to taste the cheese produced by the Holzfeld Goat Farm. With your backpack a little heavier with assorted delicious cheese varieties, continue on to the Taunusblick lodge, which marks the start of the forest and opens up a beautiful vista of Holzfeld and the surrounding region. The ensuing quiet woodland section provides an opportunity to process your impressions thus far. Following a descent, the RheinBurgenWeg now heads a little way into the hinterland. You will not fail to be impressed by the rock-lined descent into the Heimbach Valley where you will experience an almost jungle atmosphere. What follows is hiking pleasure at the highest level, because the RheinBurgenWeg follows an old alpine path through coppiced trees along the edge of the slope to the breathtaking views over Fellen. Continuing on to St. Goar, you pass the "Pilz" viewpoint.

Cross the Gründelbach Valley, resulting in yet another steep descent and ascent. Shortly before you reach today's destination, the crowning end to a wonderful day is a visit to the imposing Rheinfels Castle. The RheinBurgenWeg leads right into the middle of the courtyard.