Rheinsteig
~21 days · 194.4 mi · strenuous · Point-to-point
Quick facts
What the Rheinsteig is known for
Rheinsteig follows Romantischer Rhein Tourismus's officially published 21-stage itinerary from Bonn to Wiesbaden-Biebrich. The official source describes 320 km; this hand-chained OpenStreetMap relation 2685 main-line geometry measures 312.8 km. Approach, excursion, and alternative branches are excluded; named camp markers are overnight planning towns, not campsite assertions.
Elevation profile
Elevation ranges from 623 ft to 3,747 ft over 194.4 mi. Measured from OSM geometry (approximate).
- Uphill 78.8 mi · 41%
- Downhill 88.9 mi · 46%
- Flat 26.5 mi · 14%
Ridgefold breaks every route into uphill, downhill, and flat — see the full per-day breakdown in the app.
How hard is the Rheinsteig?
On the Ridgefold Difficulty Index, the Rheinsteig scores 80/100, a relative rating across the 1,243 trails we've mapped, blending distance, elevation gain, and steepness. It is a comparison within our set, not an official rating.
Frequently asked questions
How many days does the Rheinsteig take?
Most backpackers hike the Rheinsteig in about 21 days (20 nights out) over its 194.4 miles, though pace varies with fitness and conditions.
How much elevation gain is on the Rheinsteig?
The Rheinsteig climbs roughly 46,939 ft total — about 241 ft per mile, topping out near 1,237 ft.
Related trails
Sources & attribution
Route geometry from OpenStreetMap, © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 — source relation. Stats are approximate and may differ from official surveys; permit rules and conditions change — verify with the managing authority before your trip. Last reviewed July 2026.