Erpeler Ley hike

The **ErpelerLey hike** is the perfect short trip for anyone looking to relax in Oberwinter and at the same time enjoy a crisp micro-adventure on their doorstep. In less than 15 minutes by car from the vacation apartment, you can reach the striking basalt cone above the Rhine, lace up your boots and immerse yourself in spectacular views, trails steeped in history and Instagram-worthy photo spots. Sounds good? Then read on, plan your weekend hike and check the **availability of our vacation apartments** for your next outdoor escape!

Why the Erpeler Ley is a real micro-adventure

Micro-adventures thrive on minimal effort and maximum experience. The Erpeler Ley fulfils this concept in more ways than one: it is easily accessible, offers everything that makes hikers’ hearts beat faster on a circular trail of only around 4 kilometers and rewards you after the first 15 minutes of walking with a 130-meter-high cliff that drops vertically to the Rhine. The Celts used the basalt cone as a place of worship, as evidenced by shards and ring walls. The cliff later became a strategic vantage point during the Second World War; today, the “Bridge of Remagen” peace museum towers over the valley. The combination of natural drama and cultural history makes the tour the perfect after-work tour or half-day excursion for families with schoolchildren. Thanks to the shorter distance, even your four-legged friend can join you – a lead is only required on the steep slopes. ► You can find more ultra-short tours in our article “Walks & picnic spots on the Rhine” at https://ferienwohnung-oberwinter.de/blog/picknickplaetze-rhein/.

Route overview: length & difficulty in a quick check

**Distance:** 4.2 km | **Altitude:** 170 m | **Duration:** approx. 1 h 30 min

The classically signposted circular trail starts at the hiking parking lot above the tunnel portal of the once strategically important Kaiser Wilhelm Tunnel. From there, follow the “Leypfad” in an anti-clockwise direction. After just a few bends, the plateau with wooden railings opens up – probably the most famous photo spot in the region. The path then leads gently across meadows and sparse pine groves to the hamlet of “Unkelbach”. A final ascent brings you back to the starting point. Technically, the trail is easy, but requires sure-footed shoes as loose basalt gravel sections slip easily in dry weather. You can download official GPX data free of charge from the **Rhineland-Palatinate Tourism** tour planner [1]. ► Tip: Combine the tour with the return trip on the Remagen-Erpel ferry.

Highlights: Geology, history & Rhine panorama

The Erpeler Ley is an old volcanic stump made of columnar basalt, which was quarried industrially until 1979. You can still see the terraced edges of the quarry today – a showpiece for geology fans. Next to it, the Ley tells the story of the last winter of the war in 1945: German troops watched the “Remagen Bridge” being blown up from here. Information boards explain the dramatic events with historical photos. Those who prefer to enjoy nature can use their binoculars to wander over the meandering loop of the Rhine, perhaps see an excursion boat from the KD fleet or watch paragliders circling on thermal updrafts. In summer, the rare steppe fennel shines between the basalt columns – a hotspot for insect photography.

Practical tips: Arrival, parking & equipment

**Local public transport:** Regional train RB 26 to “Erpel” – hourly from Oberwinter station. From there it is a 20 minute walk to the start.
* By car:** A 61 exit Bad Honnef/Linz, continue in the direction of Erpel. Free parking lot for hikers “Ley-Tunnel” (Navicode: 50.5987, 7.2471).
* ** **Prams?** The plateau path is paved, but the serpentines from the parking lot are steep. It’s better to carry a pram or stretcher.
* **Best time:** April-October for flowers and distant views; at sunset, the rock face is bathed in golden light – a classic for reel shots.
* **Refreshments:** Winzerhof “Weingut Scheidgen” in Erpel (Wed-Sun). Try the mineral Pinot Noir rosé after the tour!

The best photo spots for your social media feed

1st **Skyline-Corner:** Directly at the railing on the main plateau – ideal 16:9 frame with Rhine, Unkel and Siebengebirge.
2nd **Basalt Column Close-up:** 50 meters south, where the quarry is exposed. The hexagonal columns look like a Game of Thrones set.
3. **Fernsicht-Bench:** Wooden bench at trail kilometer 2.1 with a view of Remagen and the Ahr valley – perfect for a time-lapse.
4**Meadow path:** Lined with gorse in spring; use portrait mode for yellow-green bokeh!
5. **Ferry crossing:** Take the car ferry on the way back and take a wide-angle selfie with the Ley in the background.

Link us on Instagram with @fewo.oberwinter – we share the best shots in our stories!

Conclusion

The Erpeler Ley hike combines everything that makes the Middle Rhine unique in 90 minutes: dramatic cliffs, historical sites and wine enjoyment. The short journey from the **FerienwohnungOberwinter** makes the tour just as suitable for a spontaneous evening out as it is for a family outing with a picnic. Pack your camera, charge your smartphone battery and book your weekend full of views, adventure and Rhineland joie de vivrenow!