Rheinhöhenweg Oberwinter

The Rheinhöhenweg Oberwinter is one of the quiet stars among the long-distance hiking trails on the Middle Rhine. While many visitors follow the Rheinsteig trail, this stage from Oberwinter to Unkel offers almost meditative tranquillity and panoramic paths high above the river. Fancy a slow-paced hike with fantastic views?

1st Rhine panorama without crowds: What makes this stage special

Between the town center of Oberwinter and the half-timbered jewel of Unkel, the Rheinhöhenweg Oberwinter runs for a good 14 kilometers over sunny vineyard ridges, shady hollow paths and old orchards. Thanks to the natural hills such as the Hirschenberg, a new river cinema opens up every few minutes. The striking silhouette of the Siebengebirge on the left, the Ahr valley gate on the right, with cargo ships chugging leisurely upstream in between. Because the route is away from the better-known Rheinsteig trail, you will mainly encounter woodpeckers, red kites and perhaps a winegrower on his tractor instead of crowds of hikers. Pleasure hikers particularly enjoy the late afternoon light: as the sun sinks behind the Drachenfels, it colors the river in copper and gold tones. If you are looking for peace and quiet, start early.

2nd route in figures: Elevation profile, duration & GPX download

The loop starts at the Rhine promenade in Oberwinter (50 m above sea level) and ends after 14 km in Unkel station (65 m above sea level). In total, you gain a moderate 420 meters in altitude. Allow 4 – 4.5 hours walking time including photo breaks. Along the way, orange arrows mark the Rheinhöhenweg Oberwinter; the free GPX track from the Romantic Rhine Tourism Association is also worth a look (download: romantischer-rhein.de, as of May 2025). Drinking water is available at km 7 at the village fountain in Rheinbreitbach; toilets can be found at the finish station. Tip: If you want to take it easy on the ascent, take the 856 bus to Oberwinter-Vinxtbach and save 80 m of ascent.

3. arrival & return: train, ferry or right outside the door

From the balcony of the Oberwinter vacation apartment you can practically see the starting point: in five minutes you are on the towpath. Guests arriving by public transport can travel from Bonn main station to Oberwinter in 12 minutes(RB 26, hourly). The return journey from Unkel is every 30 minutes. Alternatively, the passenger ferry “Nixe” (April-October) takes hikers from Unkel to Erpel for €3, where the Brohler Bahn offers a connection to Oberwinter – spectacular Rhine view bonus included. You can park your car for free at Oberwinter station; overnight, cars can be parked safely on the Rheinallee parking deck. Electric fans can charge their vehicles at the 11 kW charging point next to the tourist information office.

4. insider tips: Rest stops, refreshments & photo spots

– Wide-angle spot km 3.5: Old vineyard wall with a view of Nonnenwerth Island – a secret sunrise tip.
– Picnic meadow km 6: Fruit tree avenue above Rheinbreitbach; free cherries in June.
– Stop off at km 9: “Weinzeit” wine tavern serves Riesling spritzer & vintner’s tarte flambée.
– Lost-Place photo km 11: Dilapidated powder bunkers from WW I – morbid scenery, but please do not enter.
– Final pleasure bend km 13: “Rheinschleife” viewing balcony with bench; perfect spot for the obligatory stage selfie.

Conclusion: peace and quiet, a view of the Rhine and a comfortable bed within easy reach

The Oberwinter → Unkel route on the Rheinhöhenweg Oberwinter is an insider tip for anyone who wants to enjoy the Rhine without the crowds. Moderate elevation gain, magnificent views and a flexible return journey make it ideal for day visitors and weekend holidaymakers. Book your Oberwinter vacation apartment today – after the Golden Hour hike, a hot shower, a Nespresso capsule on the kitchen counter and a box seat by the open window with a view of the river at night await you. Book nowand save the date!