Castles, wine and panoramic views: These 10 hiking trails in Rhineland-Palatinate are a must

The diverse low mountain ranges of the Eifel, Hunsrück, Palatinate Forest, and Westerwald are characterized by small gorges, species-rich mixed forests, and panoramic high altitudes, providing the perfect backdrop for hiking and outdoor adventures. All hiking trails are well signposted and marked.

Leisure hikers will especially enjoy the river valleys of the Rhine, Moselle, Ahr, Nahe, and Lahn. There, you'll find numerous vineyards and rocky passages interspersed with mixed oak and beech forests, as well as small towns that invite you to stroll and linger, or visit award-winning wineries.

In general, Rhineland-Palatinate has a lot to offer nature lovers: With approximately 43 percent of its area covered in forest, it is one of the most densely forested states in Germany and also has around 60 percent of Germany's vineyards . Cyclists and hikers interested in nature and culture, as well as those seeking sport or moderate activity, particularly appreciate this diverse landscape for spending time outdoors. It's a wonderful place to get to know the region and its people, visit cultural sights of national importance, or enjoy the culinary specialties of the regional cuisine, for which Rhineland-Palatinate offers a wide selection – whether on the Rheinsteig, the Rheinburgenweg, the Ahrsteig, or in the Palatinate Forest.

For us, these trails and hikes are among the highlights of the state: