This time, in the middle of the crisis, we went again along the Rhine to Sankt Goarshausen. In this village in the middle of the Rhine stands the famous Loreley. However, there is also a hiking trail that leads from the village up the slope and finally returns to the Rhine as a circular path through fields and forests.
In this video, I go on a hike along the Loreley Roundtrack near Sankt Goarshausen, one of the most famous locations in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, Germany. The Loreley is not just a scenic viewpoint—it is also a place of myth, legend, and cultural importance, set high above the Rhine River where the valley is at its narrowest and most dramatic. Hiking here means combining breathtaking views, steep vineyards, dense forests, and a touch of history and folklore.
The hike starts in Sankt Goarshausen, a small Rhine town with a long connection to the river and its trade routes. From here, the trails quickly climb into the hills, rising steeply above the town to reach the Loreley Plateau. The climb is worth the effort: from the top, there are sweeping panoramas across the Rhine, the town of Sankt Goar on the opposite bank, and the river gorge winding north and south.
The Loreley itself is a legendary rock formation on the eastern side of the Rhine, towering around 132 meters above the river. For centuries, it has been linked with the legend of the beautiful siren Loreley, who is said to have lured sailors to their deaths with her singing. Standing on the cliffs, it is easy to understand why the place has inspired myths and stories: the views are dramatic, the cliffs sheer, and the river bends tightly at this spot, making it one of the most iconic landscapes in Germany.
The Loreley Roundtrack circles the plateau, passing through a mix of open viewpoints and shaded forest paths. Along the way, the trail leads past vineyards, meadows, and resting points where hikers can pause to take in the views. The variety of scenery makes the hike engaging: one moment you are walking under tall trees in silence, the next you are standing at a lookout with the Rhine stretching far into the distance.
The vineyards around Sankt Goarshausen are also part of the experience. The slopes are steep, sometimes almost vertical, and the neat rows of vines climb high above the river. In autumn, these vineyards glow in golden and red colours, while in spring and summer, they are bright green with fresh leaves. The connection between wine culture and the dramatic landscape is one of the defining features of the Rhine Valley.
One of the best aspects of the hike is the panoramic views from the Loreley Plateau and the surrounding paths. From here, you can see the Rhine flowing far below, castles on distant ridges, villages on the riverbanks, and ships navigating the famous bend in the river. Every season gives a different mood: mist rising from the water in autumn, clear skies in summer, snow-dusted hills in winter.
The Loreley open-air stage is another landmark on the plateau. This amphitheatre, built into the landscape, hosts concerts and festivals with the Rhine Valley as a backdrop. It is a modern addition to a place otherwise steeped in legend and natural beauty, showing how the Loreley continues to be a place of gathering and cultural life.
The forests of the Taunus foothills frame the route, giving shade and quiet contrast to the openness of the cliffs. Walking here adds a sense of balance to the hike, with soft forest floors, birdsong, and occasional clearings that open back onto the river views. The combination of forest calm and dramatic cliffs is part of what makes the roundtrack so enjoyable.
This video captures the impression of hiking the Loreley Roundtrack near Sankt Goarshausen: the climb from the river, the vineyards, the legendary cliffs, the sweeping Rhine views, and the seasonal beauty of the valley. It is not a step-by-step hiking guide but rather an overview of the atmosphere and significance of one of Germany’s most famous landscapes.
For travelers, the Loreley is a must-see destination in the Upper Middle Rhine Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Hiking the roundtrack gives a chance to experience the Loreley not just as a viewpoint but as part of a living cultural landscape shaped by wine, legends, and history. Whether you are here for a short walk, a full hike, or simply to enjoy the views, the Loreley offers an unforgettable glimpse of the Rhine at its most dramatic.