Loreley - Leiselfeld - Spitznack - Loreley

The starting point of our hike was the parking lot at the Loreley Visitor Center (parking fee €3). From there we went to the entrance to the Rheinsteig (white stylized R on a blue background) and followed it towards St. Goarshausen. The path leads uphill along the summer toboggan run. At the first left turn of the Rheinsteig we left it and went straight ahead across the meadow path to the next cross path. There we turned right towards the access road to the Visitor Center. We crossed this and walked gently uphill along the edge of the forest towards Bornich. At the two red benches we met the access road again. From here the path led directly along the road. Since this is not so pleasant, we turned right into the second field path behind the benches. At the end of this path we went left, again continuing on a field path. We soon met the Leiselfelder Weg. We crossed it and continued along the field path. After about 50-60 m it made a sharp left turn and continued slightly downhill until the next bend, now to the right, and we headed towards a small rustic woodland – already with the Rhine valley in sight. Along this, it went downhill until we met the Rheinsteig again at a small clearing. From here, you just have to follow the white R on the blue background towards Loreley– so turn right. First uphill again to the point where you could think "you could have shortened here", then pretty level to a nice spot called "Fünfseenplatz". From a distance, another beautiful resting place could be seen a bit lower. The path led downhill steeply here for a short stretch to quickly meet the paved Leiselfelder Weg. At the right curve we then found our resting place on a small rocky hill seen from afar. Another red bench stands directly on the steep mountainside with an unobstructed view of the Rhine. After the break, we continued directly on the Leiselfelder Weg until it ended again in a field and meadow path at the Rheinsteig rest stop unfortunately closed due to Covid-19. The short detour at the next corner to the Felsenkanzel is absolutely recommended. A wonderful spot with a viewpoint bench right at the rock – fantastic. Back on the Rheinsteig, it went straight to the next highlight, the Spitznack – a very distinctive rock formation. Here the route is a bit confusing. The Rheinsteig sign pointed left, but there was no way forward at the cliff edge, no signs – nothing! So back to the last sign to simply continue straight ahead. Shortly uphill and you could see the next signposts again. Here, shortly left to the small pavilion with a magnificent view of the Loreley. Then it went without significant elevations through light forest, which, due to its terraces and dry stone walls, suggests that it might once have been vineyards. At a spring we then met the "Loreley Wine Educational Trail" which here merged with the Rheinsteig through the vineyards. Work was already well underway. Now a short stretch uphill and our destination is already in sight. Now a bit across the open field to the access road, along it to the parking lot. From there a short detour to the Loreley rock was made – this was a must, because you usually don’t get to see it so deserted. Only those looking for the figure of Loreley have bad luck at the moment. It – for whatever reason – no longer stands at the front by the flags on the rock. Unfortunately, it was moved to the beer garden at the back and that is currently closed due to the pandemic. A beautiful sunny route.