Simply legendary! The Nibelungensteig in 7 stages

Hiking Collection by Odenwald

Tours

47:57 h

100.0 mi

15,325 ft

Siegfried stooped to drink water from a well when his rival Hagen seized the chance and stabbed the dragon slayer with his spear between his shoulders. This tragic murder is a key scene in the heroic epic Nibelungenlied, one of the most famous Germanic heroic legends. The Nibelungenstieg long-distance hiking trail takes you 100 miles (160 km) from Zwnigenberg, through the Odenwald to Freudenberg am Main, following in the footsteps of the daredevils along the Bergstraße. During the seven stages, you will see lots of geological, natural and cultural-historical sight: dreamlike panoramas alternate with shady forest passages. You will wander through the hilly landscape, enjoying fantastic views and discovering small villages with pretty half-timbered houses. You can refresh yourself with the clear water from the well-known Siegfried fountain and imagine what life would have looked like during the 13th century in the region when dragonslayers and knights roamed the woods.

We have divided the hiking trail – which leads you through Hessen, Baden-Württemberg and Bavaria – into seven stages. On day three you can choose between two stages, depending on your mood. The alternative route shows you the former royal residence city Erbach. The route is signposted with a red “N” on a white background. Each stage ends in a village with access to public transport so if you do not want to walk the whole way at once, you can pick one or more sections. If you plan to complete the route as a multi-day hike, it is worth booking the accommodations early as the small towns and villages along the Nibelungensteig usually have a limited selection of hotels and guesthouses. On the way, you will pass numerous cozy snack bars and restaurants where you can regain your strength with regional delicacies and a glass of sparkling cider.

Let yourself be enchanted by the idyllic landscape in the Odenwald and Bergstraße: hiking these legendary paths is an incredible experience. Luckily, you do not need to worry about dragons these days.

Has the idea of hiking in Odenwald and on the Bergstraße taken your fancy? These Collections offer further inspiration for day trips and long-distance hiking trails in the region:
komoot.de/collection/893328/auf-ritterlichen-spuren-9-etappen-auf-dem-burgensteig-bergstrasse,
komoot.de/collection/893327/der-alemannenweg-wandern-im-odenwald,
komoot.de/collection/893269/wein-weitsicht-welterbe-wandern-im-odenwald-und-an-der-bergstrasse.

On The Map

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Nibelungensteig Odenwald

80.6 mi

13,075 ft

13,000 ft

Last updated: November 17, 2021

Tours

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 1: Von Zwingenberg nach Lindenfels – Nibelungensteig
08:46
17.0 mi
1.9 mph
3,950 ft
3,100 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
Your hike into the legendary world of the Nibelungen begins on the western edge of the Odenwald in the tranquil town of Zwingenberg. From the train station, take a few steps through the old town and start your walk at the city gate.

Already on the first section of this stage, it goes up high: Melibokus…
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Etappe 2: Von Lindenfels bis Grasellenbach – Nibelungensteig
04:07
8.50 mi
2.1 mph
1,350 ft
1,250 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Today, the Nibelungen Trail leads you through soft valleys and densely wooded ridges of the Odenwald. After crossing the first large mountain, it goes down into the Weschnitz valley. From there, a steep serpentine path leads up to the small Walburgakapelle. Arriving at the top is not only worth a visit…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 3: Von Grasellenbach bis Erbach-Bullau – Nibelungensteig
08:00
17.1 mi
2.1 mph
2,575 ft
2,125 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Today you will experience several major highlights of the Nibelungensteig. From Grasellenbach it goes first up to the Siegfried fountain. According to legend, the great hero of the Nibelungenlied was killed here.

After you have crossed the high moor "Red Water", it goes through mountain and valley down…
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Variante Etappe 3: Von Hüttenthal bis Bullau – Nibelungensteig
07:43
17.1 mi
2.2 mph
2,050 ft
1,375 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
This variant of the Nibelungensteig takes you over the Mossautal and the city of Erbach. The 28-kilometer hike goes from Hüttenthal to Erbach-Bullau, where you then meet the main path again. This tour is a little bit longer than the original route, but you have less altitude to master.

You start in H…
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Etappe 4: Von Erbach-Bullau bis Oberzent-Hesselbach – Nibelungensteig
04:21
9.51 mi
2.2 mph
1,050 ft
1,025 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
About a long and comfortable descent, it goes on this stage of Bullau down to Schöllenbach. The path leads through a dense forest and you can enjoy the peaceful nature to the fullest.

In Schöllenbach, you can take a leisurely break at the inn "Zur schönen Aussicht" and then visit the small chapel. Then…
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Etappe 5: Von Oberzent-Hesselbach bis Amorbach – Nibelungensteig
07:27
15.0 mi
2.0 mph
1,925 ft
3,200 ft
Expert
Expert Hiking Tour. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
At this stage, some altitude difference will come together for you. From Hesselbach you start the descent from the back of the mountain "Der Kolli". After a short detour to Baden-Württemberg the Nibelungensteig now leads you to Bavaria.

The trail continues to Breitenbach. You follow its course until you…
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Etappe 6: Von Amorbach bis Miltenberg – Nibelungensteig
03:51
8.08 mi
2.1 mph
1,275 ft
1,200 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
After the very exhausting fifth stage today is a bit more comfortable. Enjoy the hustle and bustle in the beautiful baroque town of Amorbach and stroll through the streets for a while before setting out again. Via a short hairpin bump you reach an old church ruin on the Gotthardsberg above Amorbach…
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Etappe 7: Von Miltenberg bis Freudenberg am Main – Nibelungensteig
03:41
7.73 mi
2.1 mph
1,175 ft
1,100 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate Hiking Tour. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.
Compared to some other stages, a true pleasure walk awaits you today. After leaving the picturesque old town of Miltenberg, the Nibelungensteig runs along the river Main to Bürgstadt. It is worth visiting the famous Martin's Chapel, which was decorated in a special way in the interior by the Renaissance…
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