Oelsbergsteig

Plenty of safeguards, but not absolutely necessary. Areas with high ladders can be bypassed.

Suitable for normal hikers and children. Sturdy shoes are recommended. From Oberwesel after the climb there is a viewing and picnic area.

The Oelsbergsteig is an easy alpine hiking trail that belongs to the Rhein-Burgen-Weg. There are several variations in this section between Oberwesel and St Goar to hike along the Rhein-Burgen-Weg. For the Oelsbergsteig, surefootedness and height suitability is a prerequisite for enjoying the route.

The trail is well secured, including iron treads over steeper terrain. You should have a certain condition. If you want to avoid the 2 ladders, you can easily do that.

The climb is also very easy to do for inexperienced climbers. Sturdy shoes are required here.

My giant schnauzer Baghira Brix was there

Breathtaking views on the Ölbergsteig to St. Goar

Oelsbergsteig closed due to the risk of rock falls!

SWR announcement from May 23rd, 2020:
The "Oelsbergsteig" via ferrata in Urbar in the Rhein-Hunsrück district has been closed due to the risk of rock falls. According to a geologist from the State Office for Geology and Mining, slate boulders weighing several hundred kilograms could come loose there. The via ferrata on the Middle Rhine has been under regular observation for years, said the mayor of Urbar, Heinz Link. Last winter there were shifts of about 15 centimeters. Initially, only part of the path was closed, signs indicated the danger of falling rocks, and there were barriers. These were repeatedly destroyed by strangers, which is why the Oelsbergsteig between Urbar and Oberwesel is no longer accessible for the time being.

The trail is still partially closed (April 25, 2021)

The via ferrata is provided with safety ropes. The metal steps over rocks are rather physically demanding.

The cultural landscape of the UNESCO World Heritage Upper Middle Rhine Valley is a unique experience for hikers. Discover the unique landscape between Oberwesel and Urbar on the 1.3-kilometer-long Oelsbergsteig, which is strongly characterized by winegrowing. The Oelsbergsteig offers everything a hiker's heart desires: Varied routes, narrow paths, pure nature paired with spectacular views. Anyone who climbs the Oelsbergsteig will find out what hardships the winegrowers have been putting up with for centuries in order to grow wine on these steep slopes.
Fascinating views, rugged rocks
From the Oelsbergsteig, enjoy the fantastic views of the Rhine Valley, Oberwesel, the city of towers and wine, and the "Seven Maidens" in the Rhine. You will pass shady places that invite you to rest, vineyards where you can meet the winegrowers of the region and unique flora and fauna. Maybe you're lucky and one of the rare green lizards crosses your path or you can watch a school class at their lesson in the school vineyard.
Demanding hiking tour
Numerous step pins, stirrups and ladders make the ascent easier. Nevertheless, you should always be free from giddiness, be sure-footed and wear sturdy hiking shoes. The via ferrata is suitable for families with children as well as for sport climbers, as the Oelsbergsteig offers extreme hiking variants at various points.
Source:
oberwesel.de/tourismus/oberwesel-aktiv/wandern-2/oelsbergsteig

Climb with alpine character - it's really fun!

Nice climbing, but in the most of which can be bypassed.

The very steep, narrow section with the stepladders and safety ropes was definitely outside of my comfort zone for me as a good “flatland hiker”. Fantastically beautiful, not exhausting, but too immensely.

Nice little via ferrata also feasible for the inexperienced. Sturdy shoes should be fine.
The view is just fantastic.

Nice tour on the slopes of the Middle Rhine Valley between vineyards and fruit trees. The via ferrata is also for inexperienced hikers with sturdy shoes to master. There is a low to medium risk of dizziness.

Beautiful hiking tour with a slight alpine character

The Ölbergsteig is a section of Alpine structure. To do well with sure-footedness and a head for heights. Ladder is easy to get around. Great view.

Sculpture of bent steel bars between the fields.

Ropes as handrails and irons as climbing aids and improvised steps allow you to try your own climbing skills. Some kicks have to be considered, so as not to knot the legs. Overall, but safe and little dizziness.

Unfortunately still partially blocked

Is currently partially blocked. But not consistently. See my tour.

A nice (optional) via ferrata for beginners!

A little climbing never hurts.

Exciting part of the tour with wonderful views over the Rhine Valley.
With a four-legged friend it is nice to see how cross-country the fur nose is. Most dogs will have a lot of fun.