Summer holiday hikes in Germany

Germany's low mountain ranges offer the chance for holidaymakers to try the walking holiday experience without the strain of attempting overnight hikes.

The Rhine Valley, in particular the Middle Rhine region, is one of the best places to go for short walking tours.

The Rhine river runs around 800 miles from Switzerland to the North Sea, and makes its way through some of the Germany's most idyllic landscapes, as well as the cities of Mainz and Bonn.

The upper section of the Middle Rhine between Bingen and Koblenz is one of the must-see areas of the region.

A Unesco World Heritage Site, there are 40 castles in as many miles along the river trail, many of which date from the middle ages.

As well as offering a powerful and well-protected base for their owners, the castles also acted as customs posts to raise money and safe houses for the region's notorious robber barons.

Among the most impressive of these is the yellow-coloured Stolzenfels Castle, which dates from the 1200s, but was extravagantly rebuilt in the 19th century by the Prussian crown prince Friedrich Wilhelm IV.

The multi-towered complex of Schönburg Castle, close to Oberwesel, is also eye-catching on its hilltop setting. With its unique fortifications and large grounds, the castle is well worth seeing.

For spectacular views, the 13th-century Ehrenfels Castle offers one of the most dramatic in the region. The castle is located at the foot of tall cliffs close to Bingen, and has views over the Binger Loch and is in the midst of the surrounding vineyards.

Built for the Archbishop of Mainz, the castle became a toll post for the church and is considered an emblem for the region.

Among the local tour operators offering short hikes in the region are German Trails, which has a new programme of walks specifically targeted at English and Dutch-speaking holidaymakers.

The four-day walking holidays break down into two one-day and two half-day hikes, though holidaymakers keen to experience a day visiting local spas and cultural attractions rather than a walk will be given suggestions for alternative trips.

The trips include three nights in traditional hotels, and detailed maps, with background information in English.

As well as the Rhine region, the company also has breaks in the Rothaarsteig region in Sauerland, and in Saarland in the far west of Germany.

For more information see www.germany-tourism.co.uk