Burg Stahleck, Bacharach Germany

As I recall, there are two pathways up from the town: go up one come back the other. Almost all steps, straight up the hill, and we found them to be strenuous and slippery, although it isn't that far. I guess you could walk the road up as well. What is worth noting is there isn't much to see once you get there. Its a functioning hostel, and not a restored museum/tour kind of place. So the views are great, but its not exactly a castle visit you might be expecting. Someone correct me if I am wrong.

There is a path that follows the old town wall on the south side of the town. It's nice but might be a bit steep and slippery as i recall.
There is another path just behind the ruined chapel behind the church, which is a bit easier.
As Stan says it's not that far and also it's a functioning hostel and not a museeum, but it looks nice from the outside and the views from the courtyard are great

kathy,

I've only used the route that goes through the old chapel, and it's not too difficult at all, even for an old guy like me. You'll start near the Church and use the stairs to the old chapel, which can be seen in THIS picture. From the old chapel, there are more stairs and those lead to a trail that winds back and forth up the mountain. It's a bit narrow in parts, but not especially difficult. Once you reach the Castle, be sure to have a "cool one" while admiring the magnificent views!

I know of four ways up, but they get to the same place, so the shorter the route, the steeper the climb.

There is one path starting near the Bahnhof. I know nothing about it, but it probably has some steps.

All other paths require one to go through the center of town (Oberstrasse and Marktstrasse). Probably the shortest of these goes up steps next to the Werner Kapelle. It goes up from Oberstrasse just before you come to Blücherstrasse.

If you go out Blücherstrasse a little bit, before you get to the town wall, another path goes up from the Malerwinkel. It's a little longer, dirt, no steps, and meets the Werner Kapelle path part way up to Stahleck.

The last path is the longest and also a paved road for cars. Go out Blücherstrasse, beyond the town wall and turn back to the left on the paved road. The map shows it as also Blücherstrasse, but then K24.

Great, thanks so much for the input. This is exactly the advice I was looking for! Appreciate all your help.
Looking forward to making it to the top for some good views! (and a cold one for the effort!)

The walk is steep enough to get even teens breathing hard. It's not long and not difficult, in the sense of treacherous footing. But you'll want a breather when you get there and possibly another short one along the way.

I don't recall ever having rain when I was there so don't recall it being slippery.

IMO Burg Stahleck is one of the best hostels in Europe. It's well run, clean and quiet (plus a great view of the Rhine). It's normally full of traveling groups of Germans and to a lesser extent other Europeans. If you want to stay, any time of year, you need reservations. If you're not staying, you can walk onto the patio and enjoy the view. At times you can purchase a beer or wine on the patio (but they don't stay open late at all).

Reservation is a must - we stayed there in October a few years ago and constantly tourists arrived to ask for accommodation and were turned away. It is very popular with school groups. They can be noisy but not unruly. If you want to meet travellers from all over the world - it's the place to be.