Cycling Route Overview
Ruhr Valley Cycle Path
232 km cycling route· ideally split into 5 stages
Distance232 km
Ascent298 m
Descent925 m
Stages5
The easiest way to get started
- Start with the map and check bike-friendly accommodations along the cycling route.
- Use the stages below to divide the cycling route into manageable sections.
- To plan your trip individually, use the app on the right or optionally download the GPX file.
The Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, a picturesque cycling route in the heart of the Ruhr area, offers you a unique experience to discover the diverse landscape and industrial culture of North Rhine-Westphalia. Spanning approximately 230 kilometers, the path leads from the Sauerland to the mouth of the Ruhr into the Rhine in Duisburg, along one of the region's most important rivers.
Your adventure begins in the idyllic town of Winterberg in the Hochsauerland. From here, you follow the course of the Ruhr through the green Ruhr Valley, past wide meadows, dense forests, and charming villages. This section of the cycle path is characterized by tranquility and natural beauty.
Further along, the path takes you into the heart of the Ruhr area, a region known for its industrial past and cultural wealth. You cycle through historic towns like Arnsberg, Hagen, and Witten, where you can experience the traces of the industrial revolution and the transformation of the region up close.
A highlight of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path is the route through the cultural center of the Ruhr area. In cities like Essen and Bochum, you can visit significant industrial monuments such as the Zollverein Coal Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the German Mining Museum. These sections offer exciting insights into the history of mining and steel production.
The path continues through the green landscape of the Ruhr area, past idyllic river sections and through nature reserves. In the lively city of Duisburg, at the confluence of the Ruhr and Rhine, your journey comes to an end. Here, you can explore the largest inland port in Europe and experience the contrast between nature and industry.
The Ruhr Valley Cycle Path is well signposted and offers varied sections suitable for both leisure cyclists and ambitious riders. Along the route, there are numerous accommodations and eateries inviting you to take a break.
This route is not just a cycling tour but a journey of discovery through a region that has transformed from an industrial stronghold into a green and cultural centerpiece of Germany.
Your adventure begins in the idyllic town of Winterberg in the Hochsauerland. From here, you follow the course of the Ruhr through the green Ruhr Valley, past wide meadows, dense forests, and charming villages. This section of the cycle path is characterized by tranquility and natural beauty.
Further along, the path takes you into the heart of the Ruhr area, a region known for its industrial past and cultural wealth. You cycle through historic towns like Arnsberg, Hagen, and Witten, where you can experience the traces of the industrial revolution and the transformation of the region up close.
A highlight of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path is the route through the cultural center of the Ruhr area. In cities like Essen and Bochum, you can visit significant industrial monuments such as the Zollverein Coal Mine, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the German Mining Museum. These sections offer exciting insights into the history of mining and steel production.
The path continues through the green landscape of the Ruhr area, past idyllic river sections and through nature reserves. In the lively city of Duisburg, at the confluence of the Ruhr and Rhine, your journey comes to an end. Here, you can explore the largest inland port in Europe and experience the contrast between nature and industry.
The Ruhr Valley Cycle Path is well signposted and offers varied sections suitable for both leisure cyclists and ambitious riders. Along the route, there are numerous accommodations and eateries inviting you to take a break.
This route is not just a cycling tour but a journey of discovery through a region that has transformed from an industrial stronghold into a green and cultural centerpiece of Germany.
Start here
Ruhr Valley Cycle Path Map
Start with the map to see the cycling route, stage progression and bike-friendly accommodations in context.
Ruhr Valley Cycle Path Stages
5 pre-planned stages help you divide the cycling route into manageable sections more quickly.