The best road cycling routes in the Ruhr Region
4.4
(11102)
153,762
riders
6,134
rides
Road cycling routes in the Ruhr Region traverse a landscape shaped by its industrial past, now transformed into extensive green spaces and cycling networks. The region features a mix of flat river valleys along the Ruhr, Emscher, and Lippe rivers, and gently rolling hills, particularly in the south. Cyclists encounter former railway lines converted into traffic-free paths, alongside industrial monuments and renatured landscapes. This diverse terrain offers varied road cycling experiences.
Best road cycling routes in the Ruhr Region
- The…
Last updated: April 26, 2026
4.4
(5)
114
riders
81.2km
04:05
1,210m
1,210m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.6
(8)
77
riders
51.8km
02:40
830m
830m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Sign up for free
4.8
(83)
1,247
riders
37.8km
01:49
270m
270m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.8
(96)
633
riders
56.4km
02:37
590m
590m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.7
(72)
772
riders
61.0km
02:30
110m
110m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.7
(133)
916
riders
37.1km
01:33
210m
210m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.8
(90)
1,358
riders
96.5km
04:24
890m
890m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.8
(31)
895
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.8
(52)
825
riders
89.3km
03:45
500m
500m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
4.8
(26)
469
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Ruhr Region
Road Cycling Routes around Essen
Road Cycling Routes around Bochum
Road Cycling Routes in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis
Road Cycling Routes in Dortmund
Road Cycling Routes around Mülheim an der Ruhr
Road Cycling Routes around Kreis Recklinghausen
Road Cycling Routes in Naturpark Hohe Mark - Westmünsterland
Road Cycling Routes around Kreis Unna
Road Cycling Routes around Duisburg
Road Cycling Routes in Herne
Other adventures in the Ruhr Region
Tips from the Community
Good starting point (beginning of the Nordbahntrasse). Plenty of space in the P&R parking lot (don't park in the EDDEKA parking lot, it could get expensive).
0
0
LVR Archaeological Park Xanten On the site of the former Roman city of Colonia Ulpia Traiana, Germany's largest open-air archaeological museum invites visitors on an inspiring journey into history. For around four hundred years, Xanten was one of the most important Roman settlements in Germania. Some ten thousand men, women, and children lived in the imposing city, which Emperor Trajan designated Colonia Ulpia Traiana around 100 AD. The fact that its site has remained largely uninhabited since the Middle Ages is a true stroke of luck for archaeology. This has allowed the remains of the Roman city to be protected, researched, and presented in the LVR Archaeological Park Xanten since 1977. In the park's expansive green spaces, faithful reconstructions such as the harbor temple and the amphitheater, the city wall, houses, and bathhouses convey a vivid impression of everyday Roman life in Germania. The award-winning LVR Roman Museum, guided tours of the excavations, craft demonstrations, and activity programs offer a wealth of opportunities to experience Roman times with all your senses. At the Archaeological Park's shipyard, you can watch as faithful replicas of Roman ships are built right before your eyes, from the very first planks. Larger events like the Roman festival "Swords, Bread, and Games" bring the park to life in a special way. In addition, the Roman Weekends from May to September offer a diverse program of activities to watch and participate in. At the Roman Games House, children of all ages can discover the most popular board and skill games of the Romans. Younger visitors can also burn off energy on the large adventure playground, a giant bouncy castle, and the large water playground. And for a quick bite, the park's Roman restaurant offers culinary delights prepared according to authentic ancient recipes. Since 2016, the museum café in the KaffeeMühle, a lovingly restored 18th-century mill, has expanded the park's culinary offerings. Source: https://apx.lvr.de/de/standorte/standorte.html
2
0
The Roman city near present-day Xanten was one of the most important metropolises in Rome's Germanic provinces during antiquity. At its peak, the Colonia Ulpia Traiana was bustling with life, with more than ten thousand men, women, and children filling its streets. Arrival of the Legions Long before the founding of the Colonia, during the major Germanic campaigns under Emperor Augustus in 13/12 BC, Roman legions established their first camp on the so-called Fürstenberg hill south of the present-day city of Xanten. From then on, the Xanten area was always home to at least one legion, and in the 1st century AD, it was one of the largest and most important bases in the entire empire. A port and a settlement, where civilians and army veterans settled, developed about two kilometers from the legionary camp. The Colonia Ulpia Traiana Over the following generations, the early civilian settlement grew to a considerable size. Around 100 AD, Emperor Trajan bestowed upon it his name and the rights of a Colonia. This placed Colonia Ulpia Traiana among the 150 most important cities in the entire Roman Empire. The colony covered an area of 73 hectares and was divided by a grid of streets. Its appearance was characterized by large public buildings such as the impressive city wall, a large forum, temples, baths, and the amphitheater. Source: https://apx.lvr.de/de/standorte/standorte.html
2
0
Very beautiful garden with water terrace
0
0
Very nice, but can get very crowded!
1
0
Great view and relatively good path for road bikes
1
0
beautiful paved bike path along the river
2
0
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of road cycling routes can I find in the Ruhr Region?
The Ruhr Region offers a diverse range of road cycling routes, from flat river valleys along the Ruhr, Emscher, and Lippe rivers to gently rolling hills, particularly in the southern parts. Many routes utilize former railway lines, providing traffic-free paths, and lead through a unique blend of industrial heritage sites and renatured green spaces. You'll find options suitable for various ability levels.
Are there routes with significant elevation gain for more challenging rides?
Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Ruhr Region offers routes with notable elevation gain. For instance, the route Collect altitude metres from Wuppertal is a difficult 50.5-mile (81.2 km) trail with over 1,200 meters of ascent, taking you through the hilly terrain around Wuppertal.
What kind of landmarks and attractions can I see along the road cycling routes?
The Ruhr Region is rich in unique landmarks that blend industrial heritage with natural beauty. You can cycle past iconic sites like the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein in Essen, the transformed Landscape Park Duisburg-Nord, and the Gasometer Oberhausen. Many routes also lead to renatured slag heaps offering panoramic views, such as the Rheinelbe spoil heap or the Hoheward Landscape Park. Riverside paths also offer scenic views of lakes like Baldeneysee.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly road cycling routes in the Ruhr Region?
Absolutely. The region's extensive network includes many flat or gently undulating paths, particularly along the rivers and on former railway lines, which are ideal for beginners. An example of an easy route is the Erzbahnschwinge Bridge – Zollvereinweg Rail Trail loop from Bochum Hauptbahnhof, a 37.2 km (23.1 miles) route with minimal elevation gain.
Can I find circular road cycling routes in the Ruhr Region?
Yes, the Ruhr Region offers numerous circular routes, allowing you to start and end your ride in the same location. A popular option is the Baldeney Lake (Baldeneysee) – Ruhr Valley Cycle Route loop from Essen-Werden, a 59.0-mile (95.0 km) trail that takes you through the scenic Ruhr Valley and around Lake Baldeney.
What is the best time of year for road cycling in the Ruhr Region?
The Ruhr Region is generally pleasant for road cycling from spring through autumn. The extensive network of paths is well-maintained, and the mild climate makes it enjoyable for most of the year. Spring brings blooming landscapes, while autumn offers beautiful foliage. Summer is also popular, especially along the shaded river paths.
How accessible are the road cycling routes by public transport?
The Ruhr Region boasts excellent public transport connections, making many road cycling routes easily accessible. The region's integrated transport system (VRR) often allows for bike transport on trains and some buses, though specific rules and peak hour restrictions may apply. Many routes, like the Erzbahnschwinge Bridge – Zollvereinweg Rail Trail loop from Bochum Hauptbahnhof, start directly from major train stations, facilitating car-free exploration.
Are there places to stop for refreshments or accommodation along the routes?
Yes, the Ruhr Region's cycling infrastructure is well-supported with numerous bike-friendly accommodations, cafes, and refreshment stops. Especially along popular routes like the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route, you'll find plenty of opportunities to take a break, enjoy local cuisine, or even stay overnight in charming towns and villages.
What do other road cyclists enjoy most about the Ruhr Region?
The road cycling routes in the Ruhr Region are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 11,000 reviews. Cyclists frequently praise the region's unique blend of industrial heritage and surprising green spaces, the extensive network of traffic-free paths, and the well-maintained surfaces that make for enjoyable rides.
Are there specific routes that showcase the region's industrial heritage?
Yes, the Ruhr Region is famous for its industrial heritage, and many road cycling routes are designed to showcase this. The 'Industrial Heritage Cycle Route' (Route Industriekultur per Rad) is a prime example, connecting major industrial monuments like the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein and the Landscape Park Duisburg-Nord. Routes like the Erzbahnschwinge Bridge – Zollvereinweg Rail Trail loop from Gesundheitscampus also incorporate former railway lines and industrial landmarks.
Are the road cycling paths generally traffic-free and well-surfaced?
A significant portion of the Ruhr Region's cycling network, including many road cycling routes, utilizes former railway lines and dedicated riverside paths. These are largely traffic-free and typically feature excellent asphalt surfaces, providing smooth and safe riding conditions for road cyclists. The region prides itself on its extensive and well-maintained cycling infrastructure.
Can I find family-friendly road cycling routes in the Ruhr Region?
Yes, the Ruhr Region offers many family-friendly road cycling options, particularly along the flat, traffic-free sections of the Ruhr, Emscher, and Lippe river paths. These routes are often well-suited for cyclists of all ages and abilities, providing a safe and enjoyable experience for families. The Droste Woy Dike Path – Bislich Dike loop from Wesel Altes Wasserwerk is an example of a moderate route with minimal elevation, suitable for a family outing.
Most popular routes in the Ruhr Region
Most popular attractions in the Ruhr Region
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Didn’t find what you were looking for?
Check out more Road cycling routes throughout Ruhr Region below and find the perfect route in your destination.
Explore more
Browse the best Road cycling routes in other regions.
