The best cycling routes in the Ruhr Region
4.5
(126796)
566,305
riders
14,530
rides
Touring cycling in the Ruhr Region offers a unique blend of reclaimed nature and preserved industrial heritage. The landscape is characterized by an extensive network of cycling paths, often utilizing former railway lines, riverside routes along the Ruhr, Lippe, and Emscher rivers, and forest trails. These routes are predominantly flat or gently sloped, providing accessible terrain for various skill levels. Former industrial sites have been transformed into green spaces, parks, and artificial hills, offering panoramic views.
Best touring cycling routes…
Last updated: May 3, 2026
4.8
(2498)
7,239
riders
57.5km
03:36
460m
460m
Hard bike ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(2621)
5,916
riders
30.0km
01:49
100m
100m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(2752)
7,620
riders
47.5km
02:55
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(1651)
5,703
riders
17.7km
01:19
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(970)
3,239
riders
40.7km
02:31
120m
120m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(1486)
5,130
riders
16.5km
00:58
80m
80m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(929)
3,218
riders
59.7km
03:59
120m
120m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(672)
2,507
riders
58.9km
03:32
360m
360m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(446)
1,624
riders
41.9km
02:37
280m
280m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(368)
1,343
riders
52.8km
03:14
140m
140m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
A super beautiful view of Lake Baldeney
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Beautiful cycle path along Lake Baldeney
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👍🚴🚴♀️Nice round
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super beautiful lake, great route and there are also good places to eat along the lake
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Beautiful cycle path; only partially suitable for inline skaters.
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Beautiful cycle path; only partially suitable for inline skaters.
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We feel a special connection to some places. But what does that actually mean? And how does such a relationship differ from one with a person? Wheel of Fortune Exercise: Inner Developmental Goals 3 - RELATIONSHIP As humans, we are born in need of help. Other living beings are capable of survival from birth; we depend on other people to feed us or protect us from cold and heat. And we organize the world so that it benefits and protects us. The fact that we are social, intelligent, and adaptable beings is our recipe for success. Living together is (not) a stroke of luck. Look for examples from your own life where this coexistence works well. And consider how the attitudes and feelings below contribute to this. (1) Appreciation Approach others and the world with a fundamental sense of appreciation, gratitude, and joy. (2) Connectedness A strong sense of being connected to or part of a larger whole, such as a community, humanity, or a global ecosystem. (3) Humility Being able to act in accordance with the needs of the situation without concern for one's own importance. (4) Empathy and Compassion The ability to treat others, oneself, and nature with kindness, empathy, and compassion, and to cope with the associated suffering.
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The "Rheinischer Esel" (Rhine Donkey) is a roughly 12-kilometer-long railway cycle path connecting the cities of Dortmund, Witten, and Bochum. It runs along the former Dortmund-Löttringhausen–Bochum-Langendreer railway line, originally opened in 1880. The unusual name "Rheinischer Esel" (Rhine Donkey) probably comes from the market women who, at that time, transported their goods along this route like packed donkeys.  The route begins in the Dortmund district of Löttringhausen and continues via Witten to Bochum-Langendreer. The western section of the path is paved and well-maintained, while the eastern section has a water-bound surface. Along the route, cyclists pass several former train stations and stops, which now serve as rest areas with benches and information boards. Particularly striking are the covered bridges over Bebelstraße in Witten, which provide welcome shelter during sudden rain showers.  For cyclists, the "Rheinischer Esel" (Rhineland Esel) offers a virtually flat route through the hilly landscape of the Ruhr region. The route is well signposted in both directions and is ideal for touring cyclists looking for a connection from the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path to the central Ruhr region. Furthermore, detours to sights such as the Nachtigall Colliery or the Muttenthal Railway can be made from the route.  Historical relics such as old platform edges, remnants of rails, and signal boards along the route recall its former use as a railway line. These remnants lend the route a special charm and make it an interesting destination for history buffs and railway enthusiasts.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in the Ruhr Region?
The Ruhr Region offers an extensive network of touring cycling routes. On komoot, you can find over 14,000 routes, with more than 8,600 classified as easy, making the region highly accessible for cyclists of all levels.
What kind of terrain can I expect on touring cycling routes in the Ruhr Region?
The Ruhr Region's cycling paths are predominantly flat or gently sloped, often utilizing former railway lines, riverside routes, and forest trails. They are largely car-free and well-surfaced, providing an ideal experience for touring cyclists, families, and beginners. While many routes are easy, some, like From the Ruhr to the Ruhr – experience the Bergisch, offer more moderate elevation changes.
Are there family-friendly cycling routes in the Ruhr Region?
Yes, the Ruhr Region is very family-friendly for cyclists. Many routes are flat and car-free, perfect for all ages. A great option is the Family bike tour around Lake Baldeney, which is an easy 17.7 km (11 miles) loop around the scenic lake.
What are some notable landmarks or attractions I can see along the cycling routes?
The Ruhr Region uniquely blends industrial heritage with natural beauty. Along your rides, you can encounter impressive sites like the UNESCO World Heritage Zollverein, Landscape Park Duisburg-Nord, and the Gasometer Oberhausen. You can also explore historic towns, slag heaps offering panoramic views, and beautiful natural areas around rivers and lakes. For example, the Black gold – experiencing the path of coal route takes you through areas rich in mining history.
Are there any circular touring cycling routes in the Ruhr Region?
Yes, the region offers many circular routes, allowing you to start and end your tour in the same location. The comprehensive Radrevier.Ruhr Network, for instance, includes numerous circular and themed routes. An example is A taste of reality – experience the radrevier.ruhr in miniature, an easy 30 km (18.6 miles) circular path that provides a compact experience of the region's diverse cycling network.
What do other touring cyclists say about the Ruhr Region?
The touring cycling routes in the Ruhr Region are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 25,000 reviews. Cyclists often praise the well-maintained, car-free paths, the unique blend of industrial heritage and green spaces, and the accessibility for all skill levels.
Can I access cycling routes using public transport in the Ruhr Region?
Yes, the Ruhr Region has good public transport links, making it convenient to access many cycling routes. The extensive network of paths, often utilizing former railway lines, connects various towns and cities, allowing for flexible start and end points for your tours. Many routes are designed to be accessible from urban centers.
Are there routes that focus on the region's industrial heritage?
Absolutely. The Ruhr Region is famous for its transformation from an industrial heartland to a green leisure area. Routes like Steel kitchen – experience change and Railway history – experience the routes specifically highlight the region's industrial past, often repurposing old railway lines and passing by former mining sites and factories that have been transformed into cultural or recreational spaces.
What are some natural features or green spaces I can explore by bike?
Despite its industrial past, the Ruhr Region boasts significant green spaces. You can cycle along the scenic Ruhr, Lippe, and Rhine rivers, explore lush forests and meadows, and visit reclaimed industrial lands that have become parks and nature reserves. Auenland – experience the Rhine is a great route to experience the natural beauty along the river.
Are there any routes that take me through varied landscapes, combining urban and natural elements?
Many routes in the Ruhr Region offer a dynamic mix of urban and natural landscapes. For instance, the GartenStadt – experience contrasts route leads through varied urban and green environments, showcasing the region's unique blend of city life and reclaimed nature.
Where can I find information about the broader cycling network in the Ruhr Region?
The Ruhr Region is home to the extensive Radrevier.Ruhr Network, a comprehensive 1,500-kilometer system of cycling paths. This network connects various themed routes and allows cyclists to explore slag heaps, rivers, industrial heritage sites, and vibrant neighborhoods. For more general information about the region's offerings, you can visit ruhr-tourismus.de.
Are there any routes that explore rural or agricultural areas?
Yes, the Ruhr Region also offers routes that venture into more rural and agricultural settings, providing a different perspective of the landscape. The Landpartie – experience farms and moorland route is an excellent example, taking you through areas characterized by farms and moorland, offering a tranquil escape from urban environments.
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