4.6
(3888)
12,569
riders
398
rides
Mountain bike trails in Saarn-Mendener Ruhraue are situated within a natural park in Mülheim an der Ruhr, characterized by its "green Ruhr area" landscape. The region features the Ruhr River and Ruhrinsel, offering accessible routes along waterways and through diverse natural settings. Paths range from easy to moderate, accommodating various skill levels for mountain biking.
Last updated: August 18, 2026
4.5
(47)
143
riders
36.2km
02:05
220m
220m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(48)
181
riders
Hard mountain bike ride. Very good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary. Some portions of the route may require you to push your bike.

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4.9
(10)
50
riders
41.9km
03:00
520m
520m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
4.8
(5)
38
riders
50.3km
03:32
380m
380m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(28)
108
riders
23.5km
01:24
160m
160m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Attention: Currently two closures on the route, and unfortunately not even signposted diversions available. Here you lose time, and have to detour onto roads in the surrounding area. Some of the construction sites have unfortunately been ongoing for quite some time. Neither warned in the OSM data, nor found in the comments for the highlight. 😒 Otherwise, actually a top route.
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The Grugaweg in Essen starts at junction 1 on the Rheinische Bahn and runs for almost 9 kilometers via Essen-Rüttenscheid to the Ruhr.
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Beautiful view of the lake.
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The lake is always worth it
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Very cool and also cool section of the route
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@bobutz2111 I'm afraid I have to disappoint you: it was "just" a regular Beetle... No wheel reduction gears on the rear axle, no lever-type shock absorbers, and the Kübelwagen didn't have bitumen insulation mats on the center tunnel. But based on the (collar-bolted) front axle, you can see that it's a Beetle from before 1965, a so-called "Dickholmer" (big-body).
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The Baldeneysteig is particularly worthwhile
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There are over 400 mountain bike trails in Saarn-Mendener Ruhraue. This includes a diverse selection, with 151 easy routes, 204 moderate routes, and 48 difficult routes, ensuring options for all skill levels.
The trails in Saarn-Mendener Ruhraue cater to various skill levels. You'll find a good mix of easy and moderate paths, with 151 easy routes and 204 moderate routes. For those seeking more challenge, there are also 48 difficult routes available.
Yes, the region offers many accessible paths suitable for families. The presence of the Ruhr River and Ruhrinsel means many routes are relatively flat and scenic. An excellent option for an easier ride is the Stadthalle Mülheim on the Ruhr – Grugaweg loop from Schloß Broich, which is an easy 19.6-mile (31.5 km) path.
You can expect to ride through the 'green Ruhr area,' characterized by lush natural settings. The Ruhr River and Ruhrinsel are central features, offering scenic routes along waterways. Many trails also lead through forested areas, providing a diverse and pleasant backdrop for your ride.
Yes, many routes in Saarn-Mendener Ruhraue are designed as loops. For example, the Kruppwald Trail – Kettwig Lock loop from Schloß Broich is a 26.0-mile (41.9 km) circular trail that takes you through forested areas and past the Kettwig Lock.
The trails offer several points of interest. You can find scenic spots like the View of the Ruhr Viaduct and the View of the former Kahlenberg Youth Hostel on the River Ruhr. The Broicher Schlagd Water Staircase is another interesting natural feature to look out for.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 3600 reviews. Mountain bikers often praise the diverse paths, the scenic beauty of the green Ruhr area, and the extensive riverside routes along the Ruhr River.
Yes, for experienced riders looking for a longer challenge, the Kohlenbahn Rail Trail – Ruhr River loop from Schloß Broich is a difficult 61.9-mile (99.7 km) trail. It features extensive riverside paths and significant elevation changes, typically taking almost 6 hours to complete.
Absolutely. Many routes in Saarn-Mendener Ruhraue offer a mix of landscapes. For instance, the Dickelsbach Trail – Kettwig Lock loop from Schloß Broich is a moderate 51.7-mile (83.2 km) route that guides you through both forested sections and along the river, providing varied scenery.
The Saarn-Mendener Ruhraue is enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer provides longer daylight hours. Even in winter, many paths remain accessible, though conditions may vary, so checking local weather is always recommended.
Yes, the region features several natural monuments. You can visit the Dohne Island (Saarn-Mendener Ruhraue Nature Reserve) or find the Geographical Center of Mülheim an der Ruhr. These spots offer interesting natural and geographical points of interest along your ride.
For a moderate-length ride, consider the Wambach Trail – Dickelsbach Trail loop from Schloß Broich. This is a difficult 47.2-mile (76.0 km) route that offers a good workout and takes you through varied terrain, typically completed in about 3.5 hours.


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