The best traffic-free bike rides around NSG Hallerey

Komoot offers over 30 traffic-free road cycling routes in and around NSG Hallerey. These routes range from easy to moderate, providing options for various skill levels.

The terrain around NSG Hallerey is predominantly flat, making it accessible for a wide range of cycling abilities. While the immediate area is flat, the wider Ruhr area offers some rolling hills for those seeking more challenging ascents. Most routes are classified as easy or moderate, with only a few being difficult.

Yes, there are several easy routes ideal for beginners or families. For example, the St. Reinoldi Church – New Section of Bananenradweg loop from Dortmund Hbf is an easy 25.5 km ride. Another great option is the Rheinischer Esel Cycle Path loop from Dortmund-Somborn, which covers 17.5 km on a former railway line, ensuring a smooth, traffic-free experience.

The routes often pass through diverse landscapes. You can expect to see the picturesque 33-hectare lake at the heart of NSG Hallerey, surrounded by woodlands and meadows. Highlights include the South shore of Hallerey Lake, the Hallerey Nature Reserve Trail, and serene forest paths like the Woodland tunnel path by the pond. The wider region also offers views along the Emscher River and various canals.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 1,400 ratings. Cyclists frequently praise the tranquil beauty of the lake and its surrounding woodlands, the well-maintained paved surfaces, and the extensive network of traffic-free paths, especially those built on former railway lines or along canals.

Yes, many of the routes are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Elbschetaltrasse – Elbschetaltrasse Section loop from Dortmund-Marten offers a moderate 46 km circular ride, perfect for a longer outing.

Spring, summer, and early autumn generally offer the most pleasant conditions for road cycling around NSG Hallerey. During these seasons, the weather is typically mild, and the natural surroundings are at their most vibrant. The flat terrain and well-maintained paths make it enjoyable even in cooler months, though some paths might be affected by wet conditions.

Yes, Dortmund has an extensive public transport network. You can often reach starting points of routes, such as Dortmund Hbf (main station) or other local stations, via train or bus. From there, you can easily begin your ride on the traffic-free paths.

Parking is generally available at various access points around NSG Hallerey and in the surrounding Dortmund area. Many routes start near residential areas or parks where street parking or designated parking lots can be found. It's advisable to check specific starting points for parking availability when planning your trip.

While NSG Hallerey itself is a nature reserve, the routes often connect to the wider Dortmund area, which has numerous cafes and restaurants. For example, the Booth 116 and a half – Neues Schwarz Café & Roastery loop from Polizeipräsidium specifically highlights a cafe, indicating that refreshment stops are integrated into some routes or easily accessible nearby.

For those seeking a longer and slightly more challenging ride, the Elbschetaltrasse – Elbschetaltrasse Section loop from Dortmund-Marten is a moderate 46 km route with over 400 meters of elevation gain, offering a good workout while remaining largely traffic-free.