Best bike rides in Western Germany

Between Coal and Steel (Ruhr Region)

Where once steel was made and the “black gold” coal was mined from the depths of the earth, culture and creativity have moved in. Images of industrial romanticism in the Ruhr area will not only get you followers on Instagram, but also opens up whole new perspectives. Ride along the “Route of Industrial Culture” by bike, and you’ll feel the structural change of the region at first-hand. 

Because if anything exudes charm and a very individual appeal, it’s the monuments of the Ruhr. There are so many of them along the way. The iconic Zollverein colliery in Essen, for example, or the rollercoaster-like, walkable sculpture “Tiger & Turtle” in Duisburg or the Jahrhunderthalle in Bochum, a true architectural beauty. If you want to add to the whole experience, you can cycle in the dark and enjoy these highlights illuminated by night.

Altogether, the “Route of Industrial Culture” covers 350 km, over old railroad tracks, along the Ruhr and Rhine between Duisburg and Unna, as a round trip. But there is so much to see along the route that you should plan enough time. Many of the sections of the route can be planned as day trips.

TIP: Be sure to order a “Mantaplatte” or “Pommes Schranke” at a snack bar and be surprised! 

ROUTE: The round trip starts in Duisburg North in the “Landschaftspark”. It continues on through Dortmund, Hattingen, Essen and Bottrop to Unna and back on a more northerly route. Countless points connect the “Route of Industrial Culture” with other cycle paths, offering unlimited possibilities for this 360 km network of trails.

SIGNS: The route overlaps in parts with the “Ruhr Cycle Path”. But the “Route of Industrial Culture” is always additionally marked with a red logo featuring a colliery tower.

Off to the Race Track (Sauerland)

Those who come to Schmallenberg and Eslohe in the holiday region of the Sauerland for the first time will be impressed. Not only by the vastness of the landscape, its tranquility and 108 delightful, half-timbered villages, but also by the ideal conditions for racing bikes. 

The region’s natural surroundings are truly untouched and simply captivating, so take time to stop and just marvel at mother nature’s beauty. The region is full of charm, with thousands of mountains, 17 reservoirs and Germany’s largest cave system.

See also

Inspirations

·24. May 2022

Excursions with children in the west 

It also offers the Hochsauerland classic route to Eslohe and Schmallenberg; a cycle route that is a must for all road racers with a need for speed! The Hochsauerland classic route is a relaxing 45 km circular route. Road cyclists can expect about 500 metres of elevation along the route. But what goes up, must come down!

TIP: The “StoppOmat” at Rönkhausen shows you who is the fastest road cyclist on the mountain. Here, you can compete virtually or directly against each other. 

ROUTE: A good starting point of the tour is Eslohe. From here, you first follow the “Sauerland-Radring” through the so-called “Teufelsloch” and finally get back to Eslohe. On the way, small half-timbered houses invite you to take a break. The starting point can be best reached by car. 

SIGNS: Download the GPS data for the tour online.