Ruhr Valley Cycle Route – from the source of the Ruhr to its mouth

The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route is one of the most beautiful and varied cycling routes and tours in Germany. It stretches for approximately 240 kilometers from the source of the Ruhr River in Winterberg in the Sauerland region to its confluence with the Rhine near Duisburg. The route offers cyclistsFor both tourists and cyclists, the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route offers an ideal combination of nature, cultural diversity, and industrial history. This is why the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route is so popular. Around 932,000 day visitors use it annually, and there are approximately 184,000 overnight stays along the route. This makes it one of the busiest cycle routes in Germany. Baldeneysee.Ruhr reports on the special features of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route.

The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route leads through diverse landscapes – from the wooded heights of the Sauerland region to the rolling hills of the Ruhr area and on to urban and industrial regions. Along the way, cyclists pass numerous sights, including historic old towns, impressive industrial monuments, and idyllic river landscapes. The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route's pleasant elevation profile also makes it easy for recreational cyclists to complete the route. It has an elevation gain of approximately 650 meters, with the source of the Ruhr River in Winterberg at 674 meters above sea level and the route ending at the Ruhr estuary in Duisburg at 17 meters above sea level. The first 35 kilometers involve some climbs, after which the route is almost entirely flat. All paths are paved, and most are even asphalted.

A particular appeal of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route lies, of course, in its proximity to nature. The Ruhr River, from which the route takes its name, and its reservoirs, the largest of which is the Baldeneysee, accompany cyclists for almost the entire route. Many sections of the tour lead through or past nature reserves such as the Heisinger Bogen at Baldeneysee, The Ruhr Valley Cycle Path provides a habitat for numerous animal and plant species. The sections in the Sauerland region are particularly unspoiled, where the Ruhr River flows narrow and crystal clear through green valleys. Along the signposted route, there are frequent opportunities to rest and enjoy the views of the surrounding nature. The urban infrastructure is exceptionally well-developed, especially in the Ruhr area, ensuring that all daily necessities are readily available near the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, and that healthcare services are always readily accessible. This easy accessibility can provide significant relaxation for adults on a multi-day cycling tour, especially with children.

The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route is not only a journey through nature, but also through the history of the Ruhr region. The first coal mines in Germany were established in the Ruhr area as early as the Middle Ages. In the 18th and 19th centuries, surface coal mining evolved into deep industrial mining. One of the oldest known mines is the Deutschland Colliery in Sprockhövel, which was consolidated in 1871 from several smaller mines. During industrialization, large collieries emerged, which significantly shaped the economy of the Ruhr region and made Germany a major player in the industrial sector. Guest workers from all over Europe migrated to the Ruhr region to work in the collieries. Many brought their families later, who in turn brought their cultures and cuisines with them – Italian, Spanish, Greek, Turkish, Moroccan, Portuguese, Tunisian, and Yugoslavian. In the Ruhr region, cyclists encounter impressive examples of industrial heritage, such as the Zollverein Coal Mine Industrial Complex in Essen, the Henrichshütte Ironworks in Hattingen, and the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park. These places are relics from a time when coal and steel shaped the Ruhr region and laid the foundation for the cultural and culinary diversity of the coal-mining area. The snack bar culture is very strong in the Ruhr region, so you don't necessarily have to eat in a restaurant. And of course, in the cradle of this culinary achievement, currywurst is a must.

Along the cycle path lie some of the region's most beautiful cities. Winterberg, Arnsberg, Hagen, Witten, Bochum, Essen, and Duisburg offer countless opportunities for cultural excursions. Historic half-timbered houses, vibrant city centers, picturesque districts, important monuments, and diverse museums make this tour one of the most varied, if not THE most varied, cycle tours in Germany. Travelers should definitely not miss the Baldeneysee. Villa Hügel and leave the Villa Hügel Park. In the Seaside Beach Baldeney you can rest, a Stand-up paddling-Take a course or go swimming in the Baldeneysee. The historical Old Town Werden and the old town of Kettwig further downstream invites you to linger.

The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route is exceptionally well-developed and offers numerous rest areas, bicycle-friendly accommodations, and places to eat and drink. The route is suitable for leisurely tours, e-bikes, as well as more challenging rides. Furthermore, there are numerous train stations along the route, allowing for flexible arrival and departure. This makes it possible to complete the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route in non-consecutive stages, or for a fellow cyclist to join the tour later or leave earlier.

Cyclists who have completed the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route report many positive experiences. It is often praised for its diverse landscape, excellent infrastructure, and blend of nature and industrial heritage. Travel reports can be found on the official Ruhr Valley Cycle Route website. The route is particularly valued for the opportunity to experience and discover both idyllic natural scenery and impressive industrial monuments. The cycling blog Radtouren-Checker offers both reviews and personal accounts. The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route receives 4.2 out of 5 stars there, based on five reviews (as of May 18, 2025). A personal report on the Mein Ruhrgebiet blog describes a multi-day tour on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route and highlights how well-suited the route is for a cycling holiday. Further impressions can also be gained by visiting the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route's Facebook page, which currently has a rating of 4.8 out of 5 stars.

The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route is the perfect blend of nature, culture, and history. Whether you're planning a multi-day tour or exploring individual sections, the route offers something for everyone. Multi-day cycling tours with children, alternative school trips, youth group outings, stag/hen parties, bike tours with friends or family – anyone wanting to discover the Ruhr region from a new perspective will find unforgettable experiences on this cycle route. And civilization is always just a stone's throw away.