Roman history along the German-Dutch Border – cycling the Via Romana

Bike Touring Collection by Hannah

Tours

15:33 h

152 mi

3,200 ft

Two countries, 245 kilometers (161 miles) – on this exciting round trip, you can expect both fascinating history and varied landscapes of beautiful lakes and charming dike scenery. The Via Romana cycle route showcases magnificent gardens, picturesque castles and unusual archaeological discoveries. On a network of excellently developed cycle paths, you explore the border region of Germany and the Netherlands.

Your round trip starts and ends in Xanten in Germany, a small town with tangible Roman history and buildings. You cycle through the exciting and varied landscapes between the Lower Rhine, the Maas and the Waal rivers and visit worthy sights along the way such as the swan town of Kleve, the Dutch town of Cuijk, Nijmegen town on the banks of the Waal, and the tranquil cultural town of Bedburg-Hau.

The Via Romana leads almost exclusively over flat terrain and the stage lengths are around 50 kilometers (30 miles, making it a wonderful Tour to cycle. There are also other towns along the route that are suitable as stage destinations if you want to adjust the stages. In addition, the bike paths are well developed and signposted, so you can look forward to a safe and relaxed ride. This adventure is therefore also particularly suitable for older travellers and children.

The starting point Xanten is easily reached by regional train via Duisburg. Since it is a round trip, it is also possible to arrive by car. Of course you can also start your trip at another point. For example, you can reach Nijmegen by train from Düsseldorf via Arnhem.

On The Map

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Via Romana

152 mi

3,275 ft

Last updated: November 18, 2021

Tours & Highlights

Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 1: Von Xanten nach Kleve – Via Romana
02:38
24.1 mi
9.2 mph
550 ft
475 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today your journey into the past starts in the footsteps of the Romans. You start at the train station in Xanten, which you can reach with the regional train via Duisburg. Your tour takes you over 40 kilometers to the lovely swan town of Kleve.

As soon as you set off, you will reach the first Roman highlight…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 2: Von Kleve nach Cuijk – Via Romana
03:18
30.0 mi
9.1 mph
875 ft
1,000 ft
Ferry
Intermediate
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels. The Tour includes a crossing by ferry.
Your second stage takes you almost 50 kilometers to the city of Cuijk on the Maas. You will only cycle around 300 meters in altitude and thus have enough time to visit exciting, historical sites and enjoy the landscape.

After Kleve, the tour takes a detour on a beautiful route around the St. Willibrord…
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Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors
Etappe 3: Von Cuijk nach Nijmegen – Via Romana
02:44
28.8 mi
10.5 mph
625 ft
550 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Today there are a good 46 kilometers through a varied landscape to the charming city of Nijmegen on the program. You leave Cuijk behind you and reach the banks of the Kraaijenbergse Plassen, an extensive lake area, which you drive along for about ten kilometers.

Next you cross the Meuse and cycle through…
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Etappe 4: Von Nijmegen nach Bedburg-Hau – Via Romana
03:26
35.6 mi
10.4 mph
625 ft
675 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Your stage today is the longest with a good 57 kilometers, but it remains flat with a single increase. You cross the border again and your stage ends on the German side in Bedburg-Hau.

Behind Nijmegen, the route takes you over fantastic dyke paths through the water landscape along the Waal. You can even…
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Etappe 5: Von Bedburg-Hau nach Xanten – Via Romana
03:27
33.2 mi
9.6 mph
525 ft
525 ft
Intermediate
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Your last tour of the Via Romana takes you back to Xanten for a good 53 kilometers. The route is flat as usual and you can look forward to an extended swim stop in good weather.

It starts in a dangling through the nature reserve Deichvorland near Grieth. Behind the Wisseler See you cycle to Kalkar, which…
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