The Ruhr Area Circuit – cycling on the trail of industrial culture

If you think the Ruhr region is grey and industrial then you should definitely visit the Ruhr Circuit. This 360-kilometre (223 mi) route showcases the area’s greenest sides. Germany’s largest conurbation, between the Lippe, Ruhr, Rhine and Wesel-Datteln Canal, has plenty to explore. Rivers, lakes and beautiful landscapes alternate with industrial monuments and castles. The Ruhr Circuit is a ‘Route of Industrial Culture’, organised by the Ruhr Regional Association.

I have divided the circuit into six stages which are all unique. The daily distances are between 45 and 75 kilometres (28 and 46 mi). Aside from the last stage, there aren’t any notable climbs. Each day ends in a town with hotels and guesthouses, as well as a train station if you only want to ride part of the circuit. I’ve deliberately chosen to start in the city of Hamm as the train station is easy to reach from many places.

From Hamm, you cycle north in the direction of the Rhine. You’ll get a feel for the Ruhr’s foothills straight away and, on the third day, you really dive into the landscapes. The scenery changes along the Rhine between the towns of Dinslaken and Duisburg. In addition to the beautiful Rheinaue park, you discover large industrial complexes and the huge port of Duisburg.

For the next two and a half days, the Ruhr River, after which the region is named, is your constant companion. You may be surprised to hear that mines and collieries aren’t the focus here. Industry always plays a role, of course, but you also visit beautiful parks, castles and floodplains. After the town of Schwerte, you leave the Ruhr and pedal back towards your starting point in Hamm.

On your Tour, you can mostly navigate by following the signs of a green coal mine with ‘rundkurs ruhrgebiet’ written above and ‘route industriekultur’ beneath. On some sections, especially in the northern part, the signs are a bit more scarce – that’s why you have your komoot app with you. I hope you have a lot of fun as you discover the green sides of the Ruhr area!