Landscape in transition – international cycling on the Green Route

The border triangle of Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands was once one of the largest coal mining areas in Europe. Most of the mines closed in the 1970s and are no longer in operation, but lignite is still mined in the region. This industry has left its mark on the region, but nature is slowly reclaiming its territory – former spoil heaps are overgrown with greenery and opencast mining holes are flooded. This has created extensive park and recreational landscapes that you can now roam through by bike.

The Green Route starts in Düren, Germany, and winds its way in several loops over 370 kilometres (230 mi) through the Netherlands and Belgium to its final destination, Hasselt. Along the way, beautiful riverside cycle paths, magnificent castles and fascinating industrial monuments await, giving you an understanding of the region's history. While you're exploring the three countries, you'll also learn a lot about mining and the renaturation of the region. As a fossil fuel, coal is one of the driving factors behind climate change. The phasing out of coal is therefore crucial in order to continue enjoying the beautiful landscape by bike.

In this Collection, I’ve divided the Green Route into six stages. The daily stages are between 40 and 75 kilometres (25–47 mi) long and are ideal for relaxed day Tours with extended breaks. The route is mainly tarmac, so you can bring your road bike. There are various accommodations at the stage destinations, some of which are geared towards cyclists, so you’ll be well taken care of.

You can easily reach the starting point in Düren from Cologne, Siegen or Aachen by regional train. Hasselt, in Belgium, is also well connected to the rail network and with two changes you’ll be back at the starting point in Düren after just three hours. So nothing stands in the way of your adventure through three countries and the industrial history of the last century.