Routes

Planner

Features

Updates

App

Login or Signup

Get the App

Login or Signup

Routes
Cycling Tours With Kids

The most beautiful rail trails – cycle paths in the Ruhr area

Routes
Cycling Tours With Kids

The most beautiful rail trails – cycle paths in the Ruhr area

Cycling Collection by Martin Donat

The most beautiful rail trails – cycle paths in the Ruhr area

9 routes

09:48

170km

1,300m

Old railway lines are perfect for cycling. Inclines are always moderate, while the routes themselves tend to be quiet quests through the hinterland, far away from traffic and city noise. Tunnels add an extra element of adventure, while bridges provide great views. And nowhere else in Germany is the rail trail cycle path network as well developed as in the Ruhr area.

In fact, the Ruhr area is one step ahead in terms of track cycling: more than 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) of cycle paths on former railway lines lead right across North Rhine-Westphalia, which is the most in Germany. Here, where coal and steel once rattled over the rails, a more eco-friendly pastime has emerged—and you and your bike should take full advantage of this reconstructed infrastructure. To help you make the most of these awesome developments, I have compiled the most remarkable and beautiful of these cycle paths. How you enjoy them is up to you, whether that be in stages or as part of a longer Tour—just take a glance at the map to see how these trails form a concise network of routes, one that’s perfect for traveling from A to B or for completing longer round-trips.

Within this network, you’ll find cycle paths of varying difficulty and remoteness, with some remaining in the suburbs, while others cut through the heart of the rural Ruhr. The trails closer to the city tend to attract substantial weekend bike traffic, however, which makes them less attractive if you’re looking for a quiet ride. If you can put up with the people, though, these have their charm too, namely in the form of numerous sightseeing attractions and great restaurants, good examples of which can be found on the Nordbahntrasse in Wuppertal and the Erzbahntrasse from Bochum to Gelsenkirchen. If you like it quiet, consider travelling on one of the more secluded routes, such as the Kohlenbahn from Hattingen to Wuppertal. Just bear in mind that such isolated roads are often not asphalted, and you’ll struggle to find somewhere to eat out here in the backcountry. Therefore, for the best of both worlds, I recommend starting early. In the wee morning hours, even the busier routes remain relatively empty—and the early morning atmosphere is a particularly beautiful one to behold.

Whichever route you choose, however, remember two important things: A bicycle bell will help inform other cyclists/pedestrians of your presence in a stress-free and friendly way, and lights will help you see and get seen in the tunnels. In fact, the police have been known to keep an eye on this and don’t take kindly to cyclists who ignore this simple rule.

Whichever route you choose, I wish you a great ride!

Visibility:

Anyone

1086 people liked this collection

Like

Share

Comments

Save Collection

Activities

1. By coal train into the Elbe valley

18.2km

01:02

90m

250m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Navigate

Send to Phone

Easy

2. The ore railroad line

13.1km

00:49

90m

20m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Sign Up To Discover Places Like This

Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.

Sign up for free

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

4. Rhenish donkey

22.5km

01:22

130m

160m

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Intermediate

Intermediate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

Intermediate

Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

Intermediate

Comments

Want to know more?

Sign up for a free komoot account to join the conversation.

Sign up for free

Collection Stats

Activities

9

Distance

170 km

Duration

09:48 h

Elevation

1,300 m

Create your own Collection

Learn more

Loading

You Might Also Like

12 bikepackingweekends in de Benelux – Doe mee en win met ORTLIEB

Cycling Collection by

ORTLIEB waterproof

Explore
RoutesRoute plannerFeaturesHikesMTB TrailsRoad cycling routesBikepacking
Download the app
Follow Us on Socials

© komoot GmbH

Privacy Policy