Cycling Collection by Martin Donat
The most beautiful rail trails – cycle paths in the Ruhr area
9 routes
09:48
170km
1,300m
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
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.
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.
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3. Rheinische Bahn cycle path
11.3km
00:42
70m
40m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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.
5. The Springorum cycle path
11.7km
00:43
90m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
6. Lower Ruhr Valley Railway
13.6km
00:52
80m
60m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
7. Northern railroad line Wuppertal
22.5km
01:20
180m
250m
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
8. Panorama cycle path Niederbergbahn
43.1km
01:53
360m
510m
Intermediate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
9. Coal railroad from Hattingen to Wuppertal
14.3km
01:05
210m
50m
Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Collection Stats
Activities
9
Distance
170 km
Duration
09:48 h
Elevation
1,300 m
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