The Vennbahn cycleway — 125 km of Europe
Abandoned railway stations, idyllic landscapes and picturesque historic small towns: once the Vennbahn connected the industrial centres of Aachen-Rothe Erde with Luxembourg. Today, a popular long-distance cycle path runs along the disused railway line: the Vennbahn cycle path. The cycle path leads through the exciting landscapes of the Eifel, Ardennes and High Fens and through Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg - three countries, one cycle path and an equally unforgettable experience.
The 125 km long Vennbahn cycle path takes you from Aachen to Troisvierges in Luxembourg. You cross the border to Belgium several times and cycle through beautiful nature and quaint villages with pretty half-timbered houses. The largely flat route, which is ideal for families, can easily be done in three stages, which we present in this collection.
Both the starting point Aachen and the destination Troisvierges can be reached by train, so that you can easily travel to and from them. A large selection of accommodation and refreshments awaits you at the individual stage destinations. And along the way you will also find cosy restaurants, cafés and inns where you can spoil yourself with the culinary delights of the three countries.
With so much variety, good infrastructure and simply a great cycling experience, it's no wonder that the Vennbahn cycle path is recommended in the ADFC's brochure "Discovering Germany by bike" and has been awarded four stars as a quality cycle route. More information: adfc.de/artikel/radurlaub-als-sternstunde
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Tours & Highlights
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At the main station in Aachen the varied bike tour starts. From here you cycle to the station Aachen-Rothe Erde, where the Vennbahn starts. After you have crossed the tracks, you will meet the old Vennbahntrasse, on which you cycle comfortably. You follow the gentle arches of the route out of the city and soon dive into a lovely green landscape. Over spectacular viaducts with breathtaking views, past charming towns such as the former abbey city Kornelimünster and old, enchanted railway stations, it heads south.Through wide meadows and romantic forests you drive a little dangling through Belgium and always slightly uphill, because the bike path leads you up to the High Venn. On the border between Germany and Belgium you will cycle over the plateau and enjoy the beautiful nature. From the high plateau to the conclusion of the first stage follows a pleasant descent to the stage destination Monschau, which enchants you with its impressive half-timbered houses.
From Monschau you cycle along the Rur back to the Hohe Venn. At Kalterherberg you cross the border into Belgium and continue for a few meters up to the plateau, where you will be greeted by the fascinating landscape of the high moor: barren marshes alternate with lush green meadows and shady groups of trees. From time to time you'll pass small towns and abandoned train stations, each offering a leisurely break.After you reach the highest point of the stage, you roll comfortably on the slightly curved race track in the valley of the Amel. At Montenau you cross the merry river and cycle slightly uphill on the other side. It goes past juicy pastures where you can observe peacefully grazing animals. A few kilometers further on you will reach today's stage destination Sankt Vith. In the pretty town you can end the day at the local museum, where you will learn more about the history of the Vennbahn.
Today is the last stage of the Vennbahn cycle path. From Sankt Vith you cycle comfortably downhill through lovely meadows and enchanted forests. After the first few kilometers you pass through an exciting tunnel near Lommersweiler. The old railway tunnel will seem like a blessing, especially on hot summer days, because it is pleasantly cool inside. After crossing the tunnel, continue down to the valley of the Our. A short section takes you through Germany, but before you know it, you're back in Belgium.At Steffeshausen you leave the bank of the river and start with a climb that leads you out of the valley through a picturesque forest and meadow landscape. Just before you reach the highest point, you cross the border into Luxembourg. From here it is only a few kilometers to the finish and the lead mainly downhill. So you can enjoy the beautiful nature, while you roll yourself comfortably to Troisvierges. Here ends the Vennbahn and the memorable cycle tour on the former railway track, which has led you through three countries.
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Collection Stats
- Tours3
- Distance81.8 mi
- Duration08:36 h
- Elevation3,825 ft2,975 ft
