The Emscher cycle path near Dortmund-Aplerbeck offers an attractive mix of nature and industrial culture. The cycle path runs close to the historic moated castle Haus Rodenberg, a baroque castle from the 17th century that now houses a puppet theater and an adult education center, among other things. This idyllic park invites you to take a short break before continuing along the Emscher.
From Aplerbeck, the cycle path follows the river towards Phoenixsee, a popular local recreation area that was created from a former steelworks site. The structural change in the Ruhr area is particularly impressive here, as the Emscher can once again be perceived as a natural river after extensive renaturation measures. Along the way, there are numerous opportunities to visit industrial monuments such as the Hansa coking plant or Hörder Burg, which are also located along the route.
The stage from Aplerbeck to Phoenixsee and on to Dortmund-Hörde is easy to ride and ideal for a relaxed tour. The Emscher Cycle Path then continues north, where cyclists pass through green floodplain landscapes and past modern works of art on the Route of Industrial Heritage.