Ruhr Valley Cycle Path | Eurobike Cycle Tours

240 Kilometers

From Winterberg to Duisburg

12 Key Destinations

Along the cycle path, including Winterberg, Bestwig, and Essen

> 50 DRINK-
ING STATIONS

Germany’s first hydration-friendly long-distance cycling route

March - October

Best Time to Travel

ADFC-Quality Route

Multiple 4-star awards

Route Overview

Medium

The 240 Kilometers (150 miles) Ruhr Valley Cycle Path winds along both the north and south banks of the Ruhr, crossing its bridges several times to ensure you catch every scenic stretch.

Cyclists will enjoy mostly riverside paths, with clearly marked cycle paths and country lanes safely separated from traffic. The route is well-served with infrastructure, and frequent town passages provide plenty of opportunities for refreshments, sightseeing, and leisurely stops along the way.

Cycling Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All cycle tours on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path

Cycling Bliss on Our Most Scenic Tours

All cycle tours on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path

Questions and answers about the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path

Where does the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path start?

The Ruhr Valley Cycle Path starts at the station in Winterberg and ends in Duisburg.

When is the best time to travel along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path?

The ideal time to travel the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path is between March and October. However, especially in March and April it can still be a bit nippy in the Sauerland, so we recommend packing enough and warmer clothing.

For which target group is the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path suitable?

The Ruhr Valley Cycle Path is classified as a medium tour. This means that fun and enjoyment are in the foreground and is suitable for beginners with a good basic level of fitness.

How long is the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route and what’s the total elevation gain?

The 240 kilometres Ruhr Valley Cycle Route runs from Winterberg to Duisburg. The total elevation gain is approximately 650 metres. There are a few hills to climb during the first 35 kilometers. The rest of the route is very flat and ideal for leisurely cycling.

Which hotels/accommodation do we stay in on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path?

On our cycle tours along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, you will stay in cosy and comfortable middle-class hotels.

Which bike is best suited for the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route?

Since the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route is mostly paved and well developed, with only a few sections of gravel paths, the route can be cycled on a Eurobike unisex bike. But we recommend a Leihrad Plus or e-bike.

How does the luggage transfer with Eurobike work?

Your luggage will be picked up directly from your accommodation between 8 and 9 a.m. and will be waiting for you at the next hotel in the evening (between 4 and 7 p.m.). This way, you can cycle in complete relaxation – with only a light daypack.

Duisburg Inner Harbor with canal, modern buildings including distinctive orange triangular structure, and boats moored along waterway.

Charming cobblestone square in Hattingen's old town with traditional half-timbered houses, outdoor restaurant seating, and visitors enjoying the sunny day.

Three cyclists with helmets and colorful panniers riding along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route beside a river with trees and green landscape.

Waterfront view of Mülheim an der Ruhr showing modern apartments, historic brick tower, and traditional buildings reflected in the river.

Two cyclists riding on paved path along the Ruhr river, surrounded by lush green trees and vegetation under partly cloudy sky.

Red brick building with white arched colonnade viewed through green foliage branches, situated beside a river in Mülheim Kahlenberg area.

The Most Beautiful Places Along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path

Duisburg – Industrial Landscapes and Majestic Ports

Duisburg-Nord, originally an ironworks, stands as one of Europe’s most significant industrial monuments. Against this striking backdrop, you can explore cultural highlights and take in the view from the blast furnace. A visit to the Dellviertel district is also an absolute must.

Former industrial complex at Landschaftspark Nord in Duisburg with blast furnaces, smokestacks and steel structures surrounded by green vegetation.

Winterberg – The Highest Town in North Rhine-Westphalia

Locals of Winterberg are affectionately known as “Äggerfriäter” (egg eaters) and are famous for their Speckpfannkuchen (bacon pancakes) and Soleier (pickled eggs). Beyond its culinary specialties, the town offers attractions such as the St. Georg ski jump and the Panorama Erlebnis Bridge.

St. Georg ski jump tower in Winterberg with green artificial turf landing slope, surrounded by autumn trees under blue sky.

Bestwig – Mining, Nature, and Adventure

Bestwig has plenty to offer, from the Ramsbeck visitor mine, where you can explore the exhibition and take a guided tour into the ore mine, to numerous castles and charming half-timbered houses — there’s truly something for everyone.

Historic Crottorf water castle with stone tower and half-timbered building reflected in surrounding moat, surrounded by lush green trees.

Witten – Where Tradition Meets Industrial Heritage

With a history spanning almost 600 years, Witten hosts the annual Zwiebelkirmes (onion fair). The Herbeder Oktoberfest was also held again this year. Beyond these events, attractions like the Industrial Museum “Zeche Nachtigall” can be enjoyed year-round.

Collection of vintage industrial mining tools from Zeche Nachtigall in Witten, including wrenches, hammers, and metal working equipment.

Essen – UNESCO World Heritage Site Zeche Zollverein

Here you can marvel at the oldest blast furnace in the Ruhr region. Essen is also part of a national pilot project: the RS1 – Radschnellweg Ruhr (Ruhr Fast Cycle Route). The first section between Essen and Mülheim an der Ruhr is already complete, so hop on your bicycle and start exploring!

Historic coal mine Zeche Zollverein with red brick buildings, steel structures and water reflections creating mirror image of industrial architecture.

The Most Scenic Stages on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path

Winterberg – Meschede

This diverse 40 Kilometers (25 miles) stage begins at the source of the Ruhr, 654 meters above sea level. Glide downhill with breathtaking views into the award-winning rose village of Assinghausen, then continue through the charming Kneipp spa town of Olsberg, with its cozy cafés and fragrant herb garden, before arriving in Meschede, home to the stunning “Sauerländer Dom” and a picturesque old-town atmosphere.

Meschede – Neheim

Winding through the scenic Arnsberg Forest Nature Park, the Ruhr reveals a landscape full of beauty and history. Pause for photos at the Water Castle Laer and stroll through the historic old town of Arnsberg, almost embraced by the river. The stage then gently leads you to Neheim, with its charming half-timbered houses, completing this 45 Kilometers (28 miles) day of cycling.

Neheim – Herdecke

Covering around 40 Kilometers (25 miles), this stage takes you to the serene Harkortsee, one of six Ruhr reservoirs. Explore the Muttental, known as the cradle of Ruhr mining, and step back in time at the Zeche Nachtigall Industrial Museum. Cross the Ruhr by ferry at the Hardenstein Castle ruins to Kemnader See, then continue to Hattingen’s enchanting old town.

Hattingen – Kettwig

Begin the morning with a visit to Hattingen’s decommissioned Henrichshütte, including a scenic loop up to the blast furnace. Follow the Ruhr along peaceful paths, passing the fascinating Bochum-Dahlhausen Railway Museum, before arriving at Baldeneysee and the impressive Villa Hügel. After 35 Kilometers (22 miles) of cycling, reach Kettwig’s charming half-timbered old town.

Kettwig – Duisburg

Ride past the historic Schloss Broich before reaching the award-winning Aquarius Water Tower with its immersive multimedia museum. Continue to the dramatic Ruhr estuary, marked by a striking 25-meter-tall orange landmark, and enjoy a harbor tour of the world’s largest inland port. This 30 Kilometers (19 miles) stage concludes perfectly with a cozy dinner in Duisburg’s atmospheric Inner Harbour.

Why cycle along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path?

Experience Industrial Heritage

Cycle through the history of coal mines, railway lines, and iconic industrial monuments

Hearty Ruhr Valley Cuisine

Don’t miss the local favorites, Currywurst and Pfefferpotthast

Relaxed Cycling

Enjoy mostly downhill routes that are well signposted and largely traffic-free

Scenic Variety

From the rolling hills of the Sauerland to the Ruhr’s floodplains, discover nature in all its diversity

Culture & Adventure

Spot colorful festivals and lively markets along the way

Ruhr Valley Cycle Path: Your advantages with Eurobike

Individual Cycling Pleasure

Enjoy a perfectly organised cycling holiday that you can tailor to your own preferences: start your daily stage whenever you like, choose between the main route and alternative routes, linger at your favourite spots or discover exciting places – and cycle at your own pace in complete relaxation.

The most important facts at a glance

Coffee break for three cyclists in Bardolino with a view of Lake Garda

Luggage Transfer

Thanks to our luggage transfer service, you can cycle relaxed with only your day bag to your next accommodation, where your suitcases will already be waiting for you. Everything you need fits into the practical bike bags. Simply have your luggage ready in the morning and attach the luggage tags.

All information about the luggage transfer

Comfortable Accommodations

For an all-round enjoyable cycling holiday, Eurobike offers accommodation in personally selected establishments. Whether it's a charming country hotel or a cosy guesthouse, you can expect hospitality, a good breakfast and a relaxed start to your day's cycling.

More about our accommodations

Modern hotel room in Piran with wooden double bed, white linens, patterned throw, balcony doors, desk area, and coastal artwork on wall.

Our Rental Bicycles

We offer rental bikes for every taste: classic women's and men's bikes, modern e-bikes, gravel bikes and the sporty Rental Bike Plus. This means you will always find the right bike to make your individual trip comfortable, flexible and lots of fun.

All bicycles at a glance

Cyclists on the cycle path near Montforte in the Piedmont

Optional Return Transfer to the Starting Point

Even the most beautiful cycling tour must come to an end. On the last day, you will reach your destination with many new impressions. The return journey is usually made individually. You will find suitable options in your travel documents. For many tours, we also offer an optional return transfer for even more comfort.