It's Saturday, the weather's gorgeous, and you've got nothing planned? Then enjoy the weather on a bike tour to the local kiosks (a refreshing break is guaranteed!). It's the classic after-work ride with a twist. Want to go for another ride, but your motivation's waning? This kiosk bike tour offers the perfect combination of cycling and a relaxing break at a kiosk!
Today we're taking a roughly 33-kilometer route through Bochum and Witten. The map shows six kiosks, all promising delicious snacks and cold drinks on paper. But do they deliver in reality? We, Lukas and Evelyn, want to get ready for Kiosk Day on August 17, 2024! So, of course, we need to do a test run, and we'd love for you to join us.
The tour starts in Bochum at the main train station – easily accessible for Herne residents like us via the U35 subway line.
Tropical break at the first stop – The Alsenbude
Is that sweat already? The first stop at the iconic Alsenbude in Bochum comes after just a few hundred meters. The cute little stand also offers cool seating inside. With such a wide selection, the decision isn't easy: in the end, it's a shandy for the cyclists and a mixed bag of snacks to ward off the oncoming hunger pangs.
It's quite pleasant to relax on the "sunbed" with a cool drink. There's a bike rack directly opposite – though sometimes a post will do. With a slightly elevated blood sugar level, it's time to continue.
Tip for the Day of the Kiosks: Within the Alsenbude Let the party begin! On August 17.08th, there will be high-energy DJ sets with a mix of different electronic genres.
We're going all in – on the kiosk!
We couldn't resist making that silly comment at the all-inclusive kiosk. After a total distance of about 2 kilometers, we arrived at our second break. With this weather, it was definitely not too soon! After a bit of searching, the friendly saleswoman helped us. She showed us not only the wide selection of sodas and sweets, but also the many goodies and souvenirs from the Ruhr area. It was immediately clear that she put her heart and soul into it. We just had a soda and a short breather on the small bench before continuing on our way.
Tip for the Day of the Kiosks: All football or what? At All in Kiosk On August 17.08th, there will be a program featuring many stories and songs about football. Perhaps you'll even win an auction for one of the works by Gerrit Starczewski or Thomas Dragunski?
A small garden around the corner – Glück auf! Kiosk Bochum
We've now reached kilometer 4 and are already approaching the next kiosk – you can really feel the metropolitan area! The Glück auf kiosk in Bochum looks incredibly cozy even from the outside. The atmosphere is cheerful – the owner is always up for a laugh. We immediately feel at home and settle into the small seating area. With a view of a small meadow and the homemade artwork, it's quite pleasant. And what would a kiosk be without one?
A cold drink in a shady spot. On the saleswoman's recommendation, we also take a mixed bag of drinks she'd put together herself – and we aren't disappointed!
Tip for the Day of the Kiosks: Let's get groovey! At Good luck at the kiosk! On August 17.08th, Groove is in the house. Let the diverse DJ sets accompany you into the night.
And now: Full throttle towards Witten!
After this refreshment and boost, we sit on our bikes for a while. We quickly leave the city and are soon on the... Springorum routeThe route runs from Altenbochum to the Ruhr River, where it connects to the... Ruhr Valley Cycle Path A well-paved bike path is sure to get any road cyclist's heart racing.
Passing Lottental and Heveney, we soon reach Lake Kemnade. From here, the path follows the Ruhr River for quite a while! We enjoy a few idyllic kilometers with a pleasant breeze. The view of the greenery and all the geese is, of course, also part of the experience.
Plant power at the kiosk: Café Crengeldanz in a floral frenzy
We almost drove right past it, then slammed on the brakes and spotted the colorful plant prominently displayed at the entrance. The Crengeldanz kiosk/café clearly places a strong emphasis on plants. We initially debated whether the plant was genuine, but were promptly reassured. "Of course!" said the owner, leading us directly into the kiosk.
Here, a sea of blossoms unfolds before us – and all are beautifully tended. We had to restrain ourselves from asking for a cutting. Aside from the delightful green backdrop, nothing else could be desired here. Satisfied and refreshed, we continue on our way – back to Bochum.
Tip for the Day of the Kiosks: At the Crengeldanz Kiosk Pure comedy awaits! On August 17.08th, the Physikanten will combine clown comedy with science.
Cult kiosk in Bochum: A shop with heart
We've almost reached our destination – the iconic kiosk in Bochum somehow found its way onto our route. But we gladly made the little detour – it's not only incredibly cozy and clean inside and out, but the sweets practically jump into the mixed bag by themselves!
Standing before the huge wall of sweets, we are speechless and have to restrain ourselves from immediately grabbing some. We almost feel like we're in Sweden, where nearly every supermarket has a self-service candy wall.
After opening the – visibly full – mixed bag and finishing the last beer, we set off again, back to where we started. From Bochum Central Station, we then head back home.
Day of the Kiosks by Bike – Conclusion
Kiosk biking through Bochum and Witten was fantastic! Over 33 kilometers, we not only experienced the most beautiful scenery and the best cycling routes, but also discovered six really cool kiosks. Each kiosk had its own charm – from the tropical Alsenbude to the iconic Glück auf kiosk. The combination of cycling and taking breaks was just perfect, and every kiosk kept us supplied with sweets and cold drinks.
Now for the best part: August 17, 2024 is Kiosk Day! So, grab your bike Join us! Discover the kiosk culture, enjoy music, films, and much more. We're looking forward to seeing you – let's celebrate together and rock the kiosks!
