Cycling is more popular than ever, and the 2020 holiday season was very difficult due to the coronavirus. So why not combine cycling and a holiday in Germany? I already cycle a lot. A few years ago, I was awarded a 10-kilometer cycling certificate. commute I even switched from car to bicycle. But a cycling holiday? Is that cool? How does that even work? If I don't try it this year, when will I? Just do it, and so the plan is set: my first cycling holiday.

Cycling from Winterberg to Duisburg

I live in the Ruhr area, and the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path from Winterberg to Duisburg is geographically perfect for me. I also shouldn't forget to mention that the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path has been among the top three most popular river cycle paths for years. Okay, now I have to admit that I do the marketing for this very cycle path and therefore know it quite well. I've cycled it before, but always only in many individual stages. Now I want to do a real cycling trip, from the journey there and overnight stays to dealing with bad weather (which is all part of the experience, after all)!

Planning is key, here's how!

Experienced cyclists who have already been on a cycling holiday will probably find some parts of my travelogue boring (Dear experienced cyclists, please skip the first part), but for everyone considering such an active holiday for the first time, this article will be helpful.

Let's get started with the planning: I've illustrated the most important information for you here. I'm facing a 240-kilometer route, and the first step is planning the stages. How many kilometers can I manage in terms of fitness and time each day? How much do I want to see along the way? When will I arrive to be able to start in Winterberg? All these factors will influence your individual plan. On the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route website I plan my stages using the distance information for each city.

Personally, I choose to take my time to see a lot or even just stroll around the cities a bit. In addition, I take the train from [location omitted] in the morning. Bottrop I'm traveling to Winterberg and can only start cycling from midday onwards. This results in four overnight stays for me with the following stages (all mileage figures include the routes to the respective hotel):

• Day 1: Arrival by train, then from Winterberg to Meschede (approx. 45 km)
• Day 2: Meschede to Fröndenberg (approx. 70 km)
• Day 3: Fröndenberg to Bochum (Stiepel) (approx. 65 km)
• Day 4: Bochum (Stiepel) to Essen (Kettwig) (approx. 65 km)
• Day 5: Food to Duisburg (approx. 35 km) and drive home (approx. 30 km)

Hotel booking: What do I need to pay attention to?

Now I'm looking for hotels that fit my daily mileage and, ultimately, my budget. Tip: All listed accommodations on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route website They are certified as bed+bike accommodations, which has the advantage for you that they accept guests for just one night and provide a secure room for your bicycle. Further benefits for cyclists: necessary tools, maps, etc.

Should you book hotels in advance or spontaneously on site? You should base that on your travel dates. On weekends or holidays, I recommend booking hotels in advance. Cycling is more popular than ever, and the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path is well-traveled. I started on Monday and cycled home on Friday – not exactly typical holiday days when you'd expect full hotels. Nevertheless, I had booked my accommodations in advance. Perhaps it's also a matter of peace of mind, but for me, it was also important to have a fixed destination each day and know where I needed to go in the evening.

Getting to the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path: Train or car?

My accommodations are booked, and I'm looking up my train connection for the journey. It's always necessary to change trains in Dortmund to get to Winterberg. In my case, construction work meant I had to cover part of the last leg of the journey on a rail replacement bus (with a bike trailer!). For anyone planning to travel by car: In Winterberg, you can park your car for free at the start of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route, which is the train station. This is also possible in Duisburg, but there are parking fees.

Packing correctly, or: What do you really need to take with you?

Here, less is more, and I promise you, it's much easier than you think! Even as a woman, I was surprised by how little luggage you actually need. Of course, you can travel with suitcases, but then you have to book a luggage transfer (for example, with RevierRad), which incurs additional costs.

I'll give you a few tips on how to get along wonderfully with bicycle panniers:

• Sports trousers instead of jeans (they are not only more comfortable when driving, but also save a lot of space in your bag)
• Layering (you'll read how incredibly practical this is later in the article), the main advantage when packing is that you only need to pack spare shirts and can take care of the rest with your jackets)
• For the truly dedicated: Bring washing powder and wash your used clothes in the hotel in the evening.

The most important things that you absolutely must not miss on your tour are:

• Cycling shorts with padding to wear underneath (your backside will thank you!)
• Rain jacket and trousers, ideally even gaiters (my personal "must have" for everyday cycling to protect my shoes from mud)
• Gloves and headband (in case it's cooler in the morning)
• Glasses (preferably both regular and sunglasses, both will prevent wind, rain or flies from obscuring your vision)
• Emergency tools and a small first-aid kit (you never know)
• Navigation system, smartphone with navigation app or the classic map (more on that in a moment)

The question that divides opinions: With or without a battery?

Nothing is debated more than the question of e-bike versus classic bicycle. In my opinion, it's primarily a matter of personal preference, followed by fitness, desired range, and ultimately, of course, comfort. I personally ride an e-bike, which I bought when I switched from car to bicycle (no, it has nothing to do with age, but simply provides a flat commute). From experience, however, I can say that the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path is perfectly rideable even without a battery. Okay, the first leg includes a few challenging climbs, but with good gears, even those are manageable (and the aforementioned climbs reward you with stunning views and subsequent descents).

The perfectly adjusted bicycle

Most people have a bicycle at home that they would prefer to use for such a trip, because a rental bike is never the same as their own, familiar bike. Since you'll be spending significantly more time on the bike than usual on such a trip, you should take a few minutes before departure to adjust it perfectly to you and your journey. A good and free tool for this is... richtigradfahren.deA website that helps you adjust saddle height, handlebar position, etc., ergonomically and individually to your needs. Your body will thank you! 😉

Orientation on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path: Navigation device, smartphone, map or signage?

Of course, there are the classic maps, but I always plan and navigate my bike tours using my smartphone and an app, such as Komoot or, in the Ruhr area, the free app. bike tour planner.ruhrThe free [accessible/accessible/etc.] is particularly recommended for the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route. Sauerland App, which already includes the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route. However, since I prefer to use my phone as a camera on my Ruhr Valley Cycle Route trip (without having to remove it from the phone holder for every photo), I'm borrowing a navigation device including a bicycle mount from a colleague and using it to program the route. GPX-Track of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route .

My winner: the signpost

Now, let me jump ahead a bit: I didn't really need the GPS, because the signage was truly excellent! I occasionally receive complaints at work about the supposedly poor signage, which I simply can't understand after my own cycling trip. At one point, a signpost was turned around, and at another, I would have liked an additional intermediate signpost, but these are such a small fraction of the total number of signs that they don't really matter. After just a few hours, I was navigating exclusively by the signs and eventually just zipping past them – it worked perfectly.

This is how you keep track of things

To give you an idea of ​​what this looks like in practice, I've included some pictures here of... different types of signs Inserted. Generally, cycle paths in North Rhine-Westphalia are marked with red and white signs. These include wide arrow signs with detailed information on locations and distances. The RuhrtalRadweg (Ruhr Valley Cycle Path) logo is also attached to these signs if several cycle routes intersect at that point. If there is no RuhrtalRadweg logo on the sign, all cycle routes follow that direction. Between major intersections, you will only find small, square intermediate signs without any additional logos. Of course, it would be great if the RuhrtalRadweg logo were displayed on all signs, on all asphalt surfaces, and ideally even on dedicated posts along the route, but unfortunately, this is not permitted and would ultimately lead to a proliferation of cycle route logos along all cycle paths.

Cycling holiday on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route – It's finally starting!

The day has arrived and the weather is cooperating. Bags strapped to the rack and off we go by bike to the train station. So far, everything is going smoothly, and at each station, there are more and more cyclists heading towards Winterberg. We strike up conversations, and our individual plans are confirmed, as everyone has planned different overnight stages. Then, in Dortmund, comes the disappointment: the train to Winterberg has too few bicycle compartments, and some cyclists are left behind. At this point, we'd like to remind everyone that, out of consideration for others, all cyclists should please remove their panniers before boarding and take them with them to their seats. Yes, strapping them on and off is a hassle, but it creates a lot of space for more bikes and is also requested by the railway company. You can find further assistance with train travel by bicycle on the RuhrtalRadweg website at [website address missing]. How to Arrive.

I was very glad to be able to catch the train, otherwise making my first leg to Meschede would have been quite a close call. The transfer to the replacement bus service in Bestwig, on the other hand, went perfectly, and all the bikes were quickly strapped onto the bike trailer.

Day 1 on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path – Winterberg, now it's time to get on the bike

Arriving in Winterberg, the sun actually comes out, and the layering principle comes into play for the first time: fleece jacket off, just a light windbreaker on. This routine will now be repeated several times a day. The starting photo with my motivated selfie is in the bag, and I hop on my bike.

To ensure all cyclists are in a good mood, the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path begins with a long, gradual climb leading from the train station past houses to the entrance of the forest. For athletic reasons, I've planned to ride most of the route with the lowest assistance level, but I'll allow myself a little extra power for the first kilometer. Side note: It gets cooler in the forest, so I put on a jacket. Even before I reach the source of the Ruhr River, I'm overwhelmed by the tranquility! I stop briefly to try and hear some sound, but to no avail. Not even birdsong, just pure silence among the tall trees. A real contrast to everyday life, and as a city dweller, I'm thoroughly enjoying this moment.

Next stop: the source of the Ruhr, where, of course, the obligatory tourist photo follows. I've heard or read this a thousand times, but I have to write it down again: It's hard to imagine how this tiny trickle of the Ruhr, barely enough to fill a water bottle, eventually flows into the Rhine as a wide river. Here, by the way, you first realize that you keep running into all the cyclists you met at the various train stations (and this will continue to be the case for the next few days).

Conditions of the first few kilometers of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path

The Ruhr Valley Cycle Route's first stage follows a mix of forest and gravel paths (not suitable for racing bikes, by the way; they should join the route later). Cyclists should have some experience with cycling for this initial section, as the forest tracks, gravel, and alternating ascents and descents are somewhat challenging.

Winterberg without snow: Worth a visit!

Between the many trees, there are frequent larger gaps offering breathtaking views. I'm in love with the landscape and the animals along the way. If you have enough time, I recommend planning your first overnight stay in Winterberg. This way, you can leisurely explore the idyllic, picture-perfect scenery and the charming town center on your arrival day and only set off on your bike ride the following morning.

One photo opportunity follows another, and I get off my bike every few minutes to capture them. It takes time, but I simply can't get enough of them.

The City of Roses: Olsberg

I've now arrived in Olsberg and am driving through the rose village of Assinghausen. Here, the hearts of flower lovers beat faster, because everything is in bloom with roses. Every front garden and every flower box, from lovingly tended private gardens to public flowerbeds: Assinghausen is a giant rose garden. Of course, there are times when it's in full bloom, but many hardy rose varieties can also be found here, so you can always spot a rose somewhere.

My tip: On the outskirts of the rose village is the perfect spot for a first break, located directly on the route: The Küsterland with its chapels It is not only particularly beautiful, but also offers many benches and even free e-bike charging stations.

After the many forest and nature passages, the route begins to have a more local character from the rose village of Assinghausen, with beautiful half-timbered houses, but also practical grocery stores (those who want to refill their bicycle bottles or have a small snack have the opportunity here).

Postcard-perfect scenes abound along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route.

But here too you can always find wonderful views of nature, and I repeat myself: I am completely in love with this little piece of earth.

The Ruhr River has already widened considerably in the town center of Olsberg, and there are now bridges where you can cross to the other side.

Renaturalized Ruhr River in Bestwig

Nevertheless, the Ruhr River's appearance changes regularly, and there are even places where you can reach the bottom in shallow water, like here in Bestwig: The Ruhr has been renaturalized, and you can sit down at a rest area. By the way: Time to change your jacket, it's getting warm!

The stage is slowly coming to an end, and I'm getting closer and closer to Meschede. Along the way, I run into cyclists again whom I recognize from one of the train stations. It seems we keep bumping into each other, depending on who's taking a break and when and where.

The last few kilometers of the stage are worth it: Lake Hennesee

Although the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path doesn't run directly along the Hennesee, it's worth planning the short detour (approx. 3 km) because this reservoir is particularly beautiful. I deliberately booked my first hotel at the Hennesee so I could enjoy the sunset there. The climb up to it did surprise me a bit, though, as the Henne dam is considerably higher than the Ruhr River. But the view from the "Stairway to Heaven" overlooking Meschede more than makes up for it.

My stomach is growling so badly now that I have to eat something right after checking into my room. Near the hotel, also directly on the Hennesee lake, is the "H1 am See" restaurant, where I'll spend a relaxing evening. Of course, I'll cycle the short distance there, as those extra 4 kilometers won't make much difference now (we'll see if I regret it tomorrow).

Craft beer tasting and rump steak at H1

As a reward for completing the first leg of my journey and to kick off my vacation, I'm treating myself to something delicious to eat and sampling the craft beers at H1. I'm not really a beer drinker; my friends and I know me for ordering my self-proclaimed "girly shandy" (more soda than beer), but even I can enjoy these beers. My favorite is the "Clucking Hen Ray Pale Ale," which tastes like beer with a hint of caramel and cotton candy (all beer fans are now put off, and all girly shandy fans are curious 😀).

Congestion in the bicycle storage room

When I went to lock my bike in the hotel, I was genuinely surprised by how many cyclists were staying there. A couple arrived at the same time, and they even had to leave their bikes in the lobby (which, by the way, is staffed 24 hours a day, so practically with bike guards). It was somehow reassuring to see so many like-minded people who were also here on their bikes and enjoying a cycling holiday.

Day 2 on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path – The first morning after: I'm fit, yeah!

The most important takeaway: no muscle soreness, and my backside is feeling great too (I'd recommend padded cycling shorts again!). Once breakfast is digested, I hop on my bike, full of motivation. Back from Hennesee to the Ruhr River and then on along the route. The weather isn't as nice as yesterday, so my photos aren't nearly as blue. But the main thing is that it's dry, and it'll stay that way all day.

After a few kilometers, I reach Arnsberg, and looking back, I can say: no other town on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path is "longer." Half of today's stage consists of Arnsberg and its many districts. The historic old town is, of course, an absolute must-see.

Cobblestones, half-timbered houses, fountains, and an old bell tower—there's plenty to see in this absolutely charming town center. The old town is situated on slightly higher ground, so e-bikers switch on the turbo, while the so-called "bio-bikers" rely on their muscle power or push their bikes (I'll spare you the penalty kick analogy about bikes and pushing them).

A short stop in the "Nature Experience Room"

Still in Arnsberg, but a few kilometers further on, I discover a small gate made of wooden posts with the name "Nature Experience Space" carved into it, and just beyond it, a climbing observation tower. Of course, I'm in! Behind this entrance awaits a small adventure forest with various stations and places to look at, step on, climb, and so on. A quick stop is well worth it! And it's free, by the way!

Water sports are naturally an integral part of the Ruhr region. Whether in or on the water, there are many possibilities: canoeing, rafting, rowing, stand-up paddling, sailing (but only later, as the Ruhr is still too small) and much more.

Refueling in the form of calorie intake

It's already late afternoon, and I decide to have dinner a little early, as the R-Café is just a few kilometers further along the route. And eating in a restaurant with a hand-painted map of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path hanging above the counter is simply even better. The veranda is particularly lovely, offering a view of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path from which you can practically "spit."

The second overnight stay: Fröndenberg

The last few kilometers of today's stage follow, and I reach Fröndenberg, the gateway to the Ruhr region. My hotel this time is located directly on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, and even here, the bike storage room is almost overflowing. I'm pretty much done for today, so I skip a walk through the town and just head straight for a shower and then bed.

Day 3 on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route – Off to the Ruhr area!

The next morning the sun shines a bit more, and after a delicious breakfast, I set off on the next leg of my journey. I caught a brief glimpse of the Ruhr River at the hotel, but that's about to change, as is the weather (layering time: I put on my fleece jacket). I cycle through a fairly rural area, passing fields; the Ruhr is less visible here, but there's plenty of nature.

And just like that, a few fields further on I reach the first information panel of radrevier.ruhr: I've arrived in the Ruhr area, more precisely in Holzwickede. Tour tips for cycling in the Ruhr area Anyone looking for something will find plenty at Jochen's.

It's still morning, but a fun-filled stop is on my agenda.

No beer before four (then schnapps it is)

The Bimberg estate distillery has existed on the Lenninghaus estate in Iserlohn since 1858, and I am now paying it a visit.

Located on a small rise with a great view of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, you can not only visit the distillery here, but also enjoy high-quality dining in the vaulted cellar (please be sure to reserve in advance and bring a little extra spending money 😉).

Besides gin (best known as "Gin Bim"), they also distill grain spirits here, as well as several liqueurs. The distillery in Bimburg provides a clear explanation of the process, and the small museum also houses some antiques.

For groups of 15 or more, you can book distillery tours including tastings, and for those looking for something truly special, I recommend the tour with magic. Mr. Bimberg himself guides you through the distillery and explains the production of grain spirit using magic tricks. It's astonishing and thoroughly entertaining (Mr. Bimberg, if you're reading this: where did that red cloth you made disappear from your hand?). Anyway, let's get back to the schnapps and head out to the schnapps shop in the courtyard.

Souvenirs with plenty of alcohol

As is often the case on vacation, you naturally want to take something home with you, and a delicious liqueur is perfect for that. You can buy a souvenir for your home bar at the liquor store. But hey, you don't buy a pig in a poke, and the most important thing when visiting a distillery is the taste test, right? Wait a minute, it's not even noon yet, but I'll selflessly sacrifice myself for you and try (wait for it!) a Korn! Enough talk, down the hatch! Korn is the new gin, but a bit too strong for my taste. I'll buy a bottle of cappuccino liqueur and enjoy it at home after my vacation.

Further education about the solar system (only without the sun)

I continue my journey along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path. It's not far before I discover the first station of the Planet Trail. Here, at eleven stations, you'll find models of the planets, illustrating the relative sizes of the planets in our solar system and the universe surrounding us. They're really lovely spots to stop for a moment and look through the small windows. The city limits are blurring, and we're already in Schwerte. Here, I make another stop, this time at the Schwerte Mustard Mill.

Now things are getting spicy: The Schwerte Mustard Mill

Penalty shot! Just a few meters off the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, right next to the Rohrmeisterei, lies the Schwerte Mustard Mill. Small but exquisite, delicious mustard specialties are still handcrafted here today. This mustard mill is the only one of its kind to have survived in Westphalia, and has been since 1845!

Freshly packaged, you can buy classic Adrian mustard (named after the family of the former owners), as well as more unusual varieties like chili mustard or beer mustard. The hot honey mustard is award-winning, by the way, and I'm buying that one too, along with the garlic mustard (mmm, garlic, my favorite ingredient :D).

Next stop: Dortmund

With my panniers fully packed (I'd deliberately left some space in them, by the way, and now I know why), I continued my tour. In a few places, the clouds parted, and a tiny ray of sunshine reached the ground. The perfect time for a break with a cool drink, a "Radler" of course (sorry, I just had to make that pun :D). So, with a fantastic view of the Ruhr River and the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, I sat in the natural beer garden at the mouth of the Lenne River, by the way, already in Dortmund.

Hengsteysee and Harkortsee

Refreshed, I continued my journey, and two of the large reservoirs immediately followed. First, the Hengsteysee in Dortmund and Herdecke (from here on, the city boundaries become increasingly blurred by the lakes). If you cycle there, take a look at the rock faces to your right. Securing these cliffs led to an extremely long closure of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path a few years ago. The same situation occurred on my tour at the next lake, the Harkortsee (which connects the towns of Herdecke, Hagen, and Wetter), as the rock faces there also had to be secured. This meant a detour for me, but safety comes first! Update: The route has been open again since 2022.

Push your bike and enjoy the view

The bridge in Herdecke after Hengsteysee is one of the few sections on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path where you have to push your bike. Because of the wooden deck and the rails, it's safer for cyclists to dismount. The good thing about it: you can let your gaze wander and don't have to concentrate on the ground. After mastering the detour around Harkortsee (which, by the way, was also well signposted!), I can see the slightly higher-lying town of Wetter, Harkortsee itself, and its lovely lakeside area from the detour bridge (another tip for a break!).

Nature reserve and industrial heritage

Speaking of the weather (good segue), it's getting better and better, and it's like Groundhog Day: off with the fleece jacket, on with the windbreaker. I reach Witten, with a short stop at the Ruhraue nature reserve. Here, I simply follow the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path alongside the tracks of the Muttentalbahn railway and emerge at the LWL Industrial Museum Zeche Nachtigall. They say this is the cradle of Ruhr coal mining, and you can even see it all for yourself in the visitor mine.

Ship ahoy!

My time is running short, so I'm driving straight on to... Hardenstein Ruhr Valley FerryWith this cute little bicycle ferry, you can cross the Ruhr River for a short distance. The ferry gets its name from the nearby Hardenstein ruins, which you can see during the crossing. You pay what you think it's worth, simply dropping the money into a small tin box on the railing.

It will be delicious: Picasso at Ruhrblick

Before leaving Witten, I'm going to enjoy my dinner here. It's Spanish food today, and a table awaits me at "Picasso im Ruhrblick." The name says it all; I'm sitting right by the Ruhr River, and... it's raining! Hello?! Not like this! I want to sit outside, dry and enjoying the fantastic view! But wait! After a few drops, it stops, and I calmly order my food.

Picasso is a real hidden gem! Visually unassuming, this Spanish restaurant reveals itself to be a bodega serving high-quality food. When, upon taking my order, they say, "We don't have tuna today because I couldn't get any fresh," I'm already convinced of the quality.

Spanish delicacies on the Ruhr

Accordingly, the prices aren't cheap, but you do get high quality, and it's worth it. Incidentally, Picasso has its own stall at the Naschmarkt. Zeltfestival Ruhr, which I have already reported on.

To make your mouth water, here are a few pictures of the delicacies. I'm trying, among other things, the duck liver, the dates wrapped in bacon (a must for tapas, right?), and the Iberico pork fillet. And what can I say? It tastes absolutely divine!

The food is worth every penny, and I feel so full and happy afterward. Although, you can always be even happier… with dessert, for example! So, to reward myself for all those kilometers I cycled, I treat myself to an almond cake and don't regret a single bite.

The last few kilometers to Lottental in Bochum

The day couldn't have ended better, and then this: it starts raining again. Oh man, I still have 5 kilometers to go to the hotel. Oh well, rain jacket on (woohoo, a jacket change :D) and onto the bike: I'll switch to turbo mode for once and go full throttle towards Bochum. I arrive at the hotel completely soaked. Forest & Golf Hotel Lottental And the first thing I see through the windows is: a pool!!! Since I'm already completely soaked, I might as well jump right in. So I did (well, okay, I did change first)! Ah, how lovely! A few relaxing laps in the pool after such a long day's hike are definitely not a bad idea.

Day 4 on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path – New day, new (weather) luck

Hooray, the rain has finally stopped and the sun is even managing to peek through the clouds. After a delicious breakfast, I'm off on my bike as usual (by the way, I can now close my panniers and attach them to the bike with my eyes closed). In just a few minutes, I'll be at Lake Kemnade, and the day can only begin beautifully here.

Besides the idyllic morning scenery, you'll find perfect infrastructure here: paved paths separated for different modes of transport: pedestrians, inline skaters, and cyclists – what a luxury! It's wonderful to cycle on, but first, some early morning exercise (as if I don't already get enough exercise cycling :D).

In the Ruhr region section of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route, there's a "Good Advice Trail" that offers valuable health tips for cyclists. Melissa took a closer look at the stations, which were installed by the KNAPPSCHAFT health insurance company, and This report covers it.

Hattingen, the photo city of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route

After Bochum comes Hattingen, and here you absolutely must get your camera out! Hattingen is my personal favorite town on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route because there are simply so many fantastic photo opportunities that choosing which ones to include in this article is difficult. The first place I reach is the LWL Industrial Museum Henrichshütte, which provides an impressive backdrop. The route there is signposted from the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route, and anyone wanting to experience a piece of Ruhr region history simply must stop by!

From here, the path to the Hattingen's historic old town It's signposted. Oh, how beautiful it is here! I was here once before for the Christmas market (highly recommended, by the way!) and was just as thrilled then. I stroll through many little alleyways and past wonderful half-timbered houses. You absolutely must include this little detour from the main route (about 2 km) in your plans.

Unique architecture and an exceptional overnight accommodation option

Back on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, after a few kilometers you'll reach the Birschel Mill, a former grain mill right on the Ruhr River dating back to 1880. Next to it is the Ruhr Lock, which is even older and still operational. Today, the Birschel Mill It's a serviced apartment complex and houses a restaurant (with a view of the lock), as well as a small hotel (anyone wanting to stay here should definitely book in advance, as there are only a few rooms). If you're looking for unusual accommodations, you should check out Rebecca's post, because just before the Birschel Mill you can... sleeping in wine barrels, which belong to the Grum country house.

I love the Ruhr cascades!

I continue on my way, and just a few meters from the Birschel Mill, I come to my absolute favorite photo spot: the Ruhr Cascades! Here, cascading waterfalls flow down the Ruhr River, creating a truly beautiful scene. The sound they produce is incredibly calming, and I could sit here for hours just gazing at the water. For amateur photographers, here's a tip: take a photo from the nearby road bridge (Bochumer Straße). From there, you can capture the entire length of the cascades.

From the cascades, follow the towpath, a former boat path, for a bit longer and enjoy unspoiled nature! Horses used to pull boats along these towpaths on the Ruhr River. Today, instead of horses, you'll often see cows grazing in the meadows beside the path, so you'll have to open and close a gate or two.

From Dahlhausen to the colorful caravans

The towpath leads me directly to Bochum-Dahlhausen. For anyone wondering how I can start in Bochum in the morning and then get back to Bochum from Hattingen: the Ruhr River takes a considerable detour to the south, bypassing the central part of Bochum. The hotel was in the eastern part of Bochum, from where the Ruhr carried me south to Hattingen and now brings me back to the western part of Bochum. From here, it's just a stone's throw to Essen, and the first thing I see are the brightly lit... Construction trailer from Ruhrcamping.

Essen is the second longest city on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route after Arnsberg, and I will be cycling through several of its districts. Unfortunately, clouds are slowly but surely gathering in the sky, and I'm still hoping for the best... in vain!

Essen: European Green Capital (unfortunately, it's grey in my case)

And by that I mean exclusively the weather. I was able to enjoy the first part of my meal under a blue sky, but suddenly it turned gray again (this really seems to be a recurring theme throughout my entire trip). At Vogelinsel, a nature reserve with a tributary of the Ruhr River, it finally happened: it rained so hard that I decided to change my clothes. I know I'm repeating myself, but long live the layering principle!

Over my leggings, which are now a bit too cold for me, I put on waterproof trousers, then a rain jacket, and damn it: that's what happens when you grab your favorite color in the store without thinking. I hadn't considered the unfortunate combination of trousers and jacket (and unfortunately, even helmet) and now I get to ride around looking like a "color freak," oh man! Oh well, "staying dry" is the motto. After putting on gloves and gaiters, I'm off again.

Rain break “with a kick”

Since it just wouldn't stop raining, I decided to take a break at my favorite snack bar by the Scheppen house and joined many other soaked cyclists. What could be better than fries with special sauce and a hot chocolate (with Amaretto 😀)?

Another great old town: Essen-Werden

I'm on vacation and I'm certainly not going to let the weather ruin it! After warming up, I hop on my bike and ride to Essen Werden.

Werden also has a historic town center and is therefore perfect for strolling. But even better than strolling is enjoying the cakes and pastries. There are several bakeries and pastry shops; you should definitely plan to visit at least one.

My leisurely stroll is a bit shorter, because of course it hasn't stopped raining yet, and I can already hear today's destination calling "Saaandra." It's only a few more kilometers to Essen Kettwig, but those few kilometers are going to be quite challenging.

That's enough, I don't want any more!

It's not just raining anymore, it's pouring! I switch on the turbo and drive straight through at full throttle. The rain is coming straight at me; I couldn't drive at all without my glasses, though I have to keep using my fingers to wipe the windshield. The waterproofing on my pants is failing, my entire face is wet and dripping, and all I want is to get to the hotel.

Finally arrived in Kettwig, I'll skip the beautiful old town and postpone that part of the itinerary until tomorrow. All that's left is to get to the hotel, to my room, and then spend the next half hour wringing out my many layers of clothes and hanging them up (this is the first time I've had to pay the price for layering, as hanging them up takes forever and I have to get creative finding suitable spots – a floor lamp works perfectly, by the way). Okay, I'm out of here and I'm going to collapse into bed in front of the TV. Good night!

Day 5 on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path – The suspense in the morning: Wet or dry?

It definitely looks better outside, and I head off for breakfast feeling optimistic. Once everything is packed and the bike is "saddled up," it's really time again: gaiters on and rain jacket on. "Ooooohhhhhhmmmmmmm" and I try to calm myself down, because it's my last leg of the day's ride, and it's going to be a good one, whatever the weather.

I start with the postponed tour of the old town and my mood improves because it's simply so beautiful here.

I can't get enough of Kettwig because every alleyway is beautiful. There are also many small shops, cafes, and restaurants here.

Our preview of Katalina I was here once before in the summer, and of course it looked nicer then, and if you like, you can even relax here in moving picture look at.

Helge Schneider's hometown: Mülheim an der Ruhr

My journey continues, and I leave Essen for Mülheim an der Ruhr. Following some country lanes, past horse paddocks and under the A52 motorway bridge (you absolutely must look up while standing under the bridge, it's truly impressive!), I arrive at Broich Castle.

Darlington Park is directly adjacent, and it's wonderful to explore its many charming little corners. Anyone who enjoys vegan cuisine absolutely must visit... Restaurant Ronja I'm eating right here in the roundhouse in the park. I'm rediscovering my inner child and getting excited about the water playground, because just water from above is boring, after all.

Cycle superhighway or RS 1 for short

And now for a tip you absolutely must heed. In the park, you can already see the Camera Obscura from afar, and directly behind it runs the RS 1 – Germany's first cycle superhighway. Okay, now many Ruhr area residents will cry foul, because yes, it should have been finished long ago. I've followed the planning from the feasibility study to the present day, and it's truly frustrating that you still can't cycle from Duisburg to Hamm on this cycle highway. But anyone cycling the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route should still take the ramp connected to the RS 1 and check it out.

This completed section is truly a dream come true for cyclists, and I wish there was a similar route on my commute. Asphalt, lanes separated by markings, and most importantly for fast cyclists: pedestrians have a separate area.

The ramp takes you back to the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, and later you'll cycle past the Aquarius Water Museum. Anyone wanting to visit all the industrial heritage highlights in the Ruhr region should check the [guidelines/guidelines] before starting their trip. RUHR.TOPCARD Get the card. You pay for it once and can then visit museums, zoos, industrial monuments and much more along the route at no extra cost. You'll usually start saving money after just a few visits.

Ruhr Valley Cycle Route final stretch, I'm reaching my destination Duisburg

I've passed the first Duisburg information board and I'm already looking forward to my destination. But first, I'm going to the inner harbor in Duisburg, where you can find some wonderful food.

Besides a marina with small boats, many companies are based here. The inner harbor gets crowded at lunchtime and in the evening, as there is a wide selection of restaurants, and the later lighting of the buildings makes it look particularly beautiful.

The last few kilometers on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path

Finally, I encountered a rather annoying detour, as the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path had to be closed for an extended period due to road bridge repairs. But now: The end was literally in sight, and the last kilometer felt easier than any other on the entire route. After cycling 240 kilometers on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, I arrived at the Rheinorange sculpture in Duisburg and was overwhelmed. A simple yet enormous orange stele meant something truly profound to me in that moment: The destination and end of an exciting journey had been reached!

Since I only cycled 35 kilometers today, which now seems like very little to me, I spontaneously decided to cycle home as well (by the way, a great route, through Oberhausen past the Gasometer, the "Slinky Springs to Fame" bridge and the Sorcerer's Apprentice).

A holiday on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path – My conclusion: Do it! Absolutely!

I did it! I cycled over 250 kilometers (including the journey to and from the hotel) – and it was all for a holiday. To answer my initial question: Is a cycling holiday even possible? Is it cool? It's absolutely fantastic, and much easier than I imagined.

My holiday horizons have definitely broadened. I'm so hooked, in fact, that this certainly wasn't my last cycling holiday.
And quite apart from the fact that "holidays in Germany" are becoming increasingly popular due to the coronavirus crisis and a generally changing environmental awareness, you should definitely consider a cycling holiday. You see so much, you're out in the fresh (and sometimes wet, in my case 😀) air, and you get some exercise.

I enjoyed the minimalist lifestyle out of my pannier just as much as the diverse region. Speaking of diverse: it wasn't just the different towns and villages along the route that provided such variety, but also the route itself. From forest tracks to gravel paths and water-bound surfaces, all the way to paved sections, it had it all. The challenging climbs followed by descents, in addition to the mostly flat stretches, always brought a smile to my face. This variety is precisely what made the ride so enjoyable for me! And so, my final recommendation to you: definitely do it! 🙂

UPDATE: I have now completed my second cycling trip and am the Cycled the Roman-Lippe route, where you can also have a look (Spoiler: The weather god simply hates me! :D).