FINALLY: a nearly forgotten round thing is shining in the sky with full force on the cycle paths in the Ruhr area, bringing this completely rainy winter half-year to a glorious close with glorious warmth. If you're looking for the perfect spring bike tour, I have just the thing for you: a short beginner's loop through the south of Essen with an extra dose of nature!
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First tour tip this year: Head south!
Although my suggested tour covers a good 32 kilometers, it doesn't run entirely through the area. node systemHowever, the tour is still very bike-friendly, mostly leading away from traffic and through lots of green countryside. And to give you a good idea of the bike tour, a short informational video will follow shortly. Katalina and me.
A brief description
From the train station in Essen-Werden, we initially cycle along the northern shore of Lake Baldeney. Here too, surrounded by greenery, we encounter fascinating industrial heritage, but then we continue cycling on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path through a beautiful nature reserve. Over the Grugatrasse The route heads uphill towards the city center. The GRUGA (Graz Agricultural and Gardens) and Margarethenhöhe are two highlights along the way, before continuing on to... Water Route back to the Ruhr Valley.
The journey starts at Essen-Werden train station.
Traveling by train from Essen is very relaxed, at least on the S6 line. From Düsseldorf, there is currently (as of April 2024) a major closure with replacement bus service, which you should be aware of. If you're driving, you'll find a large, free parking lot right next to the station. The overview map of the junction system, which provides a good starting point, is located in the middle of the Ruhr bridge. From there, we'll head towards Lake Baldeney.
The northern shore of Lake Baldeney
The network of cycle paths runs along the southern shore of the lake because the route is significantly better developed and wider there. However, the northern shore also offers some exciting sections. Therefore, my tour suggestion for today leads along that shore. The first few meters aren't particularly scenic, but it becomes much more relaxed after the dam.
Since Katalina and I met on empty stomachs, we fortified ourselves first with a delicious apple strudel at the Südtiroler Stuben restaurant before our hike. The beautiful terrace right on the lakeshore is one of the most lovely restaurants in the region, and I love the combination of hearty Alpine cuisine and Mediterranean dishes. The asparagus menu is also highly recommended right now.
Industrial heritage in the Ruhr Valley
It's Monday and we thought the lake would be empty. But the wonderful spring weather is naturally drawing everyone with a day off outdoors. Nevertheless, we make good time and reach the scaffolding of the Carl Funke coal mine.
Coal was mined at this location as early as 1773. The mine was closed in 1973, and apart from the headframe, little remains. Here in the southern Ruhr Valley, the earlier and smaller mines were more common, and so we soon pass the "Kampmannbrücke Geological Wall," where we can also see relics of early hard coal mining.
Katalina and I continued cycling upstream along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path and entered the Heisinger Ruhraue nature reserve. Here, too, the Heinrich Coal Mine, Shaft 3, offers a lovely photo opportunity right on the Ruhr River. We were so captivated by the natural surroundings that, apart from the family of geese, we completely forgot to take a proper picture. Therefore, I've included three drone photos from our database…
Cycling on railway lines in Essen
At the Grugatrasse we leave the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path. From here it's a steady uphill climb for quite some time towards... RüttenscheidThe incline is moderate but definitely there – without an e-bike you'll certainly work up a sweat. But this railway line runs so wonderfully away from road traffic and through beautiful wooded areas that you almost forget you're in the middle of the Ruhr area.
The GRUGA Park in Essen
Shortly after passing the Essen Trade Fair grounds, we reach GRUGA Park. At the Orangerie entrance, we can lock our bikes and stroll through the beautiful flower park for €5. During the summer season, you can almost always find a time when some part of the park is in full bloom.
Whether it's the tulips in spring, the roses in early summer, or the dahlias in late summer – the Grugapark is always a welcome escape from everyday life. Families will also find several adventurous playgrounds here, making a bike ride exciting for children too.
The garden city of Margarethenhöhe
Shortly after passing the GRUGA (Graz Garden Exhibition), our bike tour through Essen's south takes us to the beautiful garden city of Margarethenhöhe. Cycling through this traffic-calmed town is a very relaxing way to enjoy the lovely houses and the laid-back atmosphere of the neighborhood.
Margarethenöhe is still one of the most popular residential areas in Essen, and you can currently find an interesting report about it in the WDR media library. settlement and its inhabitants.
The Nightingale Valley with the Halbachhammer
After this urban highlight, we jump right back into nature. From the Grugatrasse, we turn left into the Nightingale Valley. Following a small stream, we climb gently until we reach the Halbachhammer. This historic half-timbered house was once brought to Essen by Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach as part of the construction of the Margarethenhöhe estate. The historic hammer mill itself boasts a 500-year history in the Siegerland region. Even today, the hammer is still occasionally fired up – very impressive!
Cycling across the Ruhr Heights
The valley becomes increasingly steep and the terrain rougher towards the end, before the forest spits us out again, practically in front of the A52 motorway. For a few hundred meters, you experience a minor culture shock – one moment you're surrounded by nature, and the next you've arrived in the world of cars.
But anyway, the cycle path is really wide, and we quickly leave the car traffic behind again. We cycle past the German Weather Service and along fields with beautiful views down into the Ruhr Valley. A brief glimpse into typical rural life follows, with lovely farmhouses – even a deer eyes us critically from a hundred meters away. Katalina and I enjoy the moment for a moment, then leave the deer in peace and continue on our way. Before the descent to the Ruhr River, "the farm" could be a worthwhile stop. Sadly, it no longer has an ostrich farm, but you can still enjoy a round of Swin-Golf or Footgolf at the Rutherhof. Katalina and Leonie visited last year. hiked from Mülheim to Kettwig and made a short stop here.
Ruhr Valley idyll to conclude
The "Twelve Apostles" restaurant, with its large beer garden, would be the perfect place to end this spring bike tour in peace and quiet, overlooking the Ruhr River. Unfortunately, private appointments force us to continue our journey, but we enjoy the last few meters along the towpath right by the water.
Our conclusion: a relaxing cycling experience with plenty of nature to enjoy.
For us, the tour was a welcome break from everyday life, offering plenty of peace and quiet amidst nature. Its length makes it a good beginner's cycling tour, while experienced cyclists might prefer a shorter afternoon ride. Families will also find it worthwhile – provided the length and elevation gain are manageable for the kids – with plenty of interesting things to see and do along the way. Katalina and I definitely give it a big thumbs up and wish you lots of fun on your next ride!
