Spring is here! At least according to the calendar. Nevertheless, the days are noticeably longer, and the sunshine is already really getting me excited for the start of the cycling season; now we just need the temperatures to cooperate. In any case, now is the perfect time to get some inspiration for those first bike rides. And since cycling on former railway lines is certainly one of the most exciting trends in cycle tourism in recent years, today I'd like to introduce you to what I consider to be the most beautiful railway cycle paths in the Ruhr region.
Relaxed cycling in the Ruhr area
Many people associate the Bergisches Land region with beautiful railway cycle paths. Internationally, the Vennbahn has certainly set a high standard. But what many don't know is that the Ruhr area also boasts a particularly dense network of former railway lines, which can now be explored by bicycle. In my view, these railway cycle paths offer three major advantages:
- Cycling usually takes place away from road traffic. So you're riding particularly safely.
- Since the trains couldn't handle steep inclines, you can cycle today without steep climbs.
- You'll gain a completely new perspective on the Ruhr region. Because instead of looking at building facades, you'll often find yourself looking into the gardens, parks, and backyards of the area.
Creating a top 5 ranking among all the many railway cycle paths in the Ruhr area is certainly no easy task. There are simply too many, and equally beautiful, railway cycle paths in the Ruhr region. Nevertheless, I'd like to share my personal top 5 with you, which are undoubtedly among the most important railway cycle paths in the Ruhr area.
Railway cycle paths in the Ruhr area - 5th place: The Springorum route
Now that the lower section of the former railway line has also been converted into a wonderful cycle path, the Springorum Trail is one of the best options for cyclists to travel from the Ruhr Valley into the central Ruhr region. From Bochum-Dahlhausen, the fully paved trail climbs steadily to Bochum, where, after passing through little city traffic, you quickly arrive directly at the main train station. The trail is part of the RevierRoute “Railway History(ies)”Along the way, there are many information panels about a mining trail, as this area was once home to numerous small and large coal mines. Haus Weitmar, with its "Underground Museum," is certainly one of the most important sights located directly on the trail. Haus Weitmar is also a good place to stop for a coffee. But first coffee – The best coffee roasters in the Ruhr area.
Railway cycle paths in the Ruhr area - 4th place: The Rhenish Donkey
Not only is the name unusual, but the cycle path itself is exceptionally good to ride. The Rheinische Esel (Rhenish Donkey) is a beautiful loop that allows for a tour from Dortmund to the Ruhr Valley. If you're coming from Dortmund city center, the start isn't quite so pleasant. It follows city streets for a long time, and unfortunately, car traffic plays a significant role at first. But once you're on the path, it becomes truly relaxing for cyclists.
The route descends gently along the railway cycle path to Witten. From here, a detour to the Nachtigall Colliery, known as the cradle of mining in Germany, is worthwhile. Afterwards, the route climbs steadily back to western Dortmund. Since the trains couldn't manage steep inclines, the gradient is moderate. After the end of the Rheinische Esel (Rhenish Donkey) railway line, the route leads through some city streets and woods until the Zollern Colliery makes a worthwhile final destination for your bike tour. The route is part of the... RevierRoute "Black Gold".
Railway cycle paths in the Ruhr area - 3rd place: The HOAG route
I already included the HOAG route in my tour tip. "Between big ships, dike lamb and herring rolls" Introduced. Cyclists can enjoy a leisurely ride along the former railway embankment between Walsum harbor and Centro Oberhausen. The route passes directly by the Sterkrade coal mine, among other things, but the undisputed highlight is the Oberhausen Gasometer, which can be quickly reached from the end of the route.
The HOAG route is also part of the RevierRoute "Steel Kitchen".
Railway cycle paths in the Ruhr area - 2nd place: The Rhenish Railway
The Rheinische Bahn railway line in Essen is a prime example of relaxed cycling along railway lines here in our Ruhr region. One day the Cycle expressway Ruhr (RS 1) The route follows this former railway line, and the first section is already open. But even on the sections not yet converted into a cycle highway, you can cycle wonderfully – completely without worrying about car traffic and everyday stress.
The original railway line ran from Duisburg to the southern part of Dortmund. Currently, the route is accessible by bicycle from the new elevated promenade in Mülheim an der Ruhr to the university district in Essen. The Rhenish Railway is part of the RevierRoute "Mine Tour".
Railway cycle paths in the Ruhr area - number 1: The Erzbahntrasse
For me, the Erzbahntrasse is simply the best railway line you can experience by bike. Firstly, as already mentioned with the Springorumtrasse, it's one of the few north-south connections that's really easy to cycle on. Secondly, the route also features several truly unusual bridges. That makes a bike tour even more interesting for me. Whether it's the Grimberger Sichel over the Rhine-Herne Canal, the Erzbahn bridge in the middle of the route or the Erzbahn swing at the very top of Westpark: the tour offers many spectacular photo spots.
The reason the Erzbahntrasse (Ore Railway Trail) is number one for me, however, is the still tangible history of the route. From the former port on the canal to the former steelworks in Bochum, you can follow the path of the ore. Information panels explain the importance of the route for the former industrial region of the Ruhr area. And along the way, you see many small remnants from that time, such as the small, one-man bunkers that serve as memorials to the terrible days of the Second World War. What appears today as a concrete sculpture was once the lifeline for railway employees during an air raid. I already told you in my last article about the Erzbahntrasse that Holger's Erzbahnbude (Ore Railway Hut) is also located along this route. best cycling stops revealed in radrevier.ruhr. The route is part of the RevierRoute “Railway History(ies)”.
And now it's your turn!
Which railway lines do you prefer to cycle on here in the Ruhr cycling region? avenue of change in the district of Recklinghausen, which sounds so beautiful Luck on the road in the Ennepe-Ruhr district or the Westphalian Railway in the Unna district? After all, there are so many more railway cycle paths in the Ruhr area worth exploring… Also check out the Part 2 of my railway line tips Come on in! If you're looking for lesser-known routes, my article might also be of interest. 5 unusual railway cycle paths in the Ruhr area It might be interesting for you.
