It's easy to find yourself planning your next bike tour right around the corner. But the Ruhr region offers so many hidden gems that you might not yet know about. For example, Hagen is one of the places I haven't explored by bike yet. A glance at the junction map shows that a nice circular route is possible there. Planning tours with the new bike tour planner.ruhr It's done quickly. I simply clicked the junctions together and I already know: the tour is 61 kilometers long with 360 meters of elevation gain. So, an ideal length for a nice day trip.

We start from Hagen Central Station

You can arrive directly at Hagen Central Station. My tour, which I completed 2,5 months ago in March (hence the somewhat sparse leaves on the trees), starts here at junction 69. Junction 68 is almost immediately adjacent; from here I'm on the circular route. I cycle clockwise, initially upstream in the Ennepe Valley. The city traffic within Hagen isn't great. As an experienced cyclist, I make good time, but less experienced cyclists will certainly find some sections a bit challenging.

The boy needs to get out into the fresh air.

In the Haspe district, the route finally leaves the road network and leads through a pleasant park. There's roadwork on Enneper Straße at the moment, but I'm getting through in this direction quite well. Nevertheless, I'm very happy that after Gevelsberg I'm finally away from the traffic. I'm now cycling directly along the Ennepe River. Nature suddenly becomes much more important, and I can finally breathe deeply: it's beautiful here!

River number 1: the Ennepe

I follow the Ennepe river to junction 5, then my route turns. While the Ennepe winds its way through a beautiful valley up to the Ennepetal Dam (a tip: the Ennepe loop is a good option for gravel bikers), I cycle towards Haßlinghausen.

Junction 92 lies directly beneath a beautiful viaduct belonging to the Elbsche Valley Railway. I cycle a short distance parallel to the A1 motorway along the small Stefansbecke stream. Then my route branches off to the right. I follow the road to Haßlinghausen, where a lovely stretch of railway line awaits me.

I simply love cycling on railway lines

The coal railway is part of the RevierRoute “From Ruhr to Ruhr” And it leads me through the beautiful countryside of the Ennepe-Ruhr district. The short stretch on Essborner Straße isn't so great again, and you mustn't miss the left turn onto a small farm track. After a bit of idyllic village life, I reach a... railway line. Here the Elbschetalbahn railway is already excellently developed and I quickly reach Wetter-Wengern via a gentle downhill slope.

River number 2 – The Ruhr

At junction 9 I switch to the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path Upstream. I reach the Ruhr River, where I can finally enjoy my lunch break in peace.

I follow the signs for the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path, cross the Ruhr River shortly before Wetter, and reach a large detour in Wetter. Due to a landslide, the northern shore of Lake Harkort is closed for an extended period. The detour via the southern shore isn't quite as scenic, but it's perfectly marked with yellow diversion signs. This also takes me to Werdringen Castle, which wouldn't normally be located directly on the route.

Lake Hengstey

In Herdecke, I rejoin the Ruhr River and follow the regular route, initially along the north bank and shortly afterward along the south bank at Hengsteysee. From here, you have a beautiful view of the Köpchenwerk power plant. Over 90 years ago, it was one of the first pumped-storage power plants in Germany. I continue around the lake and leave the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path at junction 63.

River number 3: the Lenne

I'm back in Hagen and following the Lenne River upstream. The cobblestones give me a good shaking. The Lenne babbles merrily past me, a true natural gem. Unfortunately, the recent flooding washed a lot of trash into the branches of the riverside trees, which detracts somewhat from the overall impression. Nevertheless, I find the Lenne really beautiful here and enjoy a short break right by the water.

Under the A45 motorway, you get an interesting view of the major construction site. A huge new bridge is being built here; it looks quite impressive. At junction 64, I turn towards Hagen city center. It's a steep climb; the hills around Hagen shouldn't be underestimated. At junction 65, a detour to the nearby Hohenhof would be worthwhile if it weren't for the COVID restrictions. As it is, I cycle downhill through the city traffic into the center of Hagen. Unfortunately, without a cycle path, it's not entirely straightforward – less experienced cyclists should ride with caution.

River number 4: the Volme

Down in the town center, I was quite surprised. The banks of the Volme River and the beautiful park are really lovely. With a view of the Volme, I sat in the sun and reflected on the tour. Then it was back to the train station and off home.

Conclusion: 4 rivers and one happy cyclist

Although this tour isn't a designated hunting area route, it's still a really beautiful circular hike. Via the node system The tour is well signposted, but you should still have a good map or digital tools as a backup plan. It's easy to miss a sign, especially in city traffic. Cycling on the roads in Hagen isn't ideal and can be problematic for less experienced cyclists. However, the rest of the route is truly beautiful, offering many stunning views of the Ennepe, Ruhr, Lenne, and Volme rivers. A lovely four-river tour, perfect for cycling yourself.