Please note: You can only take part in this trip if you are vaccinated or recovered from Covid-19!
As of Oct 2022, subject to change.
Feel save, book flexible: FREE rebooking up to 6 weeks prior arrival to any alternative date in 2021 - applies to bookings between May 01 and June 15 2021 , the price of the newly selected date 2021 applies in the event of a rebooking.
One of the most varied and versatile rivers in Germany invites you to discover an entire region with its riverside paths. No other river combines culture and nature in such a small area. On the 230 kilometers from the source near Winterberg to the confluence with the Rhine near Duisburg, the Ruhr connects the original landscape of the Sauerland with the exciting and eventful Ruhr Metropolis. In the Sauerland you cycle mostly downhill through the expanse of mountains and forests, before the valley in the Ruhr area is framed by industrial monuments, castles and half-timbered towns. Here the river is dammed up several times to form large lakes, which serve as attractive leisure and recreational areas and are lined with beautiful bike paths.
The Ruhr Valley Cycle Path runs mainly on traffic-free, asphalted cycle paths and paved good roads with little traffic. The cycle path is consistently signposted from the Sauerland to the Rhine. At the beginning of the route, there are some inclines to be overcome for the first 35 kilometers, after which the route is largely flat. This cycle tour is also suitable for beginners, groups and families with children from 12 years.
Individual arrival to Winterberg. If you have a little time, you should not miss a trip to the observation tower and the fascinating high heath on the Kahler Asten.
At the source of the Ruhr near Winterberg, at an altitude of 654 m, you start your bike tour along the Ruhr. The route is mostly downhill until you reach the rose village of Assinghausen, which is well worth seeing. Don’t miss out on this pretty village! The route then continues via Bestwig to Meschede, your destination for today.
You’ll start today with a route through the Arnsberg Forest Nature Park, which surrounds the Ruhr River on both sides. Today’s highlights definitely include the picturesque moated castle of Laer and the historic old town of Arnsberg. The day’s destination is the pretty village of Neheim, which impresses architecturally with its pretty half-timbered houses.
Behind Neheim, the Ruhr finally leaves the Hochsauerland. The hills become gentler and you cycle mainly through wide meadows and fields via the villages of Wickede and Fröndenberg to the old Hanseatic town of Schwerte. In the last historical mustard mill in Westphalia you can even get a taste of the mustard! The route continues past the ruins of Hohensyburg and along the shores of Lake Hengstey to today’s stage destination of Herdecke.
On today’s route you will repeatedly encounter witnesses of the famous Ruhr mining. Starting at the Ruhr reservoir Harkortsee you cycle to the Muttental, the cradle of Ruhr mining. A detour to the museum "Zeche Nachtigall" is also worthwhile. At the ruins of Hardenstein you will take a ferry to the other shore and finally cycle along the Kemnader Stausee to Hattingen. Enjoy a stroll through the historic old town here!
If you wish, you can visit the disused Henrichshütte ironworks in Hattingen in the morning. On a varied circular route, you follow the trail of the iron here up to the top of the blast furnace. Afterwards you cycle idyllically directly along the river bank. For railroad enthusiasts, a visit to the Bochum-Dalhausen Railroad Museum is worthwhile. On the way to the half-timbered town of Kettwig, Lake Baldeney will entice you with its many opportunities for refreshments.
You cycle past Broich Castle to the award-winning Aquarius water tower with its multimedia museum. You then reach the mouth of the Ruhr into the Rhine. Here, a glowing 25-meter-high fire-orange landmark stands symbolically amidst the impressive panorama. In the afternoon, we recommend a harbor tour of the largest inland port in the world. With these impressions, you can end the evening in one of the numerous pubs, bars or a restaurant in the inner harbor.
Individual departure after breakfast or extension.
7 nights
Daily breakfast
Luggage transport
Maps- and information material/room
For the environment’s benefit: If you choose the digital version of our route book, you will receive a discount of € 20,- per room as a thank you!
Our tip: Get your eSIM for a low-priced holiday-data package here
| Discount additional bed in double room with min. 2 full paying adults | |
| 0 - 5,99 years | -100% |
| 6 - 11,99 years | -50% |
| 12 - 17,99 years | -25% |
| Bicycle & equipment | |
| 27-speed bike | 99 |
| E-bike | 269 |
| Additional nights | |
| Winterberg (dbl/sgl) | 79/119 |
| Duisburg (dbl/sgl) | 79/119 |
| Transfer* | |
| Duisburg - Winterberg | 119 |
| own bike on transfer | 40 |
*every Sunday at approx. 9 am., please reserve with booking
Winterberg: Hotel Hessenhof
Meschede: Von Korffs rest & relax
Neheim: Hotel Pemü
Herdecke: Ringhotel Zweibrücker Hof
Hattingen: Hotel Zur alten Krone
Essen-Kettwig: Hotel Knappmann
Duisburg: Wyndham Duisburger Hof
Note: Please be informed that these are hotel samples and therefore subject to alteration! Find Your final hotel bookings at Your hotel list after/at booking.
The bikes have a sturdy aluminum frame in various frame sizes, 27-speed Shimano derailleur gears with freewheel, 28-inch wheels with hollow aluminum rims and puncture-proof tires.
Women’s bikes have a low step-through, which makes getting on and off particularly easy. All 27-speed bikes are equipped with slightly sportier (i.e. narrower) ladies’ or men’s gel saddles.
We use high-quality, sturdy and technically mature FLYER e-bikes produced by the Swiss manufacturers Biketec. The drive of e-bikes can be switched on and off, respectively at the touch of a button – at any time. Thus, you can make use of the motor for ascents or headwind only, or as permanent support enabling you to cover even larger and harder day trips without physical exertion. You’ll always reach your destination rested and relaxed. The Shimano 8-speed hub is equally graded, and the grip shifter ensures easy and smooth handling, also under load. You can therefore always select the optimal speed while at the same time using a smooth motor support.
Power is supplied to the motor by a 36 volt/12 ampere battery according to latest lithium-ion-polymer technology standards. The battery provides support for driving distances of up to approx. 100 km per charge. Recharging takes about 5 hours for completely discharged batteries. It is not necessary to wait until the battery is discharged, recharging is possible at any time.
Attention: Please reserve E-bikes early as they are always depending on availability.
Our bikes are equipped with a map holder at the handlebar, a waterproof pannier on the side of the bicylcle rack and a repair kit with a backup inner tube and an emergency kit.
Sure you are invited to bring you own bike which is already fitted best for your needs. Do not forget to bring a repair kit with all necessary tools such as: keys, reserve tube and lock. Please check your own bicycle for operability upon arrival. Please note that we are not liable in case of damage, lost and theft. In case it breaks down, we will of course see to help you.
Airport: Dortumund (DTM)
Parking: Free public parking spaces are available in the vicinity of the hotel; prior reservations are not possible. You will receive detailed information on parking at the hotel booked for you with the detailed travel documents before you start your journey.
Train station: Winterberg
From Dortmund, a regional express takes you comfortably and without having to change trains in around 2 hours directly to the starting point of the Ruhr Valley cycle path in Winterberg.
Back transfer from Duisburg to Winterberg, every Sunday at approx. 9 am, travel time approx. 2.5 hours (reservation required, payable in advance).prices see at "dates and prices". Transport of own bike possible against surcharge.
Any visitor’s tax that may be incurred is not part of the tour price and must therefore be paid on site at the hotel.
Happy to advise you:
Marijana Debeljak
