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.