Germany Bike Routes: 10 Inspiring Rides in NRW

An inner journey of discovery through 10 stunning bike routes in North Rhine-Westphalia—towards nature, history, and yourself.

When I boarded that train with my bicycle, heading toward North Rhine-Westphalia, the industrial heart of Germany, I always had those cliché factory chimneys in mind. But the scenes passing by the window – lush green slopes, meandering rivers, and quaint villages – gently swept away all my prejudices. Perhaps that's why this region became one of the first places that comes to mind when we speak of Germany bike routes. The moment I stepped off at the station, the fresh air and tranquility whispered to me that this was not just an ordinary Germany bike tour, but a journey that would take me deep within myself. With every pedal stroke, the NRW bike paths were not just a direction but a route drawn to my soul.

NRW does not reveal all its secrets at first glance. To truly understand it, you must slow down, stop, listen, and most importantly, pedal. The bike paths weave through the state like a network; they sometimes lead you deep into history, sometimes into the heart of nature, and sometimes right into unexpected tranquility. The experience here was not a mere tourist trip, but rather an intimate conversation with a living landscape.

Here are My Favorite North Rhine-Westphalia (NRW) Bike Routes:

1. RuhrtalRadweg (Ruhr Valley Bike Path):

When I embarked on this route, I had no map in hand. In fact, I didn't need one, because the Ruhr River meandered not only through the scenery but flowed right into my heart. My journey began from the cool foothills of Sauerland. As the first light of dawn filtered through the trees, the shadow of my bicycle seemed to glide not just ahead of me, but as if passing through me.

This approximately 240-kilometer route unites the past and present, iron and green, silence and song along a single path. The massive steel structures you encounter along the way whisper that, once, coal and hard work reigned over these lands. But now, under the shadow of those enormous chimneys, children fly kites, the elderly sip tea, and the young skate.

Zeche Zollverein… Ah, that place has a peculiar charm. A world where industrial grandeur and art stroll side by side. As you pass by, you don't just see a building; you feel the traces, the sweat, and the stories of thousands who worked there.

The road may not be straight, but internally it is so smooth... It has a rhythm that synchronizes with your soul. Occasionally stopping quietly on the bank of the Ruhr, perhaps eating an apple or tossing a stone into the water... the best part of the journey is precisely those moments of pause. Because even in those brief moments when you're not pedaling, the journey continues.

Essen, Mülheim, Bochum… These city names might appear as mere entries on a signboard, but on the road, each is a unique stop, a distinct feeling, a different smile. In one, you might find a café to sip your coffee; in another, you might pause in the shadow of an old railway bridge and scribble something in your notebook. The RuhrtalRadweg is not just a route, but a journey that envelops the harshness of a bygone era with warmth.

And yes, if you want to be alone with your child, your partner, or simply with yourself, this route offers you not only a view but an inner voice. Some paths are not about reaching a destination, but about what the journey tells you... The RuhrtalRadweg is exactly that kind of road. And perhaps that is why its memory still lingers within me.

One of Germany’s most impressive and meaningful bike routes, the RuhrtalRadweg follows the Ruhr River, which rises near Winterberg in Sauerland, flows westward, and joins the Rhine in Duisburg. This enchanting route, approximately 240 kilometers long, draws you into the heart of industrial heritage and into the peaceful embrace of nature.

Along this route, the past and present blend together. Former coal mines, steel factories, and gasometers have transformed into contemporary art galleries, cultural centers, and lush parks. Structures like Zeche Zollverein, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites, allow you to truly grasp the historical depth of the route.

2. RheinRadweg (Rhine Bike Path):

Pedaling along the Rhine... It’s not just a route, but almost a poem. As I ride, the sound of my pedals blends with the rhythm of the water, accompanying the undulations of my inner feelings. Starting from Bonn, the route extends through the historic cobblestones of Cologne, the modern vibe of Düsseldorf, and sometimes even to a little village market – this route is not just about the kilometers, but a soul-enriching journey.

Along the Rhine, sometimes I get lost in the trees, and sometimes I gaze at the serene surface of the river and lose myself in thought. The water is not always the same; sometimes it appears as a clear tranquility, sometimes like a rebellious child dancing with the wind.

Encountering traces of Ludwig van Beethoven in Bonn, stopping briefly in Cologne in the shadow of its cathedral to sit quietly on a bench... This path gives you the sensation of traversing different layers of time, where history and nature interlace. Sailboats on the Rhine, couples strolling hand in hand along the banks, and elderly German ladies sipping coffee in cafés – all of these form part of the scenery. It’s as if every frame is a moving painting.

The road is not straight, but its soul is round – like a cycle. Even if you don’t return exactly to your starting point, with every pause, something inside you begins anew. Passing through the foothills of the Siebengebirge, I felt as though I had stepped into the forests of old fairy tales. The trees whisper something, the wind caresses my cheeks, and the river patiently tells its own story.

On the RheinRadweg, pedaling is sometimes accompanied by the taste of a sip of coffee, sometimes by an apple, or by the shadow of a cloud passing over the river. Everything is so simple yet profoundly deep. At one point, I realized that although the scenery changes, the feeling inside remains constant: peace.

And yes, in the end, you never really reach a destination. Because riding along the Rhine isn’t about arriving somewhere; it’s about being on the journey…

3. EmsRadweg (Ems Bike Path):

This route is rather quiet. Sometimes it is so serene that even the sound of the bicycle chain seems like a symphony to the ear. On the days I rode the EmsRadweg, I felt as if I had discovered the secluded, introspective, yet utterly enchanting side of Germany.

Starting near Paderborn, this route follows the birth of the Ems and winds its way through the pastoral landscapes of Münsterland. Nature here does not shout; it whispers. The wind is gentler, the birds more reserved, and people speak less – but once you start listening, you begin to hear the unique voice of this route.

Every shade of green is evident here. The fields stretch endlessly, and each village is like its own painting. The small wooden signposts along the bike path tell you which village you’re turning into, but sometimes you barely notice them – because you might be watching a flock of storks or making eye contact with a cow grazing right beside the road.

This route is not crowded, nor is it ostentatious. Precisely because of this, it is like a sanctuary. I recall setting off on a quiet market day when the morning dew still clung to the leaves, without any fixed plan, simply stopping wherever I arrived…

And Münster! Ah, that city… Not with its castles, but with its calm, with the air of a bicycle paradise on its streets, it envelops you. This section of the EmsRadweg opens up a world where the bicycle is a part of daily life, where everyone exchanges smiles, and time flows slowly.

Perhaps this route taught me that a path doesn’t always have to lead to a destination; sometimes, just being on the road is enough. For sometimes, the most beautiful place is not one marked on a map, but one that your soul already knows well.

4. Römer-Lippe-Route (Roman-Lippe Route):

When I set off on this route, it felt as though I were traveling not just on two wheels but back two millennia. This adventure begins beneath the majestic Hermann Monument in Detmold; in the shadow of Rome, accompanied by the resounding cry of the Germanic resistance. This story unfolds not on the pages of a history book, but on the silent banks of the Lippe River. Over approximately 295 kilometers, you are not only pedaling but also following the footprints of the past.

The sound of the river is like the hum of time. Sometimes, as you pass under a stone bridge, or pause in a museum garden contemplating the rust on an old helmet, you feel as though you stand at the edge of history. The modern signposts along the road contrast with a timeless landscape.

As I advanced on my bicycle, the path sometimes quietly wound through a forest, and at other times crept into the streets of a small town. Approaching Xanten, the cobbled Roman streets, ruins, and amphitheaters become not merely stops, but bridges linking the past and present. During a break among ancient ruins, where children ran and the elderly enjoyed ice cream, I realized: here, the past is not merely preserved, it is brought to life.

Along the way, you might occasionally lock eyes with a Roman legionnaire’s helmet, or with a fisherman along the riverbank. The differences between the two are not as vast as one might think; both wait, both observe, both exist silently. The magic of the Römer-Lippe-Route lies in hearing the present through the silence of the past.

This route is tailor-made for anyone who finds history books tiresome and who truly wants to feel the past. You might even get the feeling that you’re carrying an ancient helmet under your cycling helmet. Who knows, perhaps some paths take us not just from one place to another, but centuries ahead.

5. Wasserburgen-Route (Water Castles Route):

One morning, as the rain pattered softly and I arrived at the start of the route, a light mist hung in the air. The moment the first water castle emerged from that mist, I felt as if I were in the opening scene of a medieval novel. As my wheels rolled over the wet stones, I experienced a gentle thrill, a spark of curiosity… "What story lies hidden behind the next castle?"

The Wasserburgen-Route spans approximately 470 kilometers of graceful elegance. From Aachen to Cologne, and then to Bonn, this route delights not only with castles by serene ponds, but also with the reflective waters that soften the heart. Each castle is not merely a structure, but a silent witness to past loves, wars, and moments of waiting.

The beauty of the road is not solely in its scenery. Sometimes you pause on a small wooden bridge in front of a castle, let your feet dangle, and catch your breath. Sometimes you lean your bicycle against the shadow of a historic mill building and pull out your sandwich. In those moments, you realize: this route has not only a romantic charm but also a soothing grace.

Gliding between the castles, the quietness whispered by the road becomes a gift for those wishing to escape the clamor of modern life. Each castle is like a poem, each pond like a comma… The journey is like a long sentence flowing through your soul.

The intriguing part: speeding up on this route never feels right. Every structure seems to say, "Stay a little longer," "Take a breath," "Remember or forget something..."

The Wasserburgen-Route is meant for those who want to pedal not only their legs but also their emotions. At one moment, laughter mingles with the melancholic song of the past… Yet in every way: sincere, gentle, and a little bit fairytale-like.

6. BahnRadRouten (Railway Bike Routes):

Some roads go straight, others wind... But these routes progress along old railway lines that were once filled with the sorrowful whistles of trains. This route is not just a bike path; it is a bit of nostalgia, a bit of silence, a letter written by the past on the tracks.

The BahnRadRouten network transforms abandoned railway lines in the regions of Bergisches Land, Sauerland, and Münsterland into special bike routes. Routes such as the "Bergischer Panorama-Radweg" or "Alleen-Radweg" touch your heart not only with their gentle slopes, but also with the stone walls of old station buildings, rusty signal posts, and tunnels that still echo with the sound of tracks.

The first time I set out on this route, every twist reminded me of a childhood memory. I once ate a sandwich in the shadow of a small station building where travelers once waited for trains. A bicycle standing beside abandoned signal boxes seemed as if it had been waiting for years – perhaps still hoping to turn around, who knows?

As I passed through the tunnels, a shiver and a sense of wonder overcame me. The coolness, the darkness, and then suddenly daylight... It was as if I were in a scene from an old movie. These routes are outwardly simple, yet deeply profound. You must ride without haste, without rushing, simply listening to what the road whispers to you.

The nature around is equally quiet. Birdsong, the rustle of leaves, perhaps even the crackle of a squirrel... but no sound of a train remains. Yet as you continue, it almost feels as if that ghostly train still follows you. Every kilometer traveled pays homage to another old station within you.

These routes are for those who love slowness, the past, and tranquility. Because sometimes, the farthest road you travel might be an abandoned railway line itself.

7. Weserradweg (Weser Bike Path):

Riding a bike along the Weser felt like an inward journey for me. Unlike the other routes, it was neither crowded nor ostentatious – precisely for that reason, it was impressive. The river flows quietly, and you accompany it, without speaking, without asking, simply flowing together.

As I passed Porta Westfalica, a valley opened up before me; as I paused and took a deep breath, it seemed as though time had come to a standstill. The shadow of the rocks fell on the water, with a lush forest on one side and a quiet town on the other… The Weser embodies a geography that seems to retreat into itself. Yet when you are alone with it, you come a little closer to yourself.

Throughout this route, I hardly spoke a word. There was scarcely anyone around. Occasionally, a few elderly cyclists would greet me with a brief "Hello," or sometimes a couple would sit at a small picnic table enjoying their coffee. I passed through meadows lined with yellow flowers and piers where fishing boats floated silently. And each time, the sound of the Weser softened something within me.

The road was easy, but it was not light in spirit. For every bend of the river evoked thoughts of the past, of longing, of waiting, and a touch of acceptance. Sometimes you stop, gaze silently at the water, and can lose yourself in thought for hours... that was exactly this route.

The Weserradweg is not merely a route, but a sigh of the soul. A bit of solitude, yet a solitude that feels good. Written like a letter for those who wish to be alone with themselves rather than escaping the crowds. And I finished that letter, pedal stroke by pedal stroke.

8. Radweg Deutsche Einheit (German Unity Bike Path):

At the beginning of this route, I felt as if I was not just about to pedal, but also about to wander through the memories of an era. This long journey, starting from Bonn and stretching all the way to Berlin, begins in the heart – not on the map, but within.

This route, which tells the story of Germany’s reunification, is more about people than politics. At every turn, in every small town, you can see traces of a country once divided. However, these traces do not carry a heavy sorrow; rather, they are like the marks of a healed wound. They are still there, but they no longer hurt. In fact, they may even inspire gratitude.

When I first set out on this journey, it was a sunny morning in Bonn. On the streets of the former capital, people still carried a hint of the seriousness of the past in their expressions, yet the tranquility of the present was palpable. Every sign changed with each step, but the feeling remained constant: unity. The old border stones, monuments, and small information boards along the roadside stood silently as witnesses.

At one point, in a section that passed through a forest, I found myself completely alone. No sign was in sight – only birdsong, the gentle murmur of the wind, and the sound of my wheels on the earth… In that moment, I clearly thought: "Unity is sometimes silence, sometimes the act of moving forward together on the same path."

Riding the Radweg Deutsche Einheit is like flipping through a historical document. The pages are made of earth, the sentences of birdsong, and the punctuation of moments of pause. As you ride, you realize that this route is not only about the reunification of a country, but about the coming together of fragmented parts.

Perhaps that's why even the first kilometers of the route manage to contain so much. For sometimes, to understand unity, you don’t have to travel all the way to Berlin – starting in Bonn and turning inward is enough.

9. Hohe Mark RadRoute:

Sometimes a route doesn’t call out to you; you find it without even noticing. The Hohe Mark RadRoute was like that for me. On the map, this circular route may not stand out, but it winds through the quiet, cool greenery between Münsterland and the Ruhr area. Yet the true journey happens within you.

On that first morning, as I glided into the forest, the birds’ chirping greeted me like a symphony. The light filtering through the trees laid a golden carpet on the leaves, as if a silent ceremony with a whispered "welcome" was being held. With every rotation of the wheels, I reached the edge of a lake, its water motionless yet deep... much like my mood that morning.

This route, passing through the Hohe Mark Nature Park, is filled not only with nature but also with the memories it awakens in us. In one moment, I rediscovered my childhood: the scent of pine, the crunch of pine cones, the cool morning air – all felt like a time capsule. Sitting on a bench by the lake and eating my sandwich, I still remember the silent smile of an elderly couple passing by.

On this route, you feel as if there is no fixed destination. Its circular nature means you return to your starting point, yet you are not the same as when you began. Every turn, every shady path tells you something. The road is straight, but the thoughts are winding.

Perhaps that is why Hohe Mark was not just a nature park, but an inner journal written on two wheels for me. As I pedaled, sentences formed in my mind, and by the end of the route, I realized I had written myself a letter. There were no historical structures, but the landscapes that left a new mark on my heart were more than enough.

10. 100 Schlösser Route (100 Castles Route):

If one were to draw a fairytale map, this route would definitely be on it. When I first pedaled the 100 Schlösser Route, the excitement of a child mingled with the admiration of an adult inside me. This approximately 960-kilometer circular route through the green countryside of Münsterland carried me not only from castle to castle, but into the deepest corners of my imagination.

Some routes offer only scenery, others history… But this route seems to narrate past romances in the shadow of towers, the whispered secrets of bygone times carried on winds through stone gateways, and mysteries hidden behind iron doors. Every castle is not just a building to be photographed; it is a storyteller bearing the marks of lives once lived.

Sometimes I rode through expansive gardens, sometimes I admired the sky mirrored in the ditches in front of the castles. In a small café next to a castle, leaning against the old stone walls while sipping my coffee, time seemed to stand still. Though I didn’t see it directly, a ballroom came alive in my mind: candlelight, waltz music, and the sumptuous costumes of a bygone era…

On this route, the journey is not merely physical; every turn carries a story, every shadow holds a dream. The signposts along the roadside are simple yet elegant, much like the castles you pass. And on this route, speeding up almost feels inappropriate… Because every structure seems to say, "Give me a little time."

This route, divided into four different circular circuits, is like a storybook you can personalize. Whether you ride the entire route or just a few sections – in any case, a crown seems to appear in a corner of your heart.

The 100 Schlösser Route is not just a place to be reached by bicycle; it is a state of mind. A feeling that carries nostalgia, admiration, and a bit of fairytale dust. And that’s why, after riding this route, it almost feels as if a royal crest has imprinted itself not on the map, but in your soul.

Places Where the Pedals Take You: RuhrtalRadweg and Beyond

Riding a bicycle in NRW is not just about going from one place to another, but like traveling through a time tunnel. Especially the RuhrtalRadweg makes you deeply experience that feeling. In a valley where coal and steel once reigned, abandoned monumental industrial structures have transformed into lush parks, art spaces, and museums. As you ride past an old mine, you feel that strange emotion… the weight of the past interwoven with the lightness of the present. With every pedal stroke, you see how nature tenderly reclaims industry and heals its wounds. This route is definitely not just a bike path, but a living testament to transformation. It has its own unique spirit among the European routes.

But NRW is not just about the Ruhr Valley. On the RheinRadweg, pedaling along the Rhine and pausing in charming little towns is a different pleasure altogether. Or, while traversing the 100 Schlösser Route in the Münsterland region, gliding past fairytale castles… Each route whispers its own story to you. Here, the answer to "What to do?" is simple: hop on your bicycle and let your soul lead the way.

Travel Companions and Smiles Along the Roadside

On this journey that I set out on alone, I never truly felt alone. There was an invisible bond with the other cyclists on the paths. A brief wave, a tired but happy smile, sometimes a cheerful "Hello!" or a lingering "Schönen Tag noch!" – those fleeting, suspended well-wishes... No one asked endless questions or recounted long life stories, but in that moment, on that road, there was a mutual understanding born from shared passion.

Once, when I was gasping for breath climbing a gentle slope, an elderly German gentleman riding past rang his bicycle bell cheerfully and said something encouraging in German. Even though I didn’t understand everything, the uplifting tone of his voice made me forget my fatigue. Or in a small village café during a pause, the curious glances and kind inquiries about my bicycle from the couple sitting nearby… These small, ephemeral encounters were the salt and pepper of the journey – the feeling of being seen and understood, even by people with whom you don’t share a language. That was a human experience beyond just urban encounters.

From Asphalt to Dirt Path: NRW Stories in the Details

The best thing about cycling is that it allows you to notice the details. The little beauties you miss when speeding by in a car reveal themselves in the slow pace of cycling. The transition from the smoothness of the asphalt to the softness of a forest trail – even the changing rhythm of the ground beneath your wheels transforms into a melody.

The wildflowers blooming along the roadside, the ivy clinging to the walls of an old farmhouse, centuries-old traces carved into the stones by the riverbank, the historic fountain in a town square, the underpasses beneath old railway bridges – each tells its own story. Sometimes, I just stopped to admire a doorknob, a window sill, or an intriguing sculpture placed by the bike path. It seemed as though the spirit of NRW was hidden in these little details. Rather than chasing cliché tourist photos, I saved these moments in the album of my soul.

The Sparkle of the Rhine, the Whisper of the Forests

Nature was the leading role in my bike journey through NRW. Especially pedaling along the Rhine and watching the play of light on the water was a meditative experience. In different angles of the sun, the color of the river changes, and as the wind blows, fleeting patterns form on its surface. The reflections of trees from the opposite bank almost seem to open the door to another world.

When I entered the wooded areas, a completely different atmosphere greeted me. The sunlight filtering through the trees, the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds… In those moments when hardly any artificial noise drowned out the sound of the pedals, the pure, calm energy of nature seeped into every cell. Far from the clamor of the city and the hustle of life, there is nothing more precious than listening to the sound of nature and your own breath.

When There Is No Sound But the Pedal Rhythm

Cycling, especially over long distances, creates a kind of moving meditation. The rhythmic turning of the pedals synchronizes with my breathing. The unnecessary thoughts in my mind gradually fade away, replaced by emptiness and tranquility. In those moments, neither the regrets of the past nor the anxieties of the future exist. There is only that moment, that road, the sound of the pedals, and me.

Sometimes I rode for miles all alone, in complete silence. That silence was not frightening, but rather embracing. It was during those moments that I could hear my inner voice more clearly and be truly with myself. The physical challenge of climbing a hill transformed into a mental cleansing. With every pedal stroke, it felt as if I was shedding a bit of the burden inside me. This journey showed me not only North Rhine-Westphalia but also the unexplored corners of my inner world.

Break Time: A Bowl of Potato Salad and a View of the Rhine

One of the most delightful moments of the journey was undoubtedly the breaks. Especially in the "Biergärten" along the Rhine, the pauses taken there were unforgettable. On a sunny afternoon, sitting at a wooden table, parking my bicycle, and enjoying a simple yet delicious potato salad (Kartoffelsalat) while watching the Rhine – that taste still lingers on my palate. Accompanied by an ice-cold Apfelschorle (a mix of apple juice and soda)… This simple feast, which chased away hunger and fatigue, was more valuable than the world’s most luxurious restaurant at that moment.

If you ask, where to eat, there are plenty of options in NRW. In the small towns along the bike routes, you can enjoy a freshly baked “Brötchen” from a local bakery with cheese for a picnic, or savor the famous German sausage (Wurst) at a roadside snack stand – all of which provide a special pleasure. What matters is not so much what you eat, but the atmosphere of the moment and the appetite awakened by the fatigue.

A Roof of Tranquility for Tired Legs: The Whisper of Accommodation

After pedaling all day, there is nothing like finding a peaceful roof to rest your tired legs. NRW is very well-prepared for cyclists. Inns, hotels, or farmhouses displaying the "Bett+Bike" sign offer not only a safe place to park your bicycle but often also provide repair tools. The accommodation experience here is generally very warm and hassle-free.

I generally preferred family-run guesthouses in small towns. Homemade jams at breakfast, the quiet view from my room’s window, and the genuine hospitality of the hosts – these little details transformed lodging from a mere necessity into an enjoyable part of the journey. Instead of staying in chain hotels in big cities, these kinds of places allowed me to feel the spirit of the region up close.

When the Sun Sets and the Wheels Stop

Just as every beautiful day must come to an end, so too did the days spent cycling. To watch the sunset, I usually chose the riverbank or a high hill. I stopped pedaling, set my bicycle aside, and watched as the sky turned red, orange, and purple. In those moments, the fatigue of the day transformed into a sweet, soothing satisfaction.

As the last rays of the sun bathed the scenery in golden light, I felt a blend of the melancholy of a day ending and the fulfillment brought by lived experiences. The wheels had stopped, yet my soul still roamed. The roads I had traveled that day, the faces I had seen, the emotions I had felt, all played out like a film strip before my eyes. As the time to part approached, I sensed that I had left not only my pedal marks on these lands, but also a piece of my heart.

Reborn on Two Wheels

The days I spent cycling in North Rhine-Westphalia offered me not only beautiful scenery and delightful memories, but also the opportunity to rediscover myself. This state, having shed its coal-dark past and pedaled toward a lush future, mirrors the inner transformation experienced by anyone on a similar journey. For that reason, NRW is not just a point on the list of places to see in Europe, but an invitation for those seeking to listen to their soul and slow down. If you are tired of life's pace and wish to find peace in the rhythm of the pedals, hop on your bicycle and let NRW embrace you. Because sometimes the most beautiful journeys are those undertaken on two wheels – both to the world outside and deep within yourself…

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Publish Date: 09 Apr 2025

| Author: Jaseph

| Category: Nature Adventures in Europe

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