Highlights of the Ruhr Valley

Do not approach this cycling adventure with any preconceived notions. Germany's Ruhr Valley, in which this tour is centered, is a place with two faces. Historically, the region has always been known for its industry, but this rose to great heights and subsequently fell to great depths, leaving behind a depressed and ravaged area. From this decline, the Ruhr Valley is rising again and has been transformed into a landscaped area of parks, beautiful gardens, canals, and lakes. Many things were tried to support the Ruhr's rise and to develop a model region of renewal. Those efforts have changed the region and the results include the "Emscher Park International Building Exhibition". Between 1989 and 1999, abandoned industrial plants were turned into cultural centers and former railroad lines into bike paths. Canoes now paddle the Ruhr River. A 400-kilometer "Route of Industrial Culture" passes alongside historic factory buildings that have been turned into museums, office buildings and artists' studios. Nowadays, the 'Ruhrpott' is once more a thriving region and an enormous urban area. Bochum, Dortmund, Duisburg and Essen form an inter-connecting metropolis. The old industrial ruins have been converted into cultural venues.

The 230 km long Ruhr Valley Cycle Route follows the River Ruhr from its source in Sauerland to where it flows into the River Rhine in Duisburg. The cycle tour has been distinguished by the ADFC (German Cyclists' Federation) as a "4 star quality cycle route," which combines nature and culture. The countryside is captivating with its peace and tranquility and the amazing diversity and wealth of experiences it offers.

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Day 1: Arrival in Witten
Day 2: Witten - Essen-Kettwig, 37 mi. (60 km)
Day 3: Essen-Kettwig - Duisburg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Day 4: Duisburg - Oberhausen - Essen (Zentrum), 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 5: Essen (Zentrum) - Bochum - Witten, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Departure from Witten

Day 1: Arrival in Witten.
Individual arrival to Witten.

Day 2: Witten - Essen-Kettwig, 37 mi. (60 km)
Start the first leg of the tour with a visit to the old coal mine, Zeche Nachtigall. The oldest mining steam machine was built in 1887 and can be seen there. Several historic quarry stone buildings on the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route are reminders of the mining ‘golden age’. On your way to Hattingen, you circle the Kemnader Lake and then cycle through the impressive old town Hattingen, which holds several historical momuments. Your bike tour continues to Baldeneysee. Visit Villa Hügel, the former residence of the Krupp dynasty which is now a museum. 

Day 3: Essen-Kettwig - Duisburg, 22 mi. (35 km)
Today the well-known city by the river awaits you - Mülheim an der Ruhr. The city attracts with well-known attractions such as the Broich Castle or the 100-year-old water tower, which invite for a short exploration. Before you reach today's stage destination Duisburg, you cycle past the largest inland port in Europe, one of the biggest highlights that your bike tour has in store for you. The numerous harbor cafes invite you for a short break and a harbor tour is a must for every "hobby sailor".

Day 4: Duisburg - Oberhausen - Essen (Zentrum), 34 mi. (55 km)
Visit the landscape garden Duisburg-North, a 200 hectare industrial brownfield. It has been developed into a multifunctional park combining the industrial cultural heritage, nature, and a fascinating light-show.
Continue on to Oberhausen where you can get a great view over the Ruhr valley from the town’s landmark, the “Gasometer”. The former iron and steel works has been converted into the CentrO-Shopping Centrer, the CentrO-Park, and the Sea Life Center and Marina. 

Cycling along the Rhein-Herne-Canal to Essen is the last leg of today's bike tour. First, cycle to Bottrop and enjoy the view from the outlook tower called the “Tetraeder”. Continue through the “garden city” of Welheim, a typical worker’s settlement in the Ruhr region. From there, cycle to Essen’s UNESCO World Heritage site and mine, Zeche Zollverein. It was built in 1932 and shut down in 1986. It was once the largest and nicest coal mine in Europe and is an international industrial monument today. Spend the night in the city centre of Essen or extend your bike tour on the Emscher-Island with the possibility to visit the Nordsternpark, the zoo of Gelsenkirchen “Zoom Erlebniswelt”, the arena of football team Schalke 04, or the Landscape park Hohenward. 

Day 5: Essen (Zentrum) - Bochum - Witten, 31 mi. (50 km)
​Cycle through Gelsenkirchen and onto Erzbahn street to the festival hall in Bochum. The German mining museum invites you to admire its exhibitions and underground mine. It provides its visitors with more insight into the mining industry. Also, enjoy the fantastic view over Bochum from the building’s observation platform. Return to Witten and spend the night there.

Day 6: Departure
Individual departure from Witten.

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