Ruhrtalradweg

The RuhrtalRadweg traces the complete journey of the Ruhr River from its source in the Sauerland mountains to its confluence with the Rhine at Duisburg. This ADFC 4-star certified route showcases Germany's remarkable transformation from industrial heartland to cultural destination, passing through over 20 cities and towns that blend natural beauty with fascinating industrial heritage. The path officially opened in 2006 and has since been recognized as North Rhine-Westphalia's Cycle Route of the Year.

A Construction Crane next to a River. Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, Duisburg — Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord, Duisburg / Mike van Schoonderwalt

Starting in the winter sports town of Winterberg and ending at the Rhine port of Duisburg, the route follows the river's natural course through diverse landscapes. The path crosses the Ruhr 36 times, offering constantly changing perspectives of the waterway and surrounding areas. From the rolling hills and forests of the Sauerland to the urban landscapes of the Ruhr region, cyclists experience a unique journey through German geography and history.

Cycling path along the river at Hardenbergufer, Lake Baldeney — Ruhr Valley Cycle Path at Hardenbergufer (Lake Baldeney) / DiAuras, CC BY-SA 4.0

Essential Route Information

Difficulty level: Easy to moderate, suitable for touring bikes and e-bikes
Elevation profile: Gentle descent overall, with some rolling hills in the Sauerland section
Surface types: Predominantly asphalt paths with well-maintained gravel sections
Route type: Mix of dedicated cycle paths, quiet roads, and some shared traffic areas
Recommended direction: Winterberg to Duisburg (following the river flow)
Recommended bike: Touring bike, hybrid, or e-bike
Certification: ADFC 4 out of 5 stars for quality

Route Marking & Navigation

The RuhrtalRadweg features excellent signposting throughout the entire route as part of the North Rhine-Westphalia cycle network. The distinctive red and white signs provide clear directional guidance at all major junctions and decision points. Navigation is straightforward without maps or GPS devices thanks to the comprehensive signage system that includes both traditional route markers and integrated directional inserts at arrow signposts.

Signpost and river. Start of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path at the Ruhr mouth in Duisburg. — Start of the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path at the Ruhr mouth in Duisburg / Tuxyso, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tourist information signs at towns along the route highlight local attractions, accommodation options, and cycling services.

Best Direction & Season

The recommended direction is from Winterberg to Duisburg, following the natural flow of the Ruhr River and taking advantage of the overall gentle descent from the Sauerland highlands to the Rhine valley. This direction also provides the most logical progression from rural mountain landscapes to urban industrial heritage.

Peak season: April to October, with highest demand on weekends and holidays in May and June
Spring: Ideal for comfortable temperatures and blooming landscapes
Summer: Peak season with all services operational, but expect crowds on weekends
Autumn: Excellent weather conditions with fewer crowds and beautiful fall colors

Key Attractions Along the Route

The route passes through numerous cities with distinctive characters and attractions:

Winterberg: St. Georg ski jump and panoramic experience bridge
Bestwig: Ramsbeck visitor mine with underground tours and historic half-timbered houses
Arnsberg: Historic Arnsberg Castle and the renovated Sauerland Museum
Fröndenberg: Westphalian Chain Forge Museum and Schwerte Mustard Mill
Witten: Industrial Museum "Zeche Nachtigall" and traditional Onion Fair
Essen: Ruhr region's oldest blast furnace and RS1 rapid cycle highway pilot project
Duisburg: Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord industrial heritage site with free admission

Culinary Highlights

The route showcases the diverse culinary traditions of the Sauerland and Ruhr regions. Winterberg is famous for its traditional Speckpfannkuchen (bacon pancakes) and Soleier (pickled eggs), beloved local specialties.

Traditional Sauerland hearty cuisine with local meat and potato dishes
Historic Schwerte Mustard Mill offering guided tours and tastings
Regional brewery tours and local beer specialties
Industrial heritage restaurants in converted mining and steel facilities

Accommodation Options

The RuhrtalRadweg offers a comprehensive network of cyclist-friendly accommodations throughout the route. Many hotels and guesthouses provide specialized services for cycling tourists, including secure bike storage, repair tools, and luggage transport services.

Cyclist-certified hotels with Bett+Bike quality standards
Traditional guesthouses and pensions in Sauerland towns
Modern hotels in larger cities like Essen and Duisburg
Camping sites and motorhome parking areas at key locations
Youth hostels and budget accommodations in urban areas

Access & Transportation

Getting There

The starting point in Winterberg is easily accessible by train via the RE 57 line from Dortmund, which runs directly to Winterberg station without transfers. For cyclists traveling from southern regions, the RE 17 from Hagen to Warburg provides an alternative route, avoiding the busy Dortmund main station.

Getting Back

Both train lines offer at least 36 bicycle spaces per train, though reservations are recommended during peak cycling season. Additional bus services with bicycle trailers operate on high-demand weekends. The endpoint in Duisburg provides excellent connections via multiple highways and rail links back to starting points or onward destinations.

Car Access

Winterberg: Via A44 and A46 highways, with free parking at the train station and tourist information
Duisburg: Multiple highway connections (A2, A3, A40, A42) with paid parking facilities near the main station
Motorhome parking available at both endpoints and various locations along the route

Practical Considerations

The RuhrtalRadweg provides excellent support infrastructure for cycling tourists, ensuring a comfortable and well-serviced journey along the entire route.

Water stations: Germany's first "tap water friendly" long-distance cycle path with over 50 drinking fountains and free water refill stations
Rest facilities: Regular rest areas and facilities approximately every few kilometers
Bike services: Bike shops and repair services available in all major towns
Information support: Tourist information centers providing route maps and local guidance

During peak demand periods (weekends in May and June, plus North Rhine-Westphalia school holidays) trains and facilities can become crowded. The route recorded over 156,000 bicycle passages at a single counting station in 2019, indicating its popularity among cycling tourists.

Final Tips

The RuhrtalRadweg offers an exceptional opportunity to experience Germany's industrial transformation while enjoying excellent cycling infrastructure. The route's comprehensive service network and reliable signposting make it suitable for both experienced touring cyclists and families seeking a well-supported long-distance adventure.

Plan for varying experiences along the route, from peaceful riverside paths through the Sauerland forests to dynamic urban sections showcasing innovative industrial heritage preservation. The route connects with other regional cycling networks, including the Kaiser-Route and Ruhr area circuit routes, allowing for extended touring opportunities throughout the region.