The best road cycling routes in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis

Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis offers a wide selection of road cycling routes, with over 230 options available. These routes cater to various skill levels, including 28 easy, 145 moderate, and 58 difficult trails.

The region is characterized by a dynamic landscape of hilly and forested terrain, interspersed with picturesque valleys. You'll encounter consistent elevation changes, offering a rewarding workout. Many routes also utilize repurposed railway lines, providing smooth, consistent surfaces ideal for road bikes.

Yes, there are several routes suitable for beginners. The region's repurposed railway lines, like sections of the Nordbahntrasse, offer flatter, well-paved paths. For example, the Ruhr Weir at Hattingen – Kemnade Reservoir Dam Bridge loop from Hattingen (Ruhr) is a moderate route with less elevation, making it a good option for those looking for a more relaxed ride.

Advanced road cyclists will find plenty of challenging routes with significant elevation gains through the region's hilly landscape. Routes like Around Hattingen feature over 800 meters of climbing, providing a demanding workout. The constant ups and downs across the forested terrain offer a rewarding experience for those seeking a challenge.

Yes, many of the road cycling routes in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Lake Baldeney – Baldeney Lake (Baldeneysee) loop from Hattingen (Ruhr) Mitte or the Tunnel Schee – Nordbahntrasse loop from Sprockhövel.

Road cycling in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis offers numerous scenic attractions. You can ride along the Ruhr River, pass by the picturesque Lake Kemnade, or cycle near the Ennepetalsperre (Ennepe Dam). The region also features historical industrial monuments and charming valleys. Some routes, like the Nordbahntrasse – View of Wuppertal loop from Schwelm, offer panoramic views.

The road cycling routes in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1000 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse landscape, the well-maintained paths, and the unique experience of riding on repurposed railway lines. The mix of challenging climbs and scenic valley rides is also frequently highlighted.

Absolutely. A key feature of road cycling in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis is the use of former railway lines, which have been converted into smooth cycling paths. The Nordbahntrasse and the Hattingen-Wuppertal railway path are prime examples, offering consistent surfaces and often passing through tunnels, such as the almost 800-meter-long Schee tunnel on routes like the Nordbahntrasse – Schwarzbachtrasse loop from Ennepetal (Gevelsberg).

Yes, many routes incorporate the region's beautiful waterways. You can find paths along the Ruhr River, offering breathtaking views of the idyllic river landscape. The Kemnade Reservoir Dam Bridge – Henrichshütte loop from Witten Hbf, for instance, takes you around Lake Kemnade, a popular spot with paved paths.

The spring, summer, and early autumn months generally offer the best conditions for road cycling in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis, with milder temperatures and less precipitation. While some paths remain accessible, winter conditions can bring ice or snow, making certain routes more challenging or impassable for road bikes.

While many routes are designed for day trips, the region is part of the broader Ruhr area and connects to the RuhrtalRadweg (Ruhr Valley Cycle Path). This 240-kilometer long-distance path runs along the Ruhr river, offering extensive riding opportunities. Shorter, yet still substantial, routes like the Elbschetaltrasse Section – Towpath along the Ruhr loop from NSG Dorneywald cover over 65 km.

For families, routes that utilize the repurposed railway lines are often ideal due to their smooth, consistent surfaces and separation from traffic. The loop around Lake Kemnade, for example, is approximately eight kilometers long and offers a peaceful experience suitable for all ages.