The best cycling routes in North Rhine-Westphalia

North Rhine-Westphalia offers an extensive network of touring cycling routes, with over 93,000 tours available on komoot. This includes a wide variety of options, from easy riverside paths to more challenging routes through hilly terrain.

The region caters to all skill levels. You'll find over 49,000 easy routes, more than 31,000 moderate routes, and nearly 13,000 difficult routes. This diversity ensures that both beginners and experienced touring cyclists can find suitable challenges.

North Rhine-Westphalia boasts a diverse landscape. You can experience the flat, well-paved roads and endless views of Münsterland, the rolling hills and dense forests of Sauerland, or the challenging climbs of the Eifel. Routes also follow scenic river valleys like the Rhine and Lippe, and pass through charming areas like the Bergisches Land with its half-timbered houses.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, regions like the Sauerland and Eifel offer demanding routes with significant elevation gain. The Sauerland features long climbs and wooded gravel paths, including routes near the Kahler Asten. The Eifel is known for its steep ascents. An example of a difficult route is From the Ruhr to the Ruhr – experience the Bergisch, which connects industrial heritage with hilly terrain.

Absolutely! Many routes are suitable for families. For instance, the Family bike tour around Lake Baldeney is an easy, mostly paved route perfect for all skill levels. The Münsterland region also offers many relaxed, picturesque tours ideal for family outings.

Yes, North Rhine-Westphalia is rich in history and culture. The Roman-Lippe Route, for example, takes you past historical sites like the Archaeological Park Xanten and Roman museums. Many routes along the Lower Rhine also pass magnificent palaces and castles. You can also discover landmarks like the Lion castle ruins or the Hoheward Landscape Park.

Yes, there are numerous circular routes for touring cyclists. Examples include the Rursee route - around the Rursee, which offers scenic views, and the SauerlandRadring, which utilizes old railway lines for a unique experience. The HenneseeSchleife is another popular circular option within the Sauerland.

Spring and autumn are generally ideal for touring cycling in North Rhine-Westphalia. In autumn, the Eifel region transforms into a 'fairytale book' with vibrant forests, offering particularly scenic rides. Summer is also popular, but it's advisable to start early to avoid the midday heat on longer routes.

North Rhine-Westphalia has a well-developed public transport network, and many regional trains and some buses allow bicycles, often with a special ticket. This makes it convenient to reach starting points or return from end points of longer tours. It's always recommended to check specific transport provider rules and peak hour restrictions for bicycle carriage.

The touring cycling routes in North Rhine-Westphalia are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 4,300 reviews. Cyclists often praise the diverse terrain, from the well-maintained paths in Münsterland to the challenging climbs in the Eifel, and the region's blend of natural beauty with cultural and historical richness.

Yes, river valleys are a prominent feature of touring cycling in North Rhine-Westphalia. The Rhine River offers scenic routes along its banks, such as Auenland – experience the Rhine, providing panoramic views. The Lippe and Ruhr rivers also feature extensive cycling paths, allowing you to explore the region's natural beauty and industrial heritage.

The region offers several impressive natural features and viewpoints. You can visit the Kahler Asten, the highest mountain in the Sauerland, or the imposing Lippische Velmerstot. The Stenzelberg Rock Formations and the Katzensteine Sandstone Rock Formation are also interesting geological sites. For stunning vistas, the View of the Rhine Valley from the Siegfried Pulpit is highly recommended.