Cycling trip through the Ruhr area

Experience an impressive bike tour through the Ruhr area. The route connects urban dynamism with green oases and refers to a vibrant industrial history. From charming workers' settlements to significant cultural and tourist attractions such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Zollverein Coal Mine, Bochum, Essen, Duisburg, and the Ruhr Valley showcase their versatile diversity. Follow the Green Path along former railway lines, enjoy views over former industrial sites, and discover central highlights of the region on short stages. This journey combines culture, nature, and sporting joy in a harmonious combination.

Day 1 | Arrival – Landesgartenschau Neuss

Departure in the morning and drive initially to Neuss. Neuss will host the Landesgartenschau in 2026 and invites you to explore fascinating themed gardens and plant diversity on relaxed walking paths over 38 hectares. After a suitable sightseeing stay, continue to Bochum. Check into the hotel and have dinner.

Day 2 | Henrichshütte Hattingen – Bochum – Essen – Duisburg

With bicycles, you will ride from the Hattinger Henrichshütte, a former steel mill with 20,000 employees, following the Ruhr from Hattingen along the southern Bochum districts to Essen-Steele. From here, you will follow the Grugaradweg, an old railway line, with a slight incline and make a stop at the famous Margarethenhöhe. This settlement is considered one of the most beautiful workers' settlements in the Ruhr area and is a protected monument. Then continue to the RS1 in Essen, the future East-West cycling connection through the entire Ruhr area. Through Essen, you will ride back down to the city center in Mülheim, located directly on the Ruhr, and then follow the Ruhr towards Duisburg. The last kilometers to the former Thyssen steelworks “Landschaftspark Nord” with its impressive blast furnaces and large facilities will be along the railway path “Grüner Pfad.” You can explore the former factory grounds on your own and end the day with a cool drink. Alternatively, you can climb Blast Furnace 5, which is accessible to everyone. Enjoy the wonderful view over the city of Duisburg and the Ruhr area once you reach the top. Afterward, take the bus back to the hotel.

Cycling distance: 47 km

Day 3 | Zeche Zollverein

Optional: Musical Visit

Today, your route takes you along the beautiful Grummer ponds, past lovely gardens and half-timbered houses. You will pass the old mining settlement “Dahlhauser Heide,” one of the largest preserved mining settlements in the Ruhr area. From there, the path leads you over the old ore railway line and the Zollverein cycle path to the UNESCO World Heritage Site “Zeche Zollverein,” where the bus will already be waiting for you. Here, you will visit the Zollverein coal mine, once the largest coal mine in Europe, together with a local tour guide. You will gain exciting insights into the daily life of the workers, the significance of coal for the city, and the transformation of industrial iconography over time. In the evening, you can experience spectacular roller-skating action at the musical “Starlight Express,” which will take you into a glittering world of musicals with elaborate choreography and captivating music (start at 6:30 PM, including round-trip transfer).

Cycling distance: 26 km

Day 4 | Short Cycling Tour – Return Journey

After breakfast, you will ride from the hotel along the Ümminger See and the Oelbachtal

towards the Ruhr and then along the Ruhr cycle path eastwards from Bochum via Witten and Wetter to Herdecke. On the Ruhr cycle path, you will first circle the Kemnader See, then cross the Ruhr by ferry (free of charge) and reach the “Zeche Nachtigall,” considered the cradle of Ruhr mining. Later, you will pass Witten and reach the Harkortsee, arriving at the destination Wetter on the Ruhr. At the beginning of the Hengsteysee, the bus will be waiting for the return journey.

Cycling distance: 37 km

• Travel by modern coach
• Bicycle transport in a specialized trailer
• 3x overnight stays including half board at the 4-star Achat Hotel Bochum in Bochum
• Day entrance to the State Garden Show Neuss
• 1x full-day cycling guide according to
  program for Day 2
• 2x half-day cycling guide according to program for Day 3 and Day 4
• Tour of Zollverein Coal Mine
• BOHR travel companion on-site

The hotel is located about 5 km from the center. All 108 rooms are equipped with a bath or shower, toilet, hairdryer, telephone, TV, and Wi-Fi. It features a breakfast room, bar, elevator, conference rooms, sauna, and terrace.