4.6
(716)
9,373
riders
26
rides
No traffic road cycling routes around Bestwig offer a diverse landscape for cyclists, characterized by green valleys such as the Elpe, Sorpe, Ruhr, and Valme, which provide flatter sections. The region also features challenging ascents through hills like the Große Bildchen and Rimberg, contributing to significant elevation gains. Bestwig is situated within the Sauerland, known for its varied topography and natural beauty, including the edge of the Arnsberg Forest Nature Park. The area provides a mix of terrain suitable for…
Last updated: August 6, 2026
5.0
(1)
24
riders
56.7km
03:02
920m
920m
Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
4.0
(5)
23
riders
44.1km
01:57
380m
380m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

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4.0
(1)
30
riders
41.8km
02:34
600m
600m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
27
riders
18.4km
00:56
280m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
5.0
(2)
24
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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Traffic-free bike rides around Bestwig
Traffic-free bike rides around Bestwig
The Hachtor - We are writing the 14th century AD. Uncertain times reign on the outer borders of the Electorate of Cologne. The town of Rüthen must be fortified... If you enter the Rüthen town center coming from the north, you will pass through the Rüthener Hachtor, which is one of the town's landmarks and gives its name to the Hachtorstraße leading into the town. The Hachtor, built from Rüthener Grünsandstein (green sandstone), was built around the year 1300. According to tradition, the name Hachtor derives from the term Hagentor or Hafttor. The latter seems plausible when you consider that in the Middle Ages, external criminals were actually imprisoned in the upper floors of the Hachtor. In the outer blind arch on the north side of the Hachtor, you can still recognize today the place where the portcullis used to be. In addition, on the north side, you will find the two curtain walls, to which another barbican was directly attached to the north in earlier times. The main gate and this now non-existent barbican were previously connected by a drawbridge to the moats, still visible to the east and west. On the west side, you can very well recognize the seam to the former city wall, over three meters high, which led around Rüthen for about 2.7 kilometers and whose course you can still walk and enjoy today with its wonderful views. On the east side of the Hachtor, you can see a small wooden door at height, which probably used to offer access to the Hachtor via the city wall. On the west side, too, with closer observation, you can still recognize outlines that perhaps also represented such an access in earlier times. We have equipped the Hachtor for you with modern LED lighting from the inside and outside, which is capable of stylishly illuminating the contours of the masonry in the evening and at night with subtle, color-changing light. The Hachtor is the last of the formerly four city gates in Rüthen to have survived. The original four entrances to the old town of Rüthen all had strong gate towers and drawbridges. Perhaps you will find out during your exploration of the alleys within the city walls where the other three gates once stood. Here's a little tip: The names of the other three city gates were Österntor, Schneringertor, and Burgtor...
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🧱 Hennesee Dam: Engineering Meets Panorama The Hennesee Dam is an important structure for water regulation, but also a fantastic destination for your hike. A popular hiking trail runs across the imposing dam, serving as a natural skywalk. From the dam crest, you can enjoy an unobstructed panoramic view of the deep blue Hennesee. You can also reach the upper exit of the challenging "Sky Stairway" here.
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I was a little afraid to go onto the platform
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The stairway to heaven and the view from the platform into the valley is very impressive
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The stairway to heaven and the view from the platform into the valley is very impressive, but the view over the Hennesee is very calming
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The above-mentioned Möhne Waterfall is not a waterfall in the usual sense. Rather, it is an artificially created dam in the Möhne River, from which an equally artificially created moat (mill race) was diverted, which in earlier times powered a grain mill. Today, the water in the former mill building still powers a generator to generate electricity. Like many rivers, there are several such dams on the Möhne (some up to about 2 meters high). The hydropower was used, among other things, for wood processing (sawmills) and stone processing (see, for example, the marble and granite processing by Dassel).
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View from the dam, the stairs up and down makes you cheerful
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There are over 20 traffic-free road cycling routes around Bestwig, offering a variety of distances and difficulty levels. You'll find options ranging from easy, leisurely rides to more challenging tours with significant elevation.
The Bestwig area, nestled in the Sauerland, offers a diverse topography. You can expect beautiful green valleys like the Elpe, Sorpe, Ruhr, and Valme, providing extensive flatter sections perfect for cruising. However, the region is also known for its 'land of 1000 mountains,' so many routes will include challenging ascents and descents, offering plenty of elevation gain for those seeking a workout.
Yes, Bestwig offers several easy, traffic-free road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. For example, the Roadbike loop from Siedlinghausen is an excellent choice, providing a pleasant ride with manageable distances and elevation.
Absolutely. For experienced road cyclists looking for a challenge, routes like the Hennesee Dam – Hennesee loop from Meschede or the demanding Hohe Hunau – Rural Scenery in Sauerland loop from Kehlenberg offer significant elevation gain and longer distances, ensuring a rewarding ride through the Sauerland's hills.
Yes, the RuhrtalRadweg (Ruhr Valley Cycle Path) is a significant highlight for traffic-free road cycling in the region. Bestwig is a key point along this 240 km path, which largely follows the Ruhr River. It's primarily traffic-free, features mostly moderate inclines, and is ideal for scenic, less strenuous rides. You can find more information about this path on Wikipedia.
Many routes offer breathtaking views and natural beauty. The nearby Hennesee provides a beautiful setting for a scenic loop. You might also encounter the 'Plästerlegge' waterfall near the village of Wasserfall, the only natural waterfall in North Rhine-Westphalia. Additionally, routes often traverse areas with panoramic views, such as those found along the 'Bestwiger Panoramaweg'.
The region is rich in history and culture. You can cycle through charming half-timbered villages like Ostwig, home to the Steinbergruine ruins, or Heringhausen. Historic sites such as Körtlinghausen Castle are also accessible. For a unique experience, consider visiting the Sauerland Visitor Mine Ramsbeck or the Nuttlar Adventure Mine, offering insights into the region's mining heritage.
Yes, many of the traffic-free road cycling routes around Bestwig are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. This includes routes around the Hennesee and various loops through the valleys and hills of the Sauerland, such as the Chapel of Nuttlar – Bestwig loop from Meschede.
The komoot community highly rates the road cycling experience in Bestwig, with an average score of 4.7 stars. Cyclists often praise the quiet, traffic-free nature of the routes, the diverse and scenic landscapes, and the mix of challenging climbs and relaxing valley rides that the Sauerland offers.
Bestwig is integrated into the regional transport network. While specific bike carriage rules vary, local trains and buses often allow bikes outside of peak hours. It's advisable to check with the local transport provider for current regulations regarding bike transport to plan your journey to the starting points of the routes.
Bestwig and its surrounding villages offer various parking options, often near train stations or designated trailheads. Many routes are designed to be accessible from central points, making it convenient to find parking before you begin your ride. Specific parking details can often be found within individual route descriptions on komoot.
The spring, summer, and early autumn months (roughly April to October) are generally the best time for road cycling in Bestwig. During these periods, the weather is typically mild, and the landscapes are lush and vibrant. Always check the local weather forecast before heading out, especially in the shoulder seasons.


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