The best traffic-free bike rides in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis

There are 18 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis, offering a variety of experiences from easy riverside paths to more challenging hilly sections. You'll find 6 easy routes, 11 moderate, and 1 difficult option.

Yes, the Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis offers 6 easy, traffic-free road cycling routes perfect for beginners or families. Many of these utilize former railway lines, providing gentle gradients and smooth surfaces. An example is the Kemnader Lake – Bochum Side – Ruhraue Stiepel Riverside Path loop from Hardenstein, which is a pleasant 18.5 km ride with minimal elevation gain.

You can expect a diverse range of landscapes. Many routes follow picturesque river valleys like the Ruhr and Lenne, offering flat and scenic paths. For those seeking more challenge, the southern parts of the region, including areas like the "Elfringhauser Schweiz," feature rolling hills and forested terrain. You'll also encounter impressive dams and reservoirs, such as the Ennepetalsperre.

Yes, many of the no-traffic routes in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Ruhr Weir at Hattingen – Kemnade Reservoir Dam Bridge loop from Hattingen (Ruhr) is a moderate 28 km circular route that takes you along the Ruhr.

The routes often pass by a mix of natural and historical attractions. You can discover the region's industrial heritage, such as the Schee Tunnel or the Ruhr weir and towpath in Hattingen. Natural highlights include viewpoints like the View of Felderbachtal, and the scenic areas around the Ennepetalsperre.

While many no-traffic routes utilize gentle former railway lines, the rural southern parts of Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis do offer more challenging sections. For example, the View of the Ennepetal Dam – View of the Ennepetalsperre loop from Breckerfeld is a moderate 31 km route with over 360 meters of elevation gain, providing a good workout.

Absolutely. A key feature of cycling in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis is the extensive network of "Bahntrassenradwege" – former railway lines converted into cycling paths. These routes, like sections of the "Von Ruhr zur Ruhr" path, offer smooth surfaces and gentle gradients, making them ideal for relaxed, traffic-free cycling. The Rheinischer Esel Cycle Path loop from Witten is a great example of such a route.

The best time for road cycling in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis is generally from spring through autumn (April to October). During these months, the weather is usually mild, and the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant. The converted railway paths are well-maintained and accessible throughout these seasons.

The no-traffic road cycling routes in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the peacefulness of the routes, the well-maintained surfaces of the former railway lines, and the beautiful blend of river valleys and green landscapes.

Yes, the region is known for its scenic dams and reservoirs. The Ennepetalsperre, Heilenbecke Talsperre, and Glörtalsperre are prominent features. Routes like the View of the Ennepetal Dam – View of the Ennepetalsperre loop from Breckerfeld offer stunning views of these impressive water bodies and their surrounding natural areas.

Many routes in Ennepe-Ruhr-Kreis offer glimpses into its rich industrial past. The paths built on former railway lines, such as the "Von Ruhr zur Ruhr" cycle path, often lead through areas with remnants of coal transport and other historical industrial sites. Cycling through the illuminated Schulenberg tunnel, a former coal railway tunnel, is a unique experience on one of these routes.