The best traffic-free bike rides around Nijmegen

Nijmegen offers a great selection of traffic-free gravel bike trails. This guide features 13 carefully curated routes, ranging from moderate to difficult, ensuring a diverse experience for gravel bikers looking to avoid cars.

The region around Nijmegen is known for its varied terrain, perfect for gravel biking. You'll encounter rolling hills, extensive forests with hard-pack gravel roads, and serene floodplains along the Waal River. Routes often combine smooth asphalt with unpaved trails, sandy sections, and river dikes, providing a dynamic and engaging ride.

Yes, for those seeking a challenge, the Nijmegen area offers routes with significant elevation. For example, the tour titled View of the Niers – New Cycle Path Through the Forest loop from Nijmegen Heyendaal is rated as difficult, covering over 95 km with more than 500 meters of elevation gain. These routes often venture into the hilly sections around Berg en Dal and the German Reichswald.

While many routes are moderate, some are more accessible for beginners. The Concrete cycle path through the forest – New Cycle Path Through the Forest loop from Nijmegen Heyendaal is a good option, offering a moderate challenge over nearly 50 km with manageable elevation, perfect for getting a feel for the local gravel. Look for routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances if you're just starting out.

Nijmegen's gravel trails are rich in natural beauty and points of interest. You can explore the expansive Ooijpolder nature reserve with its wild horses and Galloways, or cycle through the mighty forests of the Reichswald. The region also features unique 'summits' like Brandenberg (90 m) and Jan Hilltop (66 m), offering panoramic views. The Oude Holleweg Climb from Beek is another notable feature for cyclists.

Yes, many of the traffic-free gravel routes around Nijmegen are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. For instance, the Beautiful forest trail – Witteweg Cycle Path loop from Nijmegen Goffert is a popular circular route that takes you through scenic forest paths.

The Nijmegen region is enjoyable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially when the heather blooms purple on the Mookerheide in late summer/early autumn. Even in winter, many hard-pack gravel paths remain rideable, offering a peaceful, car-free experience through the forests.

Many sections of the traffic-free gravel trails are suitable for families, particularly those on dedicated cycle paths or quiet forest roads. While some routes feature significant climbs, you can often find flatter sections, especially along the river floodplains, that are more family-friendly. Always check the route details for distance and elevation to ensure it matches your family's capabilities.

The duration varies significantly depending on the route length and your pace. For example, a moderate route like Forest Cycle Path to Nijmegen – Waco Glider Monument Groesbeek loop from Nijmegen Heyendaal, which is about 35 km, typically takes around 2.5 hours. Longer, more challenging routes can take 6 hours or more, so plan accordingly.

The komoot community highly rates the gravel biking experience in Nijmegen, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Reviewers often praise the region's diverse and car-free terrain, the beautiful natural landscapes including forests and floodplains, and the challenging yet rewarding climbs that are unique for the Netherlands. The ability to combine quiet paths with scenic viewpoints is frequently highlighted.

Nijmegen is well-connected by public transport, and many routes start near train stations or bus stops, making them accessible without a car. For example, several routes in this guide begin near Nijmegen Heyendaal, which is easily reachable. Check local public transport schedules and bike-on-train policies before you travel.

Yes, there are several excellent traffic-free gravel routes under 50km. The Forest Cycle Path to Nijmegen – Waco Glider Monument Groesbeek loop from Nijmegen Heyendaal is a great option at just over 35 km, offering a moderate ride through varied landscapes. Another good choice is the Beautiful forest trail – Witteweg Cycle Path loop from Nijmegen Goffert, which is around 30 km.