Rhine cycle path Am Ufer
Dominik Ketz, Tourismus NRW e.V., Rhine cycle path Am Ufer

Going with the flowThe Rhine Cycle Route

15,000 years old and always fresh as a daisy: the Rhine in North Rhine-Westphalia flows tirelessly from its source in the Swiss Alps to its mouth near Rotterdam in the Netherlands, over 700 metres wide in places. Excursion enthusiasts can follow the entire river by bike. With a total length of 1,320 kilometres, it not only runs through NRW, but also through other parts of Germany, Switzerland, France and the Netherlands. If you want to cycle along the entire length of the Rhine from its source in Andermatt (CH) to its mouth in the North Sea in Hoek van Holland (NL), you can use EuroVelo 15 and put together your route using the route planner.

On its journey to the sea, Europe's most famous river flows for over 226 kilometres through NRW, the most exciting section of the Rhine Cycle Route. Every kilometre of the Rhine offers a new panorama. Holidaymakers and day trippers can discover the scenic and cultural diversity on both sides of the river from Bad Honnef to the Dutch border - and of course the other way round too.

The route runs along both banks of the Rhine on predominantly well-developed, cycle-friendly and uniformly signposted routes. To make sure you always stay on the right track, look out for the signpost with the blue Rhine cyclist. It is possible to change sides from time to time along the route due to bridges and ferries.

To the right and left along the Rhine you will find magnificent castles and churches, breathtaking architecture and industrial landscapes. What are you waiting for? Get on your bike and cycle along the Rhine.

  • Etappe 1: Bad Honnef – Köln
    Ferry on the Rhine cycle path
    Dominik Ketz, Tourismus NRW e.V., Ferry on the Rhine cycle path
    Düsseldorf
    From the enchanting Siebengebirge mountains, the route takes you through historic Bonn to the lively Rhine metropolis of Cologne
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  • Etappe 2: Köln – Düsseldorf/Neuss
    View of the Rhine
    Dominik Ketz, Tourismus NRW e.V., View of the Rhine
    Düsseldorf
    From the Rhineland metropolis of Cologne, the route leads via the well-preserved, historic customs fortress of Zons - or on the right bank of the Rhine via Monheim - to Düsseldorf. Even from a distance, the television tower in the middle of Düsseldorf's media harbor points the way.
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  • Etappe 3: Düsseldorf/Neuss – Duisburg
    Cyclist at the media harbour, Düsseldorf
    Dominik Ketz, Tourismus NRW e.V., Cyclist at the Medienhafen, Düsseldorf
    Düsseldorf
    Linger in the metropolis of Düsseldorf, experience art and nature in the Museum Insel Hombroich or discover industrial culture in Duisburg - the Rhine Cycle Route from Neuss and Düsseldorf to Duisburg offers experiences full of contrasts.
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  • Etappe 4: Duisburg – Wesel
    Landschaftspark Duisburg-Nord
    Dominik Ketz, Tourismus NRW e.V., Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park
    Düsseldorf
    After passing the major cities of Cologne, Düsseldorf, Krefeld and Duisburg, cyclists can enjoy more peace and quiet on this section of the cycle route through the sparsely populated and more natural Lower Rhine region.
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  • Etappe 5: Wesel – Emmerich
    Rhine cycle path in Xanten
    Dominik Ketz, Tourismus NRW e.V., Rhine cycle path in Xanten
    Düsseldorf
    The Lower Rhine is a paradise for cyclists, who have a clear view as far as the horizon. Along the way, untouched nature and small towns with historic city centers invite you to take a culturally relaxing break
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