Cycling on railroad lines is a great thing, because cyclists benefit from the fact that trains don't like steep climbs either. So if you cycle along disused railroad lines that used to be used by trains, you don't have to worry about any steep gradients.
The Bergisch Panorama Cycle Route is one of these railroad line cycle routes in North Rhine-Westphalia, or at least it runs along such disused routes for much of its 130-kilometre route from Hattingen in the southern Ruhr region through the Bergisches Land to Olpe in the Sauerland. The route not only passes through varied landscapes and beautiful little towns. The special thing about the route is the evidence of the art of engineering: 14 tunnels, viaducts up to 40 meters high and numerous bridges - including the Müngstener Bridge, the highest railroad bridge in Germany - never cease to amaze passing cyclists.
One of the highlights along the route is Schloss Burg in Solingen, the largest reconstructed castle complex in western Germany. It is particularly worthwhile for families with children to take a short break here, as the museum with its knights' hall provides exciting insights into medieval life. Knights and noble ladies come to life every summer during the knights' festival at the castle.
A special experience all year round is a ride on the Wuppertal suspension railroad - also an impressive testimony to the art of engineering, as the train literally floats over streets and the Wupper river. If you like, you can take it directly to the zoo.
Bergisch cycle bus
If you want to cover parts of the tour by bus, you can do so on the Bergisch cycle bus. It stops in Hückeswagen, Wipperfürth and Marienheide along the Bergisch Panorama Cycle Path. It has space for up to 20 bikes and runs on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays between March and October in the summer months.
Break tip: Bergisch coffee table
A delicious tip for a culinary break is the famous Bergische Kaffeetafel, which is served in many cafés and restaurants in the region. Contrary to what the name might suggest, this is not just coffee and cake. Rather, Bergisch waffles with hot cherries or rice pudding as well as various breads with sweet spreads and savory toppings are served, along with fresh coffee from the typical Dröppelmina before a traditional Bergisch Korn is served to round off the meal. It's up to you to decide whether you want to continue cycling immediately after this sumptuous meal or whether you want to take a short digestive walk first.
One thing is certain, there are plenty of opportunities to work off the Bergische Tafel: if the 130-kilometre Bergische Panorama cycle path is not enough for you, you can simply extend your tour. In Hattingen, the route connects to the Ruhr Valley cycle path, in Olpe it continues along the Ruhr-Sieg cycle path.
The Bergisch Panorama Cycle Route is part of the Panorama Cycle Route Network in NRW, which links individual routes to form an overall network over 300 kilometers long. It primarily connects former railroad lines in the Bergisches Land region and creates connections to other cycle paths in the Ruhr and Sauerland regions.
