Cycling in the city can be difficult, especially if you’re new around town. I was used to sidewalk cycling back in Canada, but the rules are very different here in Germany. There are designated bike paths that start and stop, turn into a road, and then turn into the sidewalk (which is verboten to cycle on). That is exactly why I went out to find some of the most beautiful bike paths in Düsseldorf so that I could avoid leisurely pedaling through the city… because it’s anything but leisurely!
Do you have insurance yet? It’s important to make sure you have some sort of bike insurance, so if you’re bike gets stollen (which they so often do) you can make a claim with your insurance provider. Feather and Getsafe Insurance are two big favourites.
From shortest to longest, here are 10 of the most beautiful bike paths in Düsseldorf!
The Rheinallee from the Rheinkniebrücke to Heerdt
The Rheinallee only runs for about 3 kilometers from the Rheinknie bridge to Heerdt but offers a beautiful panoramic view of the Rhine, the shipping boats passing by, and the city skyline.
You will likely also spot some sheep as you cycle along and there are plenty of benches along the way to sit and people watch.
Print screen taken from Google Maps
Leinpfad between Wittlaer and Kaiserswerth
The Leinpfad stretch between Wittlaer and Kaiserswerth is only about 3,5 kilometers but is the perfect path for family cycling. The kids can make stops along the way to throw stones in the water, adventure through the Kaiserpfalz ruins, and stop for ice cream in Kaiserswerth.
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Did you know that the Leinpfad was actually once used as a path for the horses to tow the boats upstream along the Rhine River?!
Print screen taken from Google Maps
From Volksgarten to Eller Castle
The Volksgarten and Schlosspark Eller are both beautiful green spaces in Düsseldorf worth exploring, so why not visit both in one day?
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This tour is about 6 kilometers, but if you’d like to extend your nature explorations, doing a big loop around the Volksgarten is a great way to tack on some extra kilometers.
Print screen taken from Google Maps
The Himmelgeist Route
If you don’t mind a bit of rough terrain, the Himmelgeist route is a beautiful area to cycle around. It is a 5 kilometers nature reserve where you will pass by beautiful little farms, beaches, churches, and castles (Schloss Meierhof and Schloss Mickeln).
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The entire trip that I’d suggest is about 8 kilometers, plus a number of stops in between to enjoy your surroundings. If you’re looking for something a bit longer, you can explore the towns of Itter and Himmelgeist too.
Print screen taken from Google Maps
Urdenbacher Kämpe
If you’re looking for a nice relaxing round route in nature, Urdenbacher Kämpe is a beautiful area to explore. The route I prefer is about 10 kilometers around, but if you’d like to extend it, there are other side paths you can take as well!
Print screen taken from Google Maps
Around Unterbacher See & Elbsee
Cycling around Unterbacher See and Elbsee is another great one for the family as it’s only 14 kilometers long and there are plenty of awesome stops around the way that offer beautiful lookouts, cold drinks, and games for the kids (like the high ropes course).
Print screen taken from Google Maps
Komoot also offers a great cycling tour around both lakes and the surrounding area that is about 40 kilometers if you’re looking for a longer trip.
The NRW Panoramic Bike Path
If you’re an avid cyclist and looking for a tour that’s 40+ kilometers long, then the Neanderland panoramic tour is a perfect option. It’s actually not in Düsseldorf, but one to definitely include. You’d be cycling from Kettwig, past Velbert, and down to Haan and the scenery is amazing. You can check out the official tour on the NRW Tourism website or simply hop on Google and follow the entire Panorama Radweg all the way along. Since I’m not an avid cyclist, I enjoy starting from Mika’s Eisbox in Essen and ending up at the Kaiser Wilhelm Memorial in Wülfrath.
Print screen taken from Google Maps
The Airport Route
If you’re a fan of watching the planes take off and land, it might be interesting for you to cycle the entire perimeter of the airport too! GPS-Tour.info has an awesome step-by-step route so you know where to stop and where to turn.
Print screen taken from Google Maps
From the Harbour to Zons
If you drive your car or take the bus to the GSV Golf Club, this is a good place to start your trip. It is a beautiful day trip along the Rhine, past the small rural district of Hamm, Düsseldorf, over the bridge, and through the rural roads of Dormagen.
There is plenty to see and do in Zons, so make sure you save some energy to explore the little walled city.
Grafenberg Forest
It’s easy enough to go and get lost in the Grafenberger forest on your own (not actually lost, but to become inspired and explore on your own), but bikemap has an awesome 23-kilometer route that’s also definitely worth checking out.
Expect some rocky terrain here and there, but some beautiful nature!
Photo Credit: bikemap.net
