Cycling around Ratingen – the Loveliest Tours in the Rhineland

Ratingen is a real insider tip for cycling fans in the Rhineland. Located between Düsseldorf, Essen and the Bergisches Land, the city is an ideal starting point for varied cycle tours. Whether relaxed outings along the Ruhr, sporty climbs into the hills of the Bergisches Land or idyllic routes through woods and meadows – everyone gets their money's worth here.

Cycling around Ratingen combines exercise, relaxation and discovery. Numerous signposted routes lead through scenic areas, past historic sights, charming old towns and green recreation areas.

In this article we show you the loveliest cycle tours around Ratingen, give tips on preparation and present highlights for nature and culture lovers.

🚴‍♀️ Why Cycling around Ratingen Is So Popular

Ratingen is a city that is perfectly suited to cycling. The combination of flat stretches along the rivers and gentle hills makes the region particularly versatile.

🌿 Varied Landscapes

Within a few kilometres, the surroundings change from the peaceful Ruhr valley through extensive forests to lively town centres. That brings variety to every tour – and means that even familiar routes feel different the second time round.

🏞 Great Leisure Value

Numerous cafés, beer gardens and rest areas along the routes invite you to linger. At weekends in particular, cycling here becomes a popular family experience.

🚴‍♂️ A Well-Developed Cycle Path Network

The cycle path network around Ratingen is excellently developed. Many paths are asphalted, well signposted and connected to the regional cycle network of North Rhine-Westphalia.

🌳 The Loveliest Cycle Tours around Ratingen

Below you will find the most popular cycle tours in the Ratingen area and the Rhineland, suitable for day trips or weekend tours.

1. Ruhrtalradweg – a Classic for Connoisseurs

The Ruhrtalradweg is one of the best-known routes in North Rhine-Westphalia and runs not far from Ratingen. From Mülheim via Kettwig and Werden, it follows the Ruhr through idyllic scenery.

Tour profile:

• Length: approx. 25 km (section Ratingen – Kettwig – Mülheim)
• Difficulty: easy
• Highlights: river landscapes, old lock complexes, bridges and pure nature
• Tip: Ideal for families and leisure cyclists

This tour offers a relaxed ride with plenty of opportunities for picnic breaks right by the water.

2. Angerbachtal Tour – Pure Nature between Ratingen and Lintorf

The Angerbachtal tour leads through one of the greenest corners of Ratingen. Along the little river Anger you cycle through woods, meadows and small villages.

Tour profile:

• Length: approx. 20 km
• Difficulty: easy to moderate
• Highlights: Gut Diepensiepen, historic half-timbered houses, Angermühle
• Tip: Especially lovely in spring, when everything is in full bloom

This route is excellent for enjoying nature right on your doorstep.

3. From Ratingen to Düsseldorf – City Meets Nature

For anyone who loves culture and big-city flair, the route from Ratingen via Kaiserswerth to Düsseldorf is a must.

Tour profile:

• Length: approx. 30 km
• Difficulty: medium
• Highlights: Schloss Kalkum, the historic old town of Kaiserswerth, Rhine promenade
• Tip: Ideal for weekend tours with places to stop for refreshments

Here the peaceful surrounding countryside meets urban life. Perfect for cyclists who like to combine sightseeing with exercise. If you would like to split the tour over two days, you will find a quiet starting point for the second day of riding among the hotels in Ratingen.

4. Niederbergische Panorama Cycle Path – along Old Railway Lines through the Region

This route is a highlight for anyone who loves longer distances. The Panorama-Radweg Niederbergbahn runs along a former railway line between Essen-Kettwig, Heiligenhaus, Wülfrath and Velbert.

Tour profile:

• Length: approx. 40 km
• Difficulty: medium
• Highlights: viaducts, panoramic views, former stations with cafés
• Tip: Particularly suitable for e-bikes and sporty cyclists

The gentle gradients and wide views make this tour one of the loveliest in all of NRW.

5. Ratingen Stadtpark Route – Short & Relaxed

For a spontaneous after-work ride or a family outing, the Stadtpark circuit is a good choice.

Tour profile:

• Length: approx. 10 km
• Difficulty: easy
• Highlights: Stadtpark Ratingen, Cromford Park, Blauer See
• Tip: Ideal for families with children or leisurely Sunday rides

If you fancy a break, you can enjoy an ice cream at the Blauer See or linger in the café at the park.

🚴‍♂️ Tips for Your Next Cycle Tour around Ratingen

To make cycling around Ratingen a real experience, there are a few things you should bear in mind.

🔧 Preparation & Equipment

• Check your bike before every tour (brakes, tyres, lights).
• Always take enough water, snacks and a small tool bag.
• For longer tours, an e-bike or a bike with gears is recommended.

🌤 Best Time to Go

The most pleasant time for cycling in Ratingen is between April and October. In spring the landscape blossoms, while autumn impresses with golden colours.

🧭 Navigation

Use regional cycling maps or apps for navigation. Many routes are well signposted, but away from the main paths a digital route planner is worthwhile.

☕ Breaks & Places to Stop

Along the routes there are numerous cafés, farms and beer gardens that give cyclists a warm welcome. A rest at the Blauer See or on the banks of the Ruhr is almost a must. If you would like plant-based food after the tour, you will find what you are looking for in the vegetarian and vegan restaurants in Ratingen.

🌇 Cultural Highlights along the Routes

Around Ratingen there is not only nature but also plenty of culture to discover.

🏰 Schloss Linnep

A romantic moated castle in the south of Ratingen, surrounded by woods and walking trails – perfect for a short photo break.

🕰 Industriemuseum Cromford

An exciting destination right on the way: Germany's oldest surviving factory ensemble recalls the region's textile history.

🎭 Stadttheater Ratingen

If you still have energy in the evening, you can attend a cultural event at the Stadttheater after the tour – or round off the day in one of the bars in Ratingen.

🚵‍♀️ Family-Friendly Tours around Ratingen

Ratingen also offers ideal conditions for cycling for families with children.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Short Discovery Tour around the Blauer See

A short, safe route leads around the Blauer See and through the Stadtpark. It is flat, easy to follow and offers plenty of play and picnic opportunities.

🦆 Animal Encounters

Along the Angerbachtal tour, with a little luck you can spot deer, hares and rare bird species. For children, the tour becomes a little voyage of discovery almost incidentally.

💡 Travelling Sustainably – Cycling for the Environmentally Conscious

Anyone who cycles in and around Ratingen is also contributing to environmental protection. More and more locals are consciously giving up the car and using the bicycle for leisure and everyday life.

The city of Ratingen is also steadily investing in expanding safe cycle paths and sustainable mobility. That makes the region a pioneer in environmentally friendly transport in the Rhineland.

🌻 Conclusion – Cycling in Ratingen: Relaxation, Exercise & Nature

Whether a relaxed tour by the river, a sporty climb in the Bergisches Land or a laid-back family outing – cycling around Ratingen offers the right route for every taste.

The varied landscape, the well-developed network of paths and the proximity to cultural highlights make Ratingen an ideal starting point for cycle tours in the Rhineland. You will find more ideas for outings in the city in our overview of Ratingen.

Whether you are a beginner, a leisurely cyclist or a passionate biker, Ratingen convinces with its mix of nature, history and Rhenish charm.

Frequently Asked Questions about Cycling around Ratingen

Which tour is suitable for families with children?

The best choice is the Stadtpark circuit of around ten kilometres: it is flat, easy to follow and passes the Blauer See and the Cromford Park. The loop around the Blauer See itself also offers plenty of play and picnic opportunities.

How long are the tours around Ratingen?

The range extends from about ten kilometres on the Stadtpark circuit, through around 20 kilometres in the Angerbachtal and about 25 kilometres on the section of the Ruhrtalradweg, to around 40 kilometres on the Panorama-Radweg Niederbergbahn.

When is the best time for a cycle tour?

Conditions are most pleasant between April and October. In spring the landscape is in bloom, and in autumn the golden colours create a special atmosphere along the routes.

Do you need an e-bike?

For the flat routes along the rivers, an ordinary bike is enough. For longer routes such as the Panorama-Radweg Niederbergbahn with its gentle gradients, an e-bike or at least gears are recommended.

Which sights lie along the routes?

Along the way, stops are worthwhile at the moated castle of Linnep, at the Industriemuseum Cromford with Germany's oldest surviving factory ensemble, and at Schloss Kalkum and in the historic old town of Kaiserswerth.