Ruhr area: Round trip from Duisburg

Welcome to Duisburg - a city that, like few others, embodies the transformation from an industrial metropolis to a green cultural city. Take the day to explore this diverse city at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers. Begin your tour at Duisburg’s Inner Harbor, one of the finest examples of successful urban development. Where grain silos and harbor cranes once dominated the landscape, modern architecture, cozy cafés and restaurants, and the attractive promenade now invite you to stroll and linger. At the Museum of German Inland Waterway Shipping, you’ll learn fascinating facts about the history of shipping on Europe’s waterways and Duisburg’s significance as the world’s largest inland port.
The spectacular sculpture “Tiger & Turtle – Magic Mountain” offers the perfect way to end the day. This walk-through roller coaster rises from a slag heap and offers you - especially in the evening hours - an impressive view of the Ruhr region and the city lights.

Today, you’ll witness firsthand how the Ruhr region has transformed from an industrial heartland into one of Germany’s most exciting cycling destinations. After just a few kilometers, you’ll be greeted by the striking Rheinorange sculpture, a landmark visible from afar at the confluence of the Ruhr and the Rhine. On the Grüner Pfad - a former industrial railway line - you’ll cycle through surprisingly green landscapes along the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park. Where blast furnaces and steel production once dominated daily life, you’ll now find a unique park landscape set against an impressive industrial backdrop. The route continues to Oberhausen, where the imposing Gasometer - a symbol of structural change - ranks among Europe’s most significant exhibition venues. Those who don’t mind the climb or a short detour will be rewarded with a fantastic panoramic view of the Ruhr region from the Tetraeder on the Beckstraße slag heap. Via the Industrial Heritage Route, you’ll reach the historic garden city of Welheim before climbing the Schurenbachhalde with its striking steel sculpture. From here, a sweeping view of the green Ruhr region unfolds. Afterward, you’ll leisurely follow the Emscher Bike Path all the way to Gelsenkirchen.

Today’s stage connects some of the most significant landmarks of industrial heritage with restored river landscapes and varied bike paths. You’ll soon reach the former Ewald coal mine in Herten. Together with the adjacent Hoheward Landscape Park, it exemplifies the Ruhr region’s successful transformation. From the slag heaps, you can enjoy impressive views of the region. Following the Industrial Heritage Route, you’ll arrive at the German Electricity Museum “Zeitreise Strom” in Recklinghausen. Historic generators, switchgear, and interactive exhibits vividly illustrate the history of electrification. You’ll then follow the Emscher Bike Trail, whose natural banks impressively showcase the ecological transformation of the former industrial landscape. A worthwhile detour takes you to the LWL Museum Henrichenburg Boat Lift, a technical masterpiece of inland waterway shipping. Just before Dortmund, the historic Hansa coking plant makes a striking impression before you reach your destination for the day. In Dortmund, the sprawling Westfalenpark - the exhibition grounds for the IGA 2027 (Dortmund Garden of the Future) - invites you to wind down the day in a relaxed atmosphere.

After breakfast, you’ll leave Dortmund and head south. The sprawling Rombergpark provides a lush start to your ride before you turn onto the former “Rheinischer Esel” railroad right-of-way. This car-free route winds through forests and over historic railroad bridges, and is considered one of the most beautiful railroad-right-of-way bike paths in the Ruhr region. In Witten, it’s worth visiting the LWL Museum Zeche Nachtigall, one of the oldest coal mines in the region and the cradle of Ruhr mining. Afterward, the popular Ruhr Valley Bike Trail takes you along the Ruhr River to the idyllically situated Lake Kemnade, one of the region’s most beautiful recreational areas. Shortly before reaching your destination for the day, the LWL Museum Henrichshütte - one of Germany’s most significant industrial monuments - awaits you. The preserved blast furnace vividly conveys the history of iron and steel production. The historic old town of Hattingen provides a fitting conclusion to the day. Lovingly restored half-timbered houses, narrow alleys, and cozy squares create a charming contrast to the Ruhr region’s industrial past.

In the morning, you’ll first cycle along the idyllic banks of the Ruhr. Following the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route, you’ll reach Burgaltendorf and then the Bochum Railway Museum, which brings railway history to life with its historic steam locomotives and original, preserved railway facilities. The route continues towards Essen along former railway lines. The sprawling Grugapark delights visitors with its magnificent gardens and mature trees, whilst the neighbouring Margarethenhöhe – one of Germany’s most beautiful garden cities – invites you to stroll amongst its extraordinary architecture. You’ll reach Mülheim an der Ruhr via lush green parks. The MüGa Park, created as part of the State Garden Show, harmoniously combines nature, art and industrial heritage. If you like, you can pay a visit to the historic Aquarius Water Museum before cycling back to Duisburg along the Ruhr Valley Cycle Route and the Industrial Heritage Route. In the evening, Duisburg’s lively inner harbour, with its successful blend of historic warehouse architecture, modern design and numerous cafés and restaurants, is the perfect place to round off the day in a relaxed manner.

Take advantage of today to visit the 2027 International Garden Exhibition (IGA) at the Zukunftsgarten Duisburg - admission is already included for you. Look forward to a unique blend of impressive garden art, innovative landscape architecture, and forward-thinking ideas on sustainability, climate adaptation, and urban quality of life. The Zukunftsgarten in RheinPark Duisburg, spanning approximately 30 hectares, impressively demonstrates how former industrial sites can be transformed into attractive green living spaces. Colorful flower and plant displays, inspiring themed gardens, modern art installations, and a variety of exhibitions invite you to explore and linger. Numerous events, hands-on activities, and culinary delights make a visit a special experience for garden lovers, nature enthusiasts, and anyone passionate about the future of our cities. Experience one of the main attractions of the IGA 2027 and enjoy a day full of inspiration, nature, and extraordinary experiences in the heart of the Ruhr region.

After eventful days filled with impressive industrial heritage, green bike paths, and varied landscapes, your cycling tour through the Ruhr region comes to an end today. After breakfast, you’ll begin your individual journey home. You’re also welcome to extend your stay with an additional night in Duisburg and continue exploring this diverse metropolis on the Rhine - as well as the 2027 International Garden Exhibition - at your leisure.

With the 2027 International Garden Exhibition (IGA), the Ruhr region is presenting itself as a green region of the future. Under the theme “How do we want to live tomorrow?”, the IGA combines impressive garden art with innovative ideas on climate protection, sustainable urban development, and new living spaces. Former industrial sites are being transformed into blooming parks, diverse experiential spaces, and inspiring landscapes of the future.
A special highlight of your trip are the three Future Gardens, which stretch like a green ribbon through the western Ruhr region and are easily accessible by bike.

• In the Duisburg Future Garden, the expansive RheinPark awaits you at the confluence of the Rhine and Ruhr rivers. On the site of a former industrial port, you’ll experience firsthand how modern park landscapes, colorful flower and plant displays, and innovative ideas for sustainable urban development blend together.
• The Gelsenkirchen Future Garden connects the Nordsternpark with the former Nordstern coal mine site. Set amid water, expansive green spaces, and an impressive industrial backdrop, the IGA exemplifies how former mining sites can be transformed into attractive leisure and recreational areas. Works of art, themed gardens, and diverse event spaces make the park a truly special experience.
• At the Zukunftsgarten Dortmund, the focus is on the historic Westfalenpark and its surrounding areas. Colorful flower beds, lovingly designed themed gardens, and innovative exhibitions invite visitors to explore and linger. At the same time, the IGA is providing exciting inspiration for the green city of the future and demonstrating how nature and urban life can be harmoniously integrated.