From Ruhr to Ruhr - Experiencing the Bergisches.

One of the most challenging routes in the radrevier.ruhr: a distance of 57 kilometers involves climbing a total of 460 meters in altitude. Starting from the Ruhr valley, the circular route leads uphill towards the Bergisches Land. The beautiful, gently rolling landscape is therefore the central experience on this tour.
Starting point
The Henrichshütte in Hattingen is a good starting point for this tour as a focal point on the Route of Industrial Heritage. There are plenty of parking spaces available here. Those arriving by train can also join the tour from Hattingen / Ruhr station.
Start of the tour
From the impressive Henrichshütte, the route first leads directly to the Ruhr. Cyclists enjoy the beautiful nature directly along the southern bank of the river. At junction 26, the route deviates from the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path and leads along city streets to the entrance of the former coal railway, now known primarily as the Glück-Auf-Trasse.
Always slightly uphill – the Glück-Auf-Trasse
At first, it's hardly noticeable, but the railway line continuously ascends. Without road traffic, the view can wander over the fields and forests of the hilly landscape. If you haven't had enough of the Bergisches at junction 7, you could quickly reach the popular Nordbahntrasse in Wuppertal via the Schee tunnel. However, this route branches off here and now leads towards Wetter.
Country idyll on the edge of the Bergisches
If you pay attention, you will also find industrial heritage sites here. Most of them date back to the early beginnings of the Ruhr mining industry, which began here in the south and then spread further north over the centuries. However, what is most convincing is the country idyll that becomes visible all along the wayside, providing an exciting contrast to the central Ruhr area.
The Elbschetal Railway
After a bit of road traffic, it is the former Elbschetal Railway line that leads cyclists back to the Ruhr valley. The historic town center of Wengern is worth seeing, with some beautiful half-timbered houses and nice cafes and restaurants. The small Henriette-Davidis Museum commemorates the teacher whose "Practical Cookbook" became a standard work in German kitchens.
Returning via the Ruhr Valley Cycle Path
From Wetter-Wengern, the route now leads back to Hattingen via the popular Ruhr Valley Cycle Path. For cyclists, the Nachtigall colliery, the Hardenstein ferry with its neighboring castle ruins, and the Kemnader See are worthwhile places to take a short break from the saddle.
The Henrichshütte Hattingen
Of course, every cyclist should also allow enough time for the Henrichshütte. In the exhibition halls, visitors can learn a lot about the steel industry along the Ruhr. The absolute visitor highlight is the oldest preserved blast furnace on the Ruhr, which is even accessible by elevator for barrier-free access.