Quick ride by bicycle from Herten to Oer-Erkenschwick

Roll out from Herten, a Ruhr-area town known for Schloss Herten and the former Zeche Ewald with the Halde Hoheward horizon observatory, and head northeast on mostly quiet paths. The ride is about 20 km with gentle ups and downs (roughly 130 m of climbing), topping out around 111 m—nothing too serious, just a few short rises as you approach the woods.

Surfaces are largely friendly: mostly asphalt and other paved sections, with a few stretches of paving stones and some segments that feel a bit more “natural.” Wider tires (30–35 mm) are comfy, but not essential. Traffic is light—most of the route follows paths and back roads—so it’s a relaxed spin.

You’ll skirt fields and green belts before rolling into the edge of the Haard, the big forest of the Hohe Mark Nature Park. Finish in Oer-Erkenschwick, gateway to the Haard and the Stimberg hill—perfect for a post-ride stroll or a coffee around Stimbergstraße. Bonus detours: start-side views from Halde Hoheward, or end with a short hike up the Stimberg.