Cycling day trip from Herdecke to Dortmund

Here’s a relaxed ride from Herdecke to Dortmund, great for anyone looking to escape the train for a bit. You’ll start amid Herdecke’s charming half-timbered houses by the Ruhr, following mostly quiet roads and dedicated cycleways—so traffic stress stays pretty low. The route gently climbs and dips as you wind out of the Ruhr valley, topping out at just over 250 meters, but then it’s a smooth cruise downhill toward the city.

The surfaces are mostly smooth asphalt and paving stones, so no need for a mountain bike, though be ready for just a few sections that are less polished. You’ll roll into Dortmund—famous for its football culture and the Westfalenpark—after about 21 km, perfect for a morning coffee at the start and a beer garden reward at the end. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this is a classic Ruhrgebiet ride with a side of green scenery.