Cycling day trip from Hattingen to Gelsenkirchen

This scenic cycling route starts in the charming town of Hattingen, known for its beautifully preserved medieval old town with timber-framed houses and inviting cafés. From there, you’ll pedal northwards toward Gelsenkirchen, a lively city famous for its football culture and the renowned Veltins-Arena.

The ride covers about 22.5 kilometers and is mostly on paved surfaces, with smooth asphalt making up the majority—perfect for a relaxed pedal. Expect a gentle mix of ascent and descent as you leave Hattingen’s hilly surrounds and gradually make your way into the lower-lying Ruhr landscape.

Most of your journey stays pleasantly quiet, sticking to peaceful roads and scenic paths rather than busy traffic routes. You’ll also pass patches of paving stones and the occasional gravel or concrete section, but nothing too challenging.

As you roll into Gelsenkirchen, you’ll find plenty of options to grab a snack or even catch a glimpse of Schalke 04 fans in blue. All in all, it’s an enjoyable ride linking history-rich Hattingen with the energy of urban Gelsenkirchen!