By bicycle from Gelsenkirchen to Bochum

Set off from Gelsenkirchen, a city best known for its deep industrial roots and football pride (Schalke 04, anyone?), and head south toward Bochum on a relaxed 13 km ride. The journey is mostly smooth-sailing, with nearly all of it on nice paved surfaces—perfect for a casual spinner or a city bike.

The ride takes you predominantly along quiet paths and roads, so expect fewer cars and a more chilled experience. You’ll climb gently for parts of the route, but nothing too dramatic—just enough to keep things interesting. As you roll into Bochum, get ready to explore another key Ruhrgebiet city, famous for both its lively student scene and the iconic Deutsches Bergbau-Museum (Mining Museum).

This route is ideal for riders who want to sample North Rhine-Westphalia’s urban heartland via safe and accessible cycleways, and you’ll have plenty of excuses to take in some Ruhrpott charm along the way!