By bicycle from Essen to Oberhausen

This relaxed ride links two Ruhr gems: Essen and Oberhausen, a scenic stretch just under 14 km. You’ll start in central Essen, once a coal and steel hotspot, now a vibrant city known for its modern art museums and leafy parks. Heading northwest, the route rolls mostly on paved surfaces—expect plenty of smooth asphalt with occasional old-school paving stones to keep things interesting.

You’ll ride through a blend of quiet residential roads and traffic-calmed paths, skirting green spaces and a patchwork of post-industrial landscapes. The terrain’s pretty mellow, with gentle ups and a nice downhill run as you lose about 100 meters in elevation toward Oberhausen.

Your journey ends in Oberhausen, famous for its huge Gasometer (it’s an exhibition space inside a former gas holder!) and Centro, one of Europe’s largest shopping malls. Whether you’re in it for scenery, urban flavor, or just a smooth pedal between cities, this route is a perfect sampler of the modern Ruhr area. So grab your bike, bring a camera, and enjoy the ride!