By bicycle from Essen to Bottrop

This ride takes you from the vibrant city of Essen to the green, laid-back town of Bottrop – a journey of about 18.5 km through the heart of the Ruhrgebiet. You'll start amid Essen’s mix of urban flair and post-industrial charm (don’t miss the UNESCO-listed Zollverein Coal Mine nearby!), then follow mostly paved paths and quiet roads northwards.

The route is pretty gentle with just a couple of mild ascents and more downhill stretches, so it’s a comfortable outing for most cyclists. Expect a mostly smooth ride, with a bit of variety: there are stretches of asphalt, some paving stones here and there, and even a touch of gravel to keep things interesting. Over half your ride will be on bike-friendly paths—ideal for enjoying the surroundings without much car traffic.

Arriving in Bottrop, you’ll notice the shift to a smaller-town vibe, with parks and green spaces. Bottrop’s highlight is the Tetraeder, a striking hilltop steel pyramid overlooking the Ruhr landscape—a cool spot to check out if you fancy a detour!