Quick ride by bicycle from Dortmund to Schwerte

Get ready for a chill ride from Dortmund to Schwerte! This roughly 18.5 km route is perfect for a couple of hours of leisurely cycling, mostly on quiet roads with a few stretches of cycleways and paths sprinkled in. Along the way, you’ll gently climb and descend through the rolling Sauerland edge, with just enough ascent (about 170 meters) to keep things interesting—but nothing too crazy.

You’ll start right in Dortmund, a vibrant city known for its football culture and lush green parks. As you pedal southeast, you’ll head into more peaceful surrounds, passing through residential areas and patches of forest, and occasionally sharing the road with cars (but traffic should be light).

The ride ends in Schwerte, a charming little town right by the River Ruhr, famous for its medieval old town and cozy cafés—perfect for a post-ride treat. Most of the surface is paved or asphalt, though you’ll hit the occasional gravel or paving stones, so wider tires are a plus. Enjoy the mix of scenery and easy pace—a classic Ruhr Valley ride!