Cycling day trip from Dortmund to Herdecke

This scenic ride starts in Dortmund, a vibrant city famous for its industrial history and passionate football fans. Heading south, you’ll meander through mostly quiet roads (about 70% of your trip), surrounded by a mixture of city hustle and green patches. You’ll get a decent bit of exercise with over 260 meters of ascent, but nothing too extreme—just enough rolling hills to keep things interesting.

The route is friendly to hybrid bikes, with paved surfaces for the most part, though keep an eye out for patches of paving stones and a few short gravel stretches. You’ll also hit some very pleasant paths (20%), perfect for soaking in the fresh air as you leave Dortmund behind.

Arriving in Herdecke, you’ll find a charming town nestled by the Ruhr River, known for its picturesque timber-framed houses and cozy riverside cafes. All in all, it’s around 20.6 km—enough for a good ride without feeling like a marathon. Perfect for a weekend escape or a leisurely day out!