The RuhrtalRadweg (Ruhr valley cycle route) is one of the most popular riverside cycling routes in Germany and stretches 240 kilometres from its source in Winterberg to where it joins the Rhine near Duisburg. It is a route full of contrasts that takes you through the woods of the Sauerland and historic old towns to the Ruhr Metropolis with its industrial heritage. The trail mostly runs directly next to the water over former towpaths. A quality route with 4 stars!

Ruhr Tourismus GmbH

+0049 (0)1806 / 18 16 30, www.ruhrtalradweg.de

(0.20 euros per call from the German landline, mobile price max 0.60 euros per call)

Cyclists will find this to be a particularly attractive section of the Rheinradweg (Rhine cycle route) in North Rhine-Westphalia. It leads from the Drachenfels (dragon's rock) in the Siebengebirge mountain region to Emmerich, taking you through large cities such as Cologne and Düsseldorf, but also through smaller towns such as Monheim am Rhein with its fascinating history. The bustling inland port city of Duisburg is as much an attraction as the rural idyll of the Lower Rhine region.

Service line, +0049 (0)211 / 91320-500,

www.dein-nrw.de/rheinradweg

In many parts of the trail, the Siegtal valley has kept its original natural beauty. On this route, you will find numerous castles which have a history reaching back to the Middle Ages. The Sieg cycle path is well signposted. From Windeck to the estuary of the Rhine, the route is family-friendly. In the upper reaches, we recommend using the railway.

Besucherzentrum Naturregion Sieg,

+0049 (0)2292/19433, www.radweg-sieg.de

The Ruhr-Sieg bike trail connects the two rivers Ruhr and Sieg and stretches 113 kilometres, mostly following the former railway tracks across the low mountain range of the Sauerland. A highlight of the route is Bigge Lake, which is one of the largest reservoirs in Westphalia and a popular leisure resort.

Sauerland-Tourismus e. V., Service line

+0049 (0)2974/202190, www.ruhr-sieg-radweg.de