Lahn Valley Cycle Path
An ideal route for families and leisure cyclists
The Lahn Valley Cycle Path follows the entire length of the Lahn. It is suitable for families and leisure cyclists as well as more seasoned cyclists.
The Lahntal-Radweg (Lahn Valley Cycle Path) begins at the source of the Lahn river in Netphen in the Rothaargebirge, located in the far south-east of North Rhine-Westphalia. From here, the route follows the Lahn until the point where it flows into the Rhine. Stretching for around 240 kilometres, the route takes in castles, palaces, historic old towns and beautiful landscapes.
Highlights along the way include the extremely interesting old town of Bad Laasphe with its ornamental half-timbered façades, as well as the Landgrafenschloss, the castle in Biedenkopf; the university town of Marburg; the Goethe city of Wetzlar; Limburg Cathedral and the health and spa resort of Bad Ems, which dates back to the imperial era. The route also takes in the only wine location on the Lahn, namely Obernhof, where Pinot Noir and Riesling grapes are cultivated.
The path includes a total vertical distance of 600 metres along the length of the Lahn from its source in the Siegerland-Wittgenstein region. However, there are very few steep climbs, which makes it suitable for inexperienced cyclists and families – even with trailers in most sections. The few steeper sections are also worthwhile, since the summits offer magnificent views over the Lahn valley and its attractions. Anyone wanting a slightly easier ride can switch to the train or the cycle shuttle bus.
Those who make the effort to cycle the entire path will not be disappointed, as the scenery constantly changes. Whilst the view at the beginning is dominated by colourful meadows and green hills, the trail continues on to steep, forested slopes. The Lahn itself is always within sight of cyclists on the trail.
The route is generally very well developed, fully signposted, mostly tarmacked and largely car-free. The German Cyclists’ Association (ADFC) has certified the Lahn valley cycle path as a four-star quality route.
