Gravel tours that challenge you

This varied gravel route through the Hochsauerland combines challenging climbs, fast forest tracks and impressive natural scenery. Stretching for around 54 kilometres, the route runs from Winterberg via Bruchhausen and Willingen, past the striking Bruchhauser Steines (Bruchhauser stones), which tower majestically over the valley. A mix of tarmac, hard-packed tracks and the occasional singletrack ensures a varied riding experience with magnificent views and a genuine low-mountain character.

As is well known, the Ruhr Area doesn’t really have any particularly high mountains to offer. However, the slag heaps left behind by the mining industry offer a varied ‘substitute’. No fewer than ten of these hills – which should not be underestimated – lie along the 55-kilometre route, which starts on the site of the former Ewald colliery in Herten. The circuit features laid-back trails and tricky bends, an immersive experience of nature and the urban charm of the Ruhr region, as well as a number of outdoor artworks. The best view of the entire region is from the Mottbruchhalde, once you’ve successfully completed the climb.

Four reservoirs, historic Railway lines and charming old town centres characterise this roughly 46-kilometre-long gravel loop through the Bergisches Land. Gentle climbs, sweeping views and quiet paths away from traffic make the route a relaxing experience, with towns such as Radevormwald and Hückeswagen inviting you to take a short break. Former Railway lines and tunnels lend the route its distinctive character, before the perfect end to the ride awaits at Beverstrand.

True gravel enthusiasts might well complete this challenging tour through the Rureifel in a single day. But that would be a real shame! After all, cycling around the shimmering blue Rursee is not just a sporting highlight – it also requires a good level of fitness. The real stars of the tour are the wild and romantic natural landscape of the Eifel National Park, the beautiful half-timbered town of Monschau, and the idyllic valleys and picturesque villages. They all deserve more than just a quick glance. So, perfect views in both senses of the word for a varied, physically challenging cycling holiday in the Eifel.

Don’t forget your tent! And make sure you’re fit! Both are essential items to pack for this tour through the low mountain range landscape of the Sauerland, on the border with Hesse. After all, you won’t be spending the night in a cosy hotel bed, but in a sleeping bag under the open sky. And the itinerary also includes the odd bit of climbing as well as a few technical sections. The descent from the Mühlenkopfschanze, where a World Cup ski jumping event is held every year, is reserved solely for the ski jumping aces. But you can always risk taking a peek from the jump table.  

You won’t find anything higher than this in North Rhine-Westphalia. The summit of the state’s highest mountain, the Langenberg, stands at 843 metres. So it’s no wonder that the route around the Sauerland town of Olsberg features some challenging climbs that have to be tackled off the tarmac. The Bruchhauser Steine (Bruchhauser stones) are nothing short of breathtaking. This rock formation to the south of Olsberg is a National Natural Monument and home to many rare animals and plants. If you’ve still got some energy left in your calves after a strenuous ride, it’s well worth climbing the stone steps.

This tour really takes it out of your calves. The steep climbs are certainly no walk in the park. A total of 1,250 metres of elevation gain must be conquered between the towns of Ründeroth and Gummersbach. As a reward for the exertions of this journey through the hills and valleys, you’ll be treated to, amongst other things, fantastic views over the Bergisches Land from the ‘Haldy Tower’. A visit to the nearby Aggertal Cave or a detour to Aggertalstrand promises a chance to cool off.

100 metres high and 665 metres long. These aren’t the coordinates of this gravel ride, but the dimensions of Germany’s longest suspension bridge, the Skywalk in Willingen. And even if it sways a little, the view from up here already whets your appetite for the subsequent cycle ride through the scenic beauty of the Sauerland. It takes you all the way round Willingen without any overly long climbs, but does require a bit of fitness. After all, the 49-kilometre route still accumulates a total of 1,000 metres of elevation gain.

There’s hardly a better way to combine town and country, culture and nature than on this 200-kilometre tour across the Münsterland. At times, the route follows idyllic riverside paths along the Stever, Werse, Ems and the Dortmund-Ems Canal, whilst at other times it takes in scenic climbs through the Baumberge hills. Münster’s city centre draws you into the hustle and bustle of city life, whilst the picturesque old town streets of Tecklenburg are a much quieter affair. And with the medieval Vischering Castle in Lüdinghausen and Hülshoff Castle in Havixbeck, there are, amongst others, two culturally and historically significant sites along the route that could hardly be more different. So don’t rush – just relax and enjoy the ride! 

Although situated at just under 300 metres above sea level, the Wiehengebirge truly lives up to its name. This means that the route, which is around 60 kilometres long, is no stranger to some rather gruelling climbs. And the descents, such as the one below the Wiehenturm, are also quite challenging at times. However, the tour also offers numerous scenic and cultural-historical highlights. Among other things, a black rock known as ‘Impsonite’ was quarried in Preußisch-Oldendorf until as recently as 1921. The quarry site on the Linkenberg is now overgrown but remains an imposing sight. And, of course, the Mühlenkreis Minden-Lübbecke doesn’t bear its name for no reason. As the ‘Galerieholländer’, amongst others, demonstrates.