Have you already cycled the Vennbahn route from Aachen to Belgium and Luxembourg via Monschau, and do you know every palace along the 100 Palaces Route in the Münsterland region like the back of your hand? Then it's time for our insider tips for cyclists in Your NRW. The Water Palaces Route, for example, travels along the edge of the Eifel region and the “Kölner Bucht” through the region that boasts the largest number of water palaces and castles in Europe. The 470-kilometre route passes 120 castles and palaces, as well as various historic town centres, monasteries and mills.

Flamingos in the wild

During the spring and summer, the Flamingo Route in the Münsterland region is a special insider tip for cyclists. Even if newcomers might not believe it, the tour really does lead to flamingos. These long-legged birds have made the Zwillbrocker Venn fenlands their home, making them Europe’s northernmost flamingo breeding colony. Usually they can be seem from March to July, and in successful breeding years until September, and can be observed particularly well from turrets specially built for the purpose. The entire round cycling route extends over 450 kilometres, and like all cycle paths in the Münsterland region passes almost solely through the plains, making it easy for less well-trained cyclists. As well as the flamingos, the route also offers attractive towns and villages, palaces and stately homes.

www.muensterland-tourismus.de

A great destination for nature fans is the Bislicher Insel island near Xanten. The nature reserve is one of the last water meadow landscapes in Germany, offering a home to numerous kinds of birds and rare water plants. Cyclists can follow the 2.5 kilometre-long trail across the island. A bicycle ferry also stops close by, allowing the tour to be combined with other tours on the Lower Rhine.

By bike through the city

For people who prefer an urban environment, one option is the Bundesviertel-Route, or governmental district route, through Bonn. With its 20-kilometre length, it is ideal for a day trip - particularly since there’s still enough time to visit one of the many museums or simply enjoy the cosy flair of this beautiful city on the Rhine. The route itself connects numerous interesting, historic locations that have played a part in the Federal Republic of Germany past and present, such as the official Bonn residence of the Federal Chancellor and the President, the Palais Schaumburg and the Villa Hammerschmidt.

www.bonn-international.org

Here, you’ll find more insider tips for cyclists. Choose your route and explore Your NRW by bike.