The best cycling routes around Ettlingen

Ettlingen, nestled at the foot of the northern Black Forest and within the picturesque Alb Valley, offers diverse landscapes. You'll find an unspoiled natural environment characterized by forests, meadows, hills, and valleys. The idyllic Alb River flows through Ettlingen, providing scenic paths. Terrain varies from gentle, relaxed rides along river valleys to more challenging routes with significant elevation gains in the Black Forest foothills.

There are over 220 touring cycling routes available around Ettlingen, catering to various preferences and fitness levels. This includes 98 easy routes, 73 moderate routes, and 52 difficult routes.

Yes, Ettlingen offers many easy routes. For a relaxed ride, consider the Basler Gate (Durlach) – Durlach Palace Garden loop from Ettlingen Neuwiesenreben, which is 12.1 miles (19.5 km) and leads through urban and park landscapes. The Alb River Cycle Path also offers pleasant, often paved surfaces suitable for all skill levels.

For those seeking a challenge, the region provides routes with significant elevation changes, particularly towards the Black Forest foothills. A notable difficult route is the Murgtal Rock Tunnel – Tour de Murg cycle path loop from Ettlingen Erbprinz, which spans 65.6 miles (105.6 km) and features over 1,000 meters of elevation gain.

Cycling routes around Ettlingen offer access to various attractions. You can explore the historic old town with its narrow streets and half-timbered houses, the baroque Ettlingen Castle, and the delicate Rose Garden adjacent to the castle. The Alb River and Ettlingen Old Town are central features, and you might also pass by the Ettlingen Old Town and Castle.

Many routes in Ettlingen are designed as loops. For example, the Flood Protection Dike – Alb River Trail in Karlsruhe loop from Ettlingen Erbprinz offers a moderate 27.8 miles (44.7 km) path following the scenic Alb River. Another option is the Cycle Path Through Rauental – Ettlingen Old Town and Castle loop from Ettlingen Erbprinz, which is a moderate 57.9 km route.

The region is ideal for touring cycling from spring through autumn. During these seasons, the weather is generally pleasant, allowing you to fully enjoy the forests, meadows, and river valleys. The natural features, such as the Alb River and surrounding orchards, are particularly beautiful during these months.

Yes, the Alb River Cycle Path is a popular choice for families, offering pleasant views and often paved surfaces suitable for all skill levels. Many of the 98 easy routes available in the region are also well-suited for family outings, providing gentle terrain and scenic surroundings.

The touring cycling routes in Ettlingen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,100 reviews. More than 8,400 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Ettlingen's varied terrain, often praising the diverse landscapes and well-maintained trails.

Yes, you can find routes that include water bodies. For instance, the Beach at Epplesee – Ettlingen–Forchheim Cycle Path loop from Ettlingen Wasen is a 13.7 km route that takes you past the Epplesee, offering a pleasant lakeside experience.

Ettlingen is well-connected, and many routes are accessible via public transport, especially those starting from the town center or easily reachable points. The region's network of trails often begins near urban areas or train stations, making it convenient to start your tour without a car.

Ettlingen's historic old town, with its charming cafés, provides excellent opportunities for refreshments before or after your ride. Many local loops and routes that pass through villages or towns will also offer places to stop for a break and a bite to eat.