The best gravel rides around Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with nearly 180 trails listed on komoot. These routes cater to various skill levels, from easy rides to more challenging adventures.

Yes, Düsseldorf has over 50 easy gravel routes perfect for beginners or family outings. A great option is the View of the Elbsee – View of the Dreiecksweiher loop from Schlesische Straße, which is about 24.5 km long and leads through lakeside areas and urban green spaces. Another accessible choice is the Rhine Cycle Path at Stockum – View of the Airport Bridge loop from Grafenberg, offering flat sections along the Rhine.

Gravel biking in Düsseldorf offers a diverse landscape. You'll find routes along the scenic Rhine River, through urban forests like the Düsseldorfer Stadtwald, and around tranquil lakes such as Unterbacher See. The terrain often transitions from paved sections to gravel paths through agricultural fields and wooded areas, providing a varied riding experience.

Absolutely. For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Düsseldorf offers over 40 difficult routes. Consider the Aaper Heights Trail – Neander Valley Trail loop from Am Hackenbruch, a demanding 77 km route that explores the wooded Aaper Heights and extends towards the historic Neander Valley. Another challenging option is the Chorbusch Forest Trail loop from Südring, which is over 63 km long.

Many gravel routes in Düsseldorf offer beautiful scenery. You can explore paths along the Rhine River, which provides expansive views. The Düsseldorfer Stadtwald offers lush green escapes. For specific natural attractions, consider routes near Rotthäuser Bachtal or the Lowland waterbody at the former summer dike (Urdenbacher Kämpe). The nearby Neander Valley also offers scenic trails combined with historical interest.

Yes, some routes incorporate historical elements. The Urdenbach Old Rhine – Garath Castle loop from Düsseldorf-Friedrichstadt passes by Garath Castle. You might also find routes that lead near Benrath Palace and its stunning gardens, or Heltorf Castle, offering a mix of natural beauty and historical sights.

Many of the gravel routes around Düsseldorf are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Aaper Heights Trail – Green Lake (Volkardeyer Lake) loop from Pempelforter Straße and the Sechs-Seen-Platte Duisburg – Six Lakes Plateau loop from ERGO-Platz/Klever Straße, which takes you to the nearby Six Lakes Plateau.

The gravel biking community highly rates the trails in Düsseldorf, with an average score of 4.3 stars from over 900 reviews on komoot. Riders often praise the diverse terrain that quickly transitions from urban green spaces to natural landscapes, as well as the well-maintained paths along the Rhine and through wooded areas.

While specific cafe stops are not always highlighted on every route, many trails pass through or near urban areas and parks where cafes and restaurants are readily available. The Rhine Cycle Path, for instance, often has opportunities for refreshments in towns and villages along the river. Exploring routes around parks like Nordpark or Südpark also increases the likelihood of finding convenient stops.

Düsseldorf's varied terrain makes it suitable for gravel biking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially with the changing foliage in wooded areas. Summer is also great, particularly for routes along the Rhine or around lakes like Unterbacher See. Even in winter, many paths remain rideable, though conditions may vary with snow or ice.

Yes, there are several gravel routes around 50 km. For example, the To the 6-lake plate - gravel tours in the Ruhr area and Bergisches Land is approximately 63 km, offering a substantial ride. Another option, slightly shorter but still a good distance, is the View of the Elbsee – View of the Dreiecksweiher loop from Schönaustraße, which is about 43 km and offers a moderate challenge.