Rhine River Cycle Path

Meandering through vineyards, past fairy-tale castles, and along one of Europe's most storied rivers, the Rhine River Cycle Path (Rheinradweg) is a dream ride for cyclists of all levels. This well-marked, mostly flat route stretches over 1,200 km from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, but the most enchanting section is the 350 km from Mainz to Bonn, where the Rhine cuts through the dramatic Rhine Gorge, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you pedal for a day or a fortnight, you'll be rewarded with spectacular scenery, charming wine villages, and a deep sense of history.

Highlights & What to See

• Rhine Gorge – The dramatic stretch between Bingen and Koblenz is the heart of the ride, with steep vineyard-covered slopes, hilltop castles like Burg Rheinfels and Burg Pfalzgrafenstein, and the legendary Lorelei rock.
• Lorelei – A steep slate cliff and iconic river bend where, according to legend, a siren lured sailors to their doom. Stop at the visitor centre for panoramic views.
• Castle Trail – Detour to visit well-preserved castles such as Marksburg (the only hill castle on the Rhine never destroyed) or Burg Eltz, a short ride from the path.
• Rüdesheim & Assmannshausen – Classic wine towns where you can sample Riesling and Spätburgunder, ride the cable car to the Niederwald Monument, or take a short hike through the vineyards.
• Koblenz – Where the Rhine meets the Moselle; explore the Deutsches Eck (German Corner) and the imposing Festung Ehrenbreitstein fortress.
• Bonn – Beethoven's birthplace, with a charming old town and a riverside path that leads into the city's green spaces.

Suggested Time to Spend

For the classic Mainz-to-Bonn section (350 km), allow 5–7 days of relaxed cycling, covering 50–70 km per day. This gives you time to explore towns, visit castles, and linger over wine tastings. If you're short on time, the most scenic 100 km from Bingen to Koblenz can be done in two days, with an overnight in Bacharach or St. Goar. Many cyclists combine the route with a Moselle River detour or a train ride back to their starting point – the Rheingau region is well connected by rail.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Moselle River Cycle Path – A quieter, equally picturesque route that joins the Rhine at Koblenz; perfect for a week-long loop.
• Heidelberg – A short train ride from the path, with its romantic castle and historic university town.
• Frankfurt – A major transport hub and gateway to the Rheingau; spend a day exploring the museums and the apple wine taverns.
• Strasbourg – A detour into Alsace, France, for a taste of Franco-German culture and half-timbered architecture.
• Eltville & the Rheingau – A wine lover's paradise just west of Wiesbaden, with countless Riesling estates and the Eberbach Abbey.
• Bacharach – One of the most romantic towns on the route, with a ruined castle and half-timbered houses.

Please check official sources for current details.