Cycling along the Rhine: from Bad Honnef to Kleve

To mark European Cycling Day, we invite you on a special tour along the Rhine Cycle Route: from Bad Honnef to the Dutch border in Kleve, a varied route full of nature, culture and exciting stops awaits you - and the best thing is that you can spend the night in cosy youth hostels along the entire route!

The route: Rhine romance meets industrial heritage

The Rhine cycle path (EuroVelo 15) is one of the most popular long-distance cycle routes in Europe. On the section from Bad Honnef to Kleve, you can experience how diverse the Rhineland is: from idyllic riverside paths to lively cities and tranquil meadow landscapes. The route is perfect for multi-day cycle tours - whether alone, with friends or family.

And the best thing: All youth hostels along this route have been awarded the Bett+Bike seal by the German Cyclists' Federation (ADFC). This means that they fulfil all the requirements of bicycle-friendly accommodation - from secure storage facilities to a drying room and tools for minor repairs.

Stage 1: Bad Honnef - Bonn

Starting point: Bad Honnef Youth Hostel
Length: approx. 25 km

After a healthy and hearty breakfast, we set off. Bad Honnef Youth Hostel is located directly on the Rhine Cycle Route: the route leads between vineyards and Rhine meadows via Königswinter with a view of the Drachenfels to Bonn. Here, a visit to the Museum Mile (e.g. Haus der Geschichte and Bundeskunsthalle) and a detour to Bonn's historic city centre are well worthwhile.

Overnight stay: Bonn Youth Hostel - Quietly located, with a view of the countryside and close to Bonn city centre.

TipPlan a trip on the Drachenfelsbahn - the cog railway is an experience and a magnificent panoramic view over the Rhine Valley awaits at the top!

Stage 2: Bonn - Cologne-Deutz - Cologne-Riehl

Length: approx. 35 km

The route to Cologne is flat and partly runs directly along the Rhine. Once in Cologne, a stop at the cathedral is a must. You can either stay on the right bank of the Rhine and spend the night in the Cologne-Deutz Youth Hostel, or you can drive on to Cologne-Riehl, somewhat quieter and located directly on the Rhine promenade.

Tip: A short detour to the Hohenzollern Bridge for the famous „Liebesschlösser-Blick“ is worthwhile - especially at sunset!

Stage 3: Cologne - Neuss - Düsseldorf

Length: approx. 45 km

A varied section between big city and green floodplain. Neuss attracts visitors with the Clemens Sels Museum or a stroll through the historic city centre. Once in Düsseldorf, a visit to the historic city centre or a walk along the Rhine promenade is well worthwhile.

Overnight stay:
Neuss Youth Hostel - Quiet and close to nature on the Neuss Rhine floodplains, ideal for a relaxing break between Cologne and Düsseldorf
Düsseldorf Youth Hostel - Modern architecture, located directly on the Rhine. Perfect for a stroll through the city in the evening!

TipIf you have some time, you should visit the Media Harbour - where modern architecture meets gastronomy with a view of the Rhine.

Stage 4: Düsseldorf - Duisburg

Length: approx. 30 km

Continue towards the Ruhr region: in Duisburg you will encounter impressive industrial history. Particularly exciting: the Duisburg-Nord Landscape Park with its illuminated blast furnace - a paradise for photographers and adventurers.

Overnight stay:

Duisburg Sportpark Youth Hostel - Perfect for sports enthusiasts
Duisburg Landschaftspark Youth Hostel - Unique due to its location in the centre of the park

TipIf you spend the night in the Landscape Park, you should definitely watch the light spectacle in the blast furnace - preferably with a camera and headlamp.

Stage 5: Duisburg - Xanten - Kleve

Length: approx. 65 km (divisible)

The landscape changes on the last stage: the route moves from industrial to more rural areas. Xanten attracts visitors with its archaeological park, one of the largest open-air museums in Europe. Baroque garden art and a touch of Holland await in Kleve.

Overnight stays:

Xanten Youth Hostel - Family-friendly, with lots of nature all around
Kleve Youth Hostel - Ideal finish before the Dutch border

TipIn Kleve, a visit to the Museum Kurhaus Kleve or a walk through the historic park designed by Johann Moritz von Nassau-Siegen is well worthwhile.

Conclusion: Rhenish adventure for cycling fans

This tour is perfect for anyone who loves cycling and wants to discover a lot along the way. Whether castles and palaces, museums, parkland or lively city life - on the route from Bad Honnef to Kleve, you will get a unique cross-section of the Rhineland.

The overnight stays in the youth hostels not only offer comfort and safe bike accommodation, but also lots of tips for things to do in the surrounding area. And with the Bett+Bike seal of approval from the ADFC, you can be sure: Your bike is just as welcome as you are.

So get on your bike, grab a few friends or your family and discover the Rhine Cycle Route in your own way!

TipThe tour can be planned flexibly - thanks to the good railway connections, you can also shorten or combine individual stages.