The southern Rheinradweg runs from the Rheinuferpromenade near the Rheinknie bridge in Düsseldorf, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, along the right bank of the Rhine past the Hafen area, through Urdenbach and Benrath to the walled town of Zons in Dormagen. The ride is self-guided on a signed route and needs no operator. It combines city riverfront, nature reserve meadows and a historic fortress town, and is a favourite for a full-day outing.
The route reaches Benrath after about 20 km, where Schloss Benrath, a pink 18th-century palace with formal gardens, invites a stop. Beyond Benrath the path continues through the floodplain landscape near Urdenbach and on toward Zons, a medieval toll-fortress town with preserved walls and towers, after about 25-30 km. One way takes about two and a half to three and a half hours at a relaxed pace, so a round trip is a long day.
The activity is rated moderate because of the distance rather than any technical difficulty. Riders need basic fitness for three to six hours in the saddle if they return by bicycle. The surface is paved or compacted gravel and almost entirely flat, but headwinds on the open river bank can be tiring. Children who ride regularly can manage it with breaks; very young children should not attempt the full distance.
Equipment is not supplied by the route. Riders bring or hire a bicycle, typically about EUR 15-25 per day (about USD 17-29), and should carry a helmet, water, snacks, a rain jacket and a lock. A return option is the Rhine ferry at Zons or the S-Bahn from stations near Benrath, which lets riders avoid the full round trip.
Safety is mainly about sharing the path with walkers and other cyclists, keeping right, and watching for road crossings near Hafen and at settlements. The route stays close to towns and rail stations, so help is never far, and 112 is the emergency number throughout Germany. Mobile coverage is generally good.
The best season runs from April to October. Spring and early autumn offer cooler riding and calmer paths, while summer weekends are busy around Benrath. Winter cold, high water that floods low path sections, and strong headwinds are the main conditions to avoid.
| Price | Free route; bicycle hire typically about EUR 15-25 per day (about USD 17-29) |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 2.5-3.5 hours one way at a relaxed pace |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Season | April to October |
| Address | Start: Rheinuferpromenade at the Rheinknie bridge, 40221 Düsseldorf; the Rheinradweg runs south |
Activity facts
- Where
- Rhine right bank from Hafen south via Urdenbach and Benrath to the Zons fortress town
Equipment
Bicycle, helmet, water, rain jacket; the Rhine ferry at Zons or the S-Bahn gives a return option
Location
Start: Rheinuferpromenade at the Rheinknie bridge, 40221 Düsseldorf; the Rheinradweg runs south
51.2186, 6.7679 View on map
Highlights
- Schloss Benrath palace and gardens at about 20 km
- Floodplain meadows around Urdenbach on a flat, signed path
- Medieval walled town of Zons at the end of the route
- Ferry or S-Bahn return that avoids a full round trip
- Self-guided Rheinradweg with no booking needed
Tips for visiting
- Plan a one-way ride and return by S-Bahn or the Zons ferry to save energy.
- Start early on summer weekends; Benrath palace grounds get busy by midday.
- Hire a bicycle by the day (about EUR 15-25) and check the return time.
- Carry snacks and water; cafés thin out between Benrath and Zons.
- Check ferry and train timetables before setting off, as seasonal schedules change.
- Pack a rain jacket; the open river path offers little shelter.
When to visit
April to October, with spring and early autumn the most comfortable. Avoid high-water days and summer weekend afternoons near Benrath.
Accessibility
The path is flat and mostly paved, but the distance demands stamina. Adapted bicycles should be confirmed with local rental shops, and Zons' historic cobbles are uneven.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Zons from Düsseldorf by bike?
About 25-30 km one way from the Rheinknie area, which takes roughly two and a half to three and a half hours at a relaxed pace.
Is there a way to avoid riding back?
Yes. The Rhine ferry at Zons or the S-Bahn gives a return option. Riders should confirm current timetables and bicycle carriage rules.
Is the route steep or technical?
No. It is flat and signed. The difficulty comes from the distance and the wind along the open river bank.
Is anything worth stopping for on the way?
Schloss Benrath, with its palace and gardens, sits about 20 km along the route, and Zons has a preserved medieval fortress wall.