The northern stretch of the Rheinradweg leaves the Düsseldorf Altstadt from the Rheinuferpromenade near the Burgplatz, in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany, and follows the right bank of the Rhine toward Kaiserswerth and Duisburg. The route is flat, signed and mostly traffic-free, making it one of the most approachable day rides in the region. It is a self-guided activity, so no operator booking is required.
The first leg of about 12 km passes the Rheinturm and the Medienhafen skyline behind, then runs along meadows and the Rhine floodplain to Kaiserswerth, a former imperial town whose ruined Kaiserpfalz and riverside cafés make a natural halt. From Kaiserswerth the path continues north, crossing the Duisburg boundary and reaching Duisburg-Ruhrort, the large inland harbour, after about 30 km one way. A relaxed pace takes about one hour to Kaiserswerth and two to two and a half hours to Duisburg.
Prerequisites are modest. Anyone comfortable on a bicycle for two to five hours can complete the route, and children who ride confidently suit the Kaiserswerth leg. There is no age limit, though young children should ride with an adult. The surface is paved or compacted gravel, and wind along the open river can slow progress on exposed sections.
Equipment is not included with the route. Riders bring or hire a bicycle from local rental shops or the nextbike share scheme, which typically costs about EUR 15-25 per day (about USD 17-29), and should carry a helmet, water, a rain jacket and a lock. Regional trains (RE, RB and S-Bahn) carry bicycles, offering a simple return from Kaiserswerth or Duisburg.
Safety considerations centre on sharing the path with walkers and other cyclists, keeping to the right, and watching for crossings near harbours and industrial areas. There is no rescue service specific to the route, but the path stays close to towns and stations, and the European emergency number 112 covers all of Germany. Mobile reception is generally good.
The best season is April to October. Spring brings blossom and quieter paths, summer offers long daylight but busy weekend stretches near the promenade, and autumn gives clear light. Conditions to avoid include high water, when lower sections of the riverside path can flood, and winter ice. Weekday starts keep the path calmer.
| Price | Free route; bicycle hire typically about EUR 15-25 per day (about USD 17-29) |
|---|---|
| Duration | About 1 hour to Kaiserswerth and 2-2.5 hours to Duisburg at a relaxed pace |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Season | April to October |
| Address | Start: Rheinuferpromenade at the Burgplatz, 40213 Düsseldorf; the Rheinradweg runs north along the river |
Activity facts
- Where
- Rhine right bank from the Altstadt north to Kaiserswerth and Duisburg
Equipment
Bicycle (hire shops or the nextbike share scheme), helmet, water, rain jacket and lock; regional trains (RE/RB/S-Bahn) carry bicycles for the return
Location
Start: Rheinuferpromenade at the Burgplatz, 40213 Düsseldorf; the Rheinradweg runs north along the river
51.2263, 6.7725 View on map
Highlights
- Flat, signed Rheinradweg along the right bank of the Rhine
- Kaiserswerth with its Kaiserpfalz ruins and riverside cafés after about 12 km
- Duisburg-Ruhrort inland harbour at about 30 km
- Train return with bicycle carriage on regional lines
- Self-guided with no booking needed
Tips for visiting
- Start before 10:00 on summer weekends to avoid crowds near the Altstadt promenade.
- Hire a bicycle by the day (about EUR 15-25) or use the nextbike scheme.
- Pack a rain jacket and water; the open river path offers little shelter.
- Check regional train bicycle rules before planning a one-way ride.
- Stop in Kaiserswerth for a break before deciding whether to continue to Duisburg.
- Carry a lock when leaving the bicycle at cafés or viewpoints.
When to visit
April to October, with weekday mornings quietest. Avoid high-water periods when sections near the river can flood.
Accessibility
The path is flat and largely paved, but cycling needs balance and stamina. Hand-cycle or adapted bicycle availability should be confirmed with local rental shops.
Frequently asked questions
How far is Kaiserswerth by bike from the Düsseldorf Altstadt?
About 12 km, which takes roughly an hour at a relaxed pace along the signed Rheinradweg.
Can the ride be made one way with a train return?
Yes. Regional trains (RE, RB and S-Bahn) carry bicycles, so riders can return from Kaiserswerth or Duisburg. Check bicycle rules and timetables for the chosen service.
Is the route suitable for beginners?
Yes. The path is flat and mostly traffic-free. Confident riders of most ages can manage the Kaiserswerth section.
Does the route cost anything?
The route is free. Only bicycle hire is charged, typically about EUR 15-25 per day.