The Ruhrtalweg follows the Ruhr River from its source in the Sauerland highlands all the way to Duisburg on the Rhine. The trail passes historic industrial heritage sites, nature reserves, and the beautiful Ruhr reservoirs — a fascinating blend of natural and industrial NRW.
The Ruhrtalweg begins near its source in the Sauerland highlands close to Winterberg, reachable by regional rail, and finishes 240km downstream at Duisburg on the Rhine, with trailhead parking available at numerous points along the route including Arnsberg and Essen. Day sections cover 15-25km with a gradual net descent from the Sauerland highlands to the Rhine plain, following well-maintained riverside paths, forest tracks, and paved cycle paths near the urban Ruhr stretches, with essentially no exposure or technical difficulty throughout. Underfoot the surface shifts from packed dirt and gravel in the upper Sauerland forest sections to paved riverside promenade nearer Essen and Duisburg, with shade varying from dense forest canopy upstream to open riverside parkland downstream. The route passes the Möhnesee and Baldeneysee reservoirs, historic industrial heritage sites reflecting the Ruhr's coal and steel past, and nature reserves along the river corridor, offering a distinctive transition from rural highland forest to the reclaimed post-industrial landscape of the lower Ruhr. Villages and towns along the way, including Arnsberg, Fröndenberg, and Essen, provide guesthouses and refill points at regular intervals, so multi-day hikers can resupply daily rather than carrying extended water reserves.
| Distance | 240km (full trail); day sections 15–25km |
|---|---|
| Duration | 12–15 days (full trail); day hikes 4–7 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Best season | April to October |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Ruhr Valley from Winterberg to Duisburg
Highlights
- Ruhr River landscapes
- Ruhr reservoirs (Baldeneysee, Möhnesee)
- Industrial heritage sites
- Sauerland Highland forests
- Transition from rural to urban Ruhr
Tips for visiting
- Break the 240km route into stages of 15-25km, using towns like Arnsberg and Fröndenberg for overnight stops
- The upper Sauerland sections near Winterberg require sturdier footwear than the paved lower Ruhr stretches
- Combine walking with regional trains, which run alongside much of the valley for flexible day trips
- Visit the Baldeneysee reservoir near Essen for a scenic and easy lower-route section
- Industrial heritage sites near Duisburg are worth extra time; consider extending the final stage
When to visit
Spring and early autumn offer mild temperatures for the full route; the reservoir sections are especially pleasant on weekday mornings outside peak summer crowds.
Accessibility
Lower sections near Essen and Duisburg use paved riverside paths that are largely wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, while upper Sauerland forest stretches are unpaved and not accessible.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the full Ruhrtalweg take?
Most hikers complete the 240km route in 12-15 days at a pace of roughly 15-20km per day.
Does the trail pass through urban areas?
Yes, the lower sections near Essen and Duisburg pass through reclaimed industrial and urban riverside landscapes, contrasting with the rural Sauerland source region.
Can the trail be walked in short sections using public transport?
Yes, regional trains run parallel to much of the valley, making it easy to walk individual day stages without completing the full route.
What are the Möhnesee and Baldeneysee reservoirs known for?
Both are popular Ruhr Valley reservoirs offering scenic lakeside walking sections and recreational facilities along the trail.