The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)
20.9miLength
2,080ftElevation gain
Loop
Varied bike tour near Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia
This route expands the leisurely railway track cycle path "Der Rheinische Esel", which runs between Dortmund-Löttringhausen and Bochum-Langendreer, into a great loop tour. In addition to idyllic bodies of water and some quiet forest passages, impressive testimonies to industrial culture in the Ruhr area await everywhere along the way. There are places to stay and eat. Accessible by bus and train (e.g., from Witten central station). Attention: On this route, the Ruhr is crossed with the Ruhr valley ferry Hardenstein, which is only in operation from March to October and relies on voluntarily paid ferry fees.
Highlights of the tour:
- Cycle path on a former railway line
- Detour to the Wiendahlsbank colliery (optional)
- Planet path near Wittingen
- Heap of the Hamburg colliery
- Lake Umming
- Dorneywald
- Path along the Ruhr
- Detour to the ruins of Hardenstein Castle (optional)
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Stranddeck
Beach
Ölbachtal
Valley
Lake of Kemnade
Reservoir
Ruhrtal
Valley
Hindenburgkopf
Attraction
ehemaliges Zwangsarbeitslager Nachtigallstraße
Ruins
Johanniskirche
Building
Halde Hamburg
Peak
Mühlengraben
Canal
Oelbach Mündungsteich
Reservoir
House Witten
Castle
Witten Town Hall
Building
Oelbach
River
Naturgarten Naturschutzgruppe Witten
Garden
Dreibaum
Attraction
Verwaltungsgebäude
Building
Schattbachtal
Valley
Ruhraak
Attraction
Grundriss Ümminger Kirche
Attraction
Top sights
Stranddeck
Beach
Ölbachtal
Valley
Lake of Kemnade
Reservoir
Ruhrtal
Valley
Hindenburgkopf
Attraction
ehemaliges Zwangsarbeitslager Nachtigallstraße
Ruins
Johanniskirche
Building
Halde Hamburg
Peak
Mühlengraben
Canal
Oelbach Mündungsteich
Reservoir
House Witten
Castle
Witten Town Hall
Building
Oelbach
River
Naturgarten Naturschutzgruppe Witten
Garden
Dreibaum
Attraction
Verwaltungsgebäude
Building
Schattbachtal
Valley
Ruhraak
Attraction
Grundriss Ümminger Kirche
Attraction
Popular times
When is the trail busiest?
Beat the crowds with weekly and monthly trail activity data from our community
Adventure starts in the app
Offline maps, navigation, and conditions — all in one place
Top trails nearby
Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Explore this 20.9-mile loop trail near Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia. Generally considered an easy route. This is a popular trail for camping and bike touring, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. The best times to visit this trail are March through October.
What are some tips to share about The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)?
On this route, the Ruhr is crossed with the Ruhr valley ferry Hardenstein, which is only in operation from March to October and relies on voluntarily paid ferry fees.
What is the expected weather this week for The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)?
Expected weather for The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) for the next 5 days is:
- Thu, September 24 - 68 degrees/clear
- Fri, September 25 - 75 degrees/clear
- Sat, September 26 - 71 degrees/clear
- Sun, September 27 - 82 degrees/clear
- Mon, September 28 - 85 degrees/clear
Where is The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) located?
The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) is a trail located in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Are dogs allowed on The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)?
Dogs may be allowed on The Rhenish Donkey (Loop). Be sure to check regulations before heading out.
When is the best time of year to hike The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)?
March to October is the most popular time of year to visit The Rhenish Donkey (Loop).
How busy is The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)?
According to trailgoers, The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) is usually somewhat busy. March to October is the most popular time of year to visit The Rhenish Donkey (Loop).
Are there beaches at The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)?
Yes, The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) is near Stranddeck.
Are there rivers at The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)?
Yes, The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) is near Oelbach.
Is camping allowed at The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)?
Camping is allowed on The Rhenish Donkey (Loop). Camping accommodations vary, and can include campsites, dispersed camping, huts, or in-town accommodations. You should always double check if a permit is required.
Is The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) is partially paved.
Are there forests at The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)?
Yes, The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) is a forest trail.
Are there wildflowers at The Rhenish Donkey (Loop)?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on The Rhenish Donkey (Loop), though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) a rail trail?
Yes, The Rhenish Donkey (Loop) is a rail trail in Bochum, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany.
Last updated on September 22, 2026 at 3:42 am GMT+0