The R9 cycle route through the state of Hesse in Germany may be small, but it packs a punch. At just under 100 kilometres (62 miles), it may be the shortest of the nine long-distance cycle routes through this green state but it has it all – culture, scenery, and just the right amount of physical challenge.

Your journey begins in one of the oldest cities in Germany, Worms. Nestled in the Rhine Valley, this city of the legendary Nibelungs clan has many stories to tell. It’s worth arriving the evening before you set off to explore the city. You can divide the long-distance cycle path into a ‘Stage festival play for three days and an eve’, paying homage to the German operatic composer Richard Wagner’s epic musical drama ‘Der Ring des Nibelungen’ (The Ring of the Nibelung).

The trail takes you deep into the Odenwald (Forest of Odes) and high up into the low mountains, which contrast to the flat landscapes of the plain of the River Rhein. As you climb into the mountains on paved paths, you can enjoy views that stretch far into the distance. The cycle path ends shortly after Hainstadt before you reach the River Main and the Bavarian state border. I’ve included the section to the River Main near the town of Obernburg in this Collection. After all, the route’s motto is ‘from the Rhine to the Main’.

To give you enough time to enjoy the endless culture and wonderful scenery, I’ve divided the route into three stages. If you want to cycle faster or challenge yourself, you can of course cycle the route in a day or two. The route is also linked to various other cycle paths which are a great way to lengthen your Tour. You can find details about these as well as train arrivals and departures in the stage descriptions.

Each stage ends in a town or city with ample places to stay, but it still makes sense to plan and book your accommodation in advance. This way, you can be sure your trip will run hiccup-free and truly relax in the evenings. On your rides, you can fill up on delicious Hessian cuisine, served in rural settings, to keep your strength up. Don’t forget to try the traditional ‘Äppelwoi’ apple wine, too.

With well-developed paths that are easy to access, the R9 is suitable for almost any kind of cycling adventure, whether you go on a weekend trip with the whole family, take your racing bike out for the day, or want to explore the Odenwald on your MTB. The R9 is a wonderful journey between the Rhine and the Main.