Green slopes hug the shores of a rippling river and farm animals graze along the bike path – the landscapes along the Sieg River enchant with idyllic charm.

The Sieg rises in the Rothaargebirge Nature Park, Germany’s second largest nature park, before meandering through lush floodplains and flowing past traces of the Sieg Valley’s rich industrial heritage. As you ride from the river’s mouth to its source, you pass picturesque communities, plenty of bath spots along the river, quaint cafes, and beer gardens that will tempt you to take a break.

The Sieg Cycle Route starts on the banks of the Rhine in Mondorf, north of Bonn, where the Sieg flows into the Rhine. The route then runs for a total of 140 kilometers (87 miles) through Windeck municipality and the university town of Siegen, climbing 600 metres (1,968 feet) to the river’s source.

In this Collection, I have divided the total distance for you into three stages. The second stage hasn’t been developed for bikes yet and is currently only partly rideable as it leads directly along the state highway. Officials from the Sieg Natureregion recommend taking the train between Au/Sieg and Mudersbach-Niederschelderhütte (as of March 2021). In addition, you find a circular route around Siegburg in this Collection, which, at a good 28 kilometers (17 miles) long, is ideal for a family-friendly day trip.

The towns along the route are easy to reach by regional train. From Bonn, Cologne or Siegen, you can easily take your bike on the train and cycle directly into the green plains of the Sieg Valley at the starting point of your choice.

In the stage destinations of Windeck and Siegen, you can find accommodation if you want to make a short bike trip. Ambitious cyclists can even complete the Tour in one day. Along the way, however, there are numerous destinations that will tempt you to stay longer and experience the banks of the Sieg with all your senses.