Cycling Along the Rhine in Düsseldorf

Düsseldorf is a genuinely relaxing city to see by bike. The Rhine is the natural spine of the city, and flat, well-built paths follow it from one end of town to the other. From the bustle of the Altstadt (the Old Town) across the wide Oberkassel Rhine meadows to the green parks in the north, there is a route for every fitness level. Spring and summer are the ideal seasons, when the meadows are green and the promenades come alive.

Key takeaways

• The Rheinradweg (the Rhine cycle route) runs along both banks and is mostly flat and family-friendly.
• Heading north from the Old Town takes you to the historic Kaiserpfalz in Kaiserswerth.
• Heading south along the river gets you comfortably to baroque Schloss Benrath (Benrath Palace).
• The Oberkassel Rhine meadows and the Nordpark are favorite destinations for easy rides.
• Rental bikes and rental stations make it simple to set off on the spur of the moment.

The Rheinradweg through Düsseldorf

The long-distance Rheinradweg follows the river along both banks and crosses Düsseldorf on almost perfectly level ground. On the right bank it runs directly along the Rheinuferpromenade (the Rhine riverside promenade), past Burgplatz (Castle Square) and the MedienHafen (the Media Harbour). To switch banks, use the Oberkasseler Brücke or the Theodor-Heuss-Brücke. Signposting is continuous, so navigation is straightforward, and there are plenty of rest spots along the way.

From the Old Town to Kaiserswerth

One of the finest rides runs north from the Old Town to Kaiserswerth. The route is about 11 kilometers, roughly 7 miles, and follows the riverbank almost the entire way, which makes it well suited to families. Waiting at the far end is the ruin of the Kaiserpfalz Barbarossa, the imperial palace of Emperor Frederick Barbarossa, whose massive walls stand right at the water's edge. The historic village center with its baroque houses and comfortable cafes makes a rewarding turnaround point, and a solid piece of city history on the Rhine.

South to Benrath Palace

In the other direction, ride south to Schloss Benrath (Benrath Palace). Following the Rhine and cutting through quiet residential districts brings you to the pink 18th-century pleasure palace with its extensive park. The grounds count among the most beautiful garden monuments on the Lower Rhine and are easy to reach on an unhurried ride out of the city center. The travel planner has tips on putting a route together.

The Oberkassel Rhine meadows

On the left bank the Oberkassel Rhine meadows stretch out, wide open green space with what is probably the most famous view of the Old Town skyline. The riverside path is flat and popular with cyclists, walkers and runners alike. In spring the meadows host the huge Rheinkirmes, a traveling funfair with rides, beer tents and food stalls; the rest of the year they are a quiet local recreation area directly across the water from the city. More green destinations are collected in the Parks & Nature category.

Through the Nordpark

In the north of the city, the Nordpark with its famous Japanischer Garten (Japanese Garden) is worth the detour. The immaculately kept grounds combine easily with the Rhine route toward Kaiserswerth and offer shaded paths, water features and quiet corners to catch your breath. The garden was a gift from Düsseldorf's Japanese community to the city, and it makes an atmospheric stop before you head back to the river.

Rental bikes and bike shops

If you did not bring your own bike, Düsseldorf has a dense network of rentals. Bikes are available at many hubs, including around the Hauptbahnhof (the main railway station), the Old Town and the MedienHafen, and can be booked through an app. Alongside those there are traditional rental shops offering touring bikes, e-bikes and cargo bikes. For longer rides along the Rhine it is worth reserving in advance, especially on sunny weekends in high season.

Conclusion

Düsseldorf is a notably bike-friendly city on the Rhine. The largely level Rheinradweg links the Old Town with Kaiserswerth in the north and Benrath Palace in the south, while the Oberkassel meadows and the Nordpark add variety along the way. Whether it is a relaxed family loop or a full-day ride, on a rental bike or your own, the city on the water is best seen from the saddle. For the rest of your trip planning, the travel planner takes it from here.

Discover more on düsseldorf-interaktiv

• Rheinuferpromenade - the central axis of the Rhine cycle route through the city
• Kaiserswerth - the baroque district that turns the northern route around
• Benrath Palace - the pleasure palace at the southern end of the ride
• Nordpark & Japanese Garden - a green break on the Rhine route
• Parks & Nature - every green destination for rides out of town

Frequently asked questions

Is the Rhine cycle path in Düsseldorf flat?
Yes. The route along the river is almost entirely level, which makes it a good choice for families.

How far is it from the Old Town to Kaiserswerth?
The ride is about 11 kilometers, roughly 7 miles, and runs along the riverbank nearly the whole way.

Can you ride all the way to Benrath Palace?
Yes. Heading south along the Rhine and through quiet residential districts gets you comfortably to Benrath Palace.

Are there rental bikes in Düsseldorf?
Yes. App-bookable rental bikes are available at many central points, and there are also traditional rental shops.

What is the best season for riding?
Spring and summer are ideal, when the Rhine meadows are green and the promenades come alive.