Switzerland
From the source of the River Rhine to Lake Constance.
"Bonn - on the trail of Beethoven and the Rhine"
EuroVelo 15: From the source of the Rhine to its mouth in the North Sea
Suitable for cyclists of all fitness levels and abilities, the Rhine Cycle Route runs along one of the longest rivers in Europe. From the Swiss Alps to the North Sea, the Rhine has fostered a cultural and economic dialogue between the Alpine arc and Northern Europe for over 2000 years. Explore the beauty of this river landscape and the picturesque towns and villages lining its banks, a number of which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Go for a stroll or a bike ride along the cycling route following the course of the Rhine. Welcome to the Eurovelo 15 website - the Rhine Cycle Route
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1233km in
length -
9Unesco World
Heritage sites -
4 european
countries -
Easy rides for
the family
- Europe
- The Rhine
- Art along the Rhine
- Cultural heritage
- Natural heritage
- Culinary delights along the Rhine
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Strasbourg : the capital of Europe
A symbol of French-German reconciliation and European unity, Strasbourg is considered to be the capital of Europe due to the presence of several European Union and other institutions in the city. With it being the home in particular of the European Parliament, the European Council and the European Court of Human Rights, Strasbourg is one of the rare cities, together with New York and Geneva, to house international institutions without it actually being the capital of a state itself.
Lörrach, Germany: THREE COUNTRIES MUSEUM
The award-winning building in Lörrach is home to the only Three Countries Museum in Europe. On show in the permanent exhibition is life past and present in the Upper Rhine where Germany, Switzerland and France meet. "Get involved" stations, audio stations and media terminals turn the tour of the interactive exhibition into an experience to remember.
The Rhine Falls
Only a few hundred metres downstream from Schaffhausen is one of Europe's most powerful and impressive waterfalls. 150 metres wide and 23 metres high water flows over the falls at an average of 750 m3 per second. The wild spectacle of the Rhine hurtling over the rocks attracts hundres of thousands of sightseers every year. Boat rides enable visitors to get even closer to the falls.
Fish ladder in Gambsheim
Weirs, locks and a fish ladder at Gambsheim. To meet shipping, agricultural and power generation requirements, weirs and hydraulic plants have been built on the River Rhine. These often create obstacles difficult for migrating fish to overcome on their way to their spawning ground. To enable them to reach the Rhine basin, Germany and France signed an agreement in 1997 to construct fish ladders at the hydro-electric plants in Iffezheim and Gambsheim. The Gambsheim fish ladder, opened in 2006, is the largest in Europe. An observation room enables visitors to watch the salmon, eels, trout and river herrings on their way upstream.
Passerelle des Deux Rives
In conjunction with the first cross-border garden show in 2004, Kehl and Strasbourg linked the French and German banks of the Rhine with a "passerelle" - a bridge for the sole use of pedestrians and cyclists. © Peter Heck
The port of Rotterdam
The second largest city in the Netherlands after Amsterdam, Rotterdam, is the industrial heart of the country. Located at the mouth of the Rhine and the Meuse, its strategic position provides an economic outlet for western Germany and makes the region one of the most dynamic in Europe. Its facilities stretch over 28 kilometres making it the fourth largest port in the world and the largest in Europe. Alongside Le Havre in France, Rotterdam's deep water "Europoort" is the only port in Europe capable of accommodating supertankers and their cargo of 400,000 tons of fuel. Refineries and petrochemical plants abound in the region.
Duisburg Inner Harbour
Where grain was once stored and milled, visitors will today find museums, restaurants and a marina - Mediterranean flair right in the centre of the city. The old harbour has been transformed into an ambitious urbanistically and architecturally attractive city quarter.
Lake Toma
Located at the foot of Piz Baduz at an altitude of 2345 metres, Lake Toma is considered to be the source of the River Rhine. A one-hour walk away from the Oberalp Pass in Graubünden, it is the only place where the river can be crossed in one stride. With a surface area of 2.5 hectares, it is also the start of a 1230 kilometre journey through four European countries to the North Sea.
Napoleon Museum of the Arenenberg Castle
Overlooking the lower part of Lake Constance, the Arenenberg castle was the main residence of the former Queen Hortense of Holland and her son, Prince Louis Napoleon, future Napoleon III, who spent his adolescence in this castle while studying at Augsburg, Bavaria. Beneath its appearance as a country manor, the Arenenberg castle does not give any clues as to the treasures hidden within. Visitors can discover a whole series of remarkable furniture and decoration in First Empire, Biedermeier and Second Empire styles, completed by an exceptional collection of artwork. It is the only museum devoted to the history of Napoleon in a Germany-speaking country.
Strasbourg: Tomi Ungerer Museum
Artist and illustrator of books for readers of all ages, including the children's book “The Three Robbers”, Tomi Ungerer, who was born in Strasbourg in 1931, is considered to be one of the greatest illustrators of the last 50 years. The 700 square meter museum – the first public museum in France devoted to an artist during his lifetime – has been established in the Greiner Villa and houses more than 11000 drawings donated by the artist to his home city.
Basel: Its museums
Basel's museums and galleries house several important international works of art. Each year more than one million visitors visit 36 exhibition. Compared to other similarly-sized cities, Basel has one of the highest densities of museums and galleries in the world. Art aficionados should not miss “Art Basel”, the largest annual modern art show in Europe. It is held every year in mid-June.
Bonn: The Museum Mile
Attracting over one million visitors every year, Bonn's Museum Mile is a must for all lovers of art and culture. The Museum of the History of the Federal Republic of Germany (Haus der Geschichte) presents the country's contemporary history by means of photographs, documents and original objects from recent German history. The Fine Art Museum (Kunstmuseum Bonn) exhibits Rhenish expressionist works and German art from the post-war period while the Art and Exhibition Hall of the Federal Republic of Germany (Kunst- und Ausstellungshalle der Bundesrepublik Deutschland) plays host to travelling exhibitions designed to show national and international cultural trends with the inclusion of science and technology. The Alexander Koenig Museum is one of the top zoological museums in Germany. Finally, the Bonn German Museum presents the milestones of scientific discovery over the past 50 years. It boasts around 100 original items, from the magnetic rail ‘Transrapid' train to the Nobel Prize winning ion trap.
Rolandseck: Arp Museum
Rolandseck railway station has always been more than just a station. Right from its inauguration in 1858, it has always been a focal point for artists and intellectuals. Since September 2007, it has formed a part of a new museum on the Rhine - the "Arp-Museum Bahnhof Rolandseck". Built on the banks of the river in the town of Remagen, the museum of contemporary art has four floors of exhibition space devoted to the Alsatian painter and sculptor Hans Arp and his wife Sophie Taeuber-Arp, who were involved in the rise of the Dada and surrealist movements in the early 20th century. Paintings from the Middle Ages right up to the modern day are also on display.
Mainz: Gutenberg Museum
The reconstruction of the old workshop of the inventor of the printing press including a press that visitors can operate and a copy of the Gutenburg Bible - the first book to be printed in Europe using movable type - are just two of the main attractions in the Gutenburg Museum in Mainz. On display are four millennia of written history and culture and the most important prints from the 14th century right up to the present day.
Insel Museum Hombroich and the Langen Foundation
Located a few miles south of Neuss, the Museum Insel Hombroich opened in the heart of an old park on the island of Hombroich in 1987. The museum embodies and enacts a famous quote made by Cézanne: "Art is a harmony parallel with nature". The exhibition building and the artist's studio blend naturally into the vast landscape. Winding paths are punctuated by works of sculptural architecture. The island hosts a wide diversity of events involving philosophers, poets, musicians and artists. Designed by the Japanese architect Tadao Ando, a new exhibition hall combining lightness and transparency was constructed on a former missile launch site a stone's throw from Hombroich in 2004. The Langen Foundation displays works from the Langen collection that includes almost 500 Japanese artworks and 300 modern pieces.
Chur: Graubünden Museum of Fine Arts
Housed in Villa Planta, which was built in 1874-75 by the architect Johannes Ludwig, the Museum of Fine Arts in Chur is home to works of art predominantly by Swiss or Graubünden artists and sculptors from the 18th century to the present day. On display are works by, amongst others, Alberto Giacometti, Giovanni Segantini and Ernst Ludwig Kirchner.
Weil am Rhein: Vitra Design Museum
The Vitra Design Museum is one of the biggest design museums in the world. The American architect Frank Gehry, known, in particular, for designing the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles, has created an architectural masterpiece made up of towers, ramps and cubes. Permanent exhibitions showing the historical and contemporary developments in the world of design provide visitors with the opportunity of discovering the diversity and importance of design.
Munot Fortress, Schaffhouse
Overlooking the town of Schaffhausen, the Munot fortress, built in the 16th century by the citizens of the town during feudal chores, is one of the emblems of the medieval town. At the top of the tower, there is a magnificent view over the old town and the river area of the Rhine. An exceptional moment: the Munot guard, a role that has been held continuously since 1589, rings the bells every evening at 9:00 p.m.
Historic town centre of Kalkar and fast breeder reactor
It is worth taking a detour to visit the Church of St. Nicholas in the centre of Kalkar. It has the Passion Altar, by Master Arnt - the most influential artist of the latter part of the 15th century. But Kalkar is also famous for its fast breeder reactor - the largest industrial project in Germany yet to be completed. A nuclear project begun in 1972, the plant had a very short service life, as it closed its doors in 191, following its late launch in 1986. The operation was deemed to costly. In 1995, the complex was transformed into a leisure park, with a conference centre, hotels and restaurants.
Reichenau
The island of Reichenau, the biggest of the three islands of the Lake of Constance, is listed as a world heritage by the UNESCO since 2000 and demonstrates the religious and cultural importance of the big Benedictine monastery during the Middle-Age. To reach the island you will go over a dike with a magnificent Pappel avenue (Deutsche Alleenstraße). Good examples of the monasterial architecture are the three roman churches of the island: the cathedral of St. Maria and Markus with a treasure chamber, St. Georg with Ottonian mural paintings and St. Peter and Paul. © Tourist-Information Reichenau, photographer Achim Mende
Büsingen
Büsingen is a German village in Switzerland (next to Schaffhausen). Politically Büsingen is German, but economically speaking, the Swiss law is applicable. The village is a so-called exclave, which, from Germany, can only be accessed through the border with Switzerland. Because of the different legsilations German/Swiss, problems arise for the inhabitants on a daily basis, which they try to solve patiently, but obstinately.
River navigation museum in Offendorf
An exhibition held on a Freycinet-type of barge rescued from scrapping, restored and renamed “CABRO”, retraces the evolution of river navigation in Alsace and in particular in Offendorf, the largest village of boatmen in the East of France in the 20th century.
Rees, historic town centre
The oldest town in the Lower Rhine still holds some of the attractions of its powerful past in its historic town centre. The 700 year-old ramparts, with watchtowers and an underground fortress can be visited by the public.
Stein-am-Rhein
Stein-am-Rhein, known for its old town dating from the Middle Ages with its wonderful half-timbered houses and painted facades, is located at the point where Lake Constance narrows to become the River Rhine again. As it leaves the lower lake, the river heads towards the West and runs through the valleys of the countryside towards Basel.
Rheinau on the Rhine
Considered as one of the major sacred buildings in Switzerland, the monastery island of Rheinau, placed in a bend in the river downstream from Schaffhausen, houses a magnificent Benedictine abbey. The monastery in late gothic-baroque style, formerly the collegiate church of St Mary, is a wonderful illustration of high Baroque style in Switzerland.
Steckborn
Mirrored in the water lies the silhouette of the lively Swiss town of Steckborn, with its landmark Turmhof. Especially worth seeing are the protected historic timbered houses, that form the town center from the Middle-Age. The Turmhof from the 14th century is home to a homeland-museum, which present the culture and history of the Untersee region. © Tourismus Untersee, photographer Theo Keller
Airborne Museum, Oosterbeek
Arnhem Airborne Museum retraces the "Market Garden" military operation, launched by the allied forces during the Second World War. On 17 September 1944, thousands of British parachutists were released above the town of Ede. Their aim was to secure the bridges spanning the Dutch rivers in order to cross the German defensive lines and reach the economic heart of the Third Reich - the Ruhr. But the operation ended in failure. The allied forces never reached Arnhem bridge.
Town of Rhenen
Famous for its Gothic Cunera Church, constructed in the 15th century, the town of Rhenen has built up on the banks of the Lek - one of the many branches of the Rhine, downstream of Arnhem.
Wiesbaden: Biebrich Palace
Built on the banks of the Rhine, this beautiful Baroque building, with its mullion windows and its circular rotunda holding court over the central wing, was constructed between 1700 and 1750 as a residency for the Princes of Nassau. Used nowadays for representation purposes by the state of Hesse, it also houses several government authorities. Outside, lovely walks can be enjoyed under 100-year old trees in the huge park.
Waldshut-Tiengen.
Twin towns in the south of the State of Baden-Württemberg, at the foot of the Black Forest, these lies close to the Swiss border. Don't miss Tiengen's castle and its famous "Storchenturm" (Stork Tower), which has become the symbol of the city. Take a stroll down the historic alleyways of Waldshut town centre.
Kaiserstuhl
On the border between the district of Zurich and Germany, the small town of Kaiserstuhl has maintained its yesteryear charm: it has barely spread beyond its medieval boundaries. Kaiserstuhl is the departure point for several walks, and it is possible to reach Eglisau, upstream, after a two-hour walk along the River Rhine.
Eglisau
On the North bank of the River Rhine, near the German border, Eglisau is nestled in steep vineyards that go right down to the river. The town is known for its medieval centre and its gothic houses, most of which date back to the 17th century, and its famous wine cellars. A local museum, set up in the Baroque “Weierbachhus” building, dating back to 1670, displays information on the history of shipping, salmon fishing, salt trade and local industry. Orangina, now known throughout the world, was launched in 1935 from the former Eglisau mineral springs.
Rotterdam: Euromast & Spacetower
With its head in the clouds the 185 metres Euromast is the highest tower open to the public in the Netherlands. Its 360 degree panorama awaits visitors at the top, along with many other attractions, some of which are reserved for those with the strongest stomachs - bungee jumping and a 100 km/h zip slide. For the less adventurous or those of us that like a little less excitement the tower has a panoramic restaurant 96 metres up in the air.
Xanten Archaeological Park.
Created by the Romans in the 1st century AD, the Colonia Ulpia Traiana was situated on the banks of the Rhine and was geared towards trade. Since 1975, the largest open-air archaeological park in Germany, at Xanten, has been dedicated to revisiting the past by reconstructing certain buildings, such as the amphitheatre, the temple located near the port, a number of colonnades - giving an impression of daily life 2000 years ago. A great many cultural and historical events are also organised at this ancient Roman site.
Basel
Basel is where the River Rhine joins Germany, France and Switzerland thus creating the cultural centre of the “three countries corner”. The people of Basel feel very attached to the River Rhine: the district's anthem is titled “Z Basel am mym Rhy” (“Basel on the Rhine”). It is the last port on the River Rhine that can be accessed by barges.
Bad Säckingen: The Old Wooden Bridge
In the spa town of Bad-Säckingen, in the Upper Rhine, is the longest covered wooden bridge in Europe. It crosses the river over to the Swiss town of Stein. Another point of interest is St. Fridolin Cathedral in the centre of town. It is a monumental religious building whose treasure room exhibits relics, religious objects and Christian art from the convent in Säckingen which closed in 1806.
Glassmaking in Leerdam
Located on the river Linge, surrounded by fertile alluvial plains, the town of Leerdam has been at the centre of the Dutch glassmaking industry since the 18th century. The first glass blowers came from Germany and laid the foundations for the industry that is nowadays known throughout the world under the name of Royal Leerdam.
Archaeological site Augusta Raurica
Archaeological site located 10 kilometres to the East of Basel, the town of Augusta Raurica was founded at the dawn of the Christian era, in 5 BC. The oldest Roman town in the upper Rhine valley, it has more than 20 restored buildings, including the best-preserved ancient theatre in the north of the Alps and several Roman houses with restored interiors. www.augustaraurica.ch
The "Path of Democracy" in Bonn.
A two-hour walk around the old government district, the "Path of Democracy" is a tour leading one to important sites where Germany's democracy was shaped. Bonn was the capital of the Federal Republic of Germany between 1949 and 1990.
Beethoven's house, Bonn.
Beethoven's house, at 20 Bonngasse street, is one of the best known monuments in Bonn. It hosts the largest selection of Beethoven archives, and became an institute for scientific research in 1927, on the hundredth anniversary of the death of the famous composer of the "Ninth Symphony", born in December 1770 in this three-storey house. These archives are a central repository of documents on the life of Beethoven, his work and his intellectual circle.
Troisdorf Fishing Museum.
Since the Middle Ages, the ancestors of modern-day fishermen fished with nets, baskets and lines. Since 1987, the extraordinary history of the fishermen's work has been presented at a new Fishing Museum in Troisdorf.
The Heisterbach Monastery
Now lying in ruins, the Heisterbach Monastery was formerly part of a Cistercian Abbey built in 1189 along the chain of Seven Mountains, near Bonn. After the monastery was abandoned in 1803 following the victory of Napoleon, the church was left empty and sold off for construction materials. There now only remain the imposing remnants of the choir of the old church.
Cathedral of St. Peter of Worms
Alongside the cathedrals of Mainz and Speyer, the Cathedral of St. Peter of Worms is one of the most remarkable Romanesque churches in the Rhine Valley. A must-see is the Gothic south portal, which was added in the 14th century.
Nibelungen Museum in Worms
Opened in Autumn 2001, the Nibelungen Museum is located in Worms, a small town on the Rhine, in Germany. Focussing solely on the legend of the Nibelungen, the Nibelungmuseum of Worms is a wholly virtual museum, with no collections and only using virtual objects for its presentations. According to the song of the Nibelungen, a vast treasure lies under the town of Worms: a Golden Ring - the inexhaustible source of precious metal, love and joy for whoever holds it. This 12th century German legend was immortalised by Richard Wagner in his dramatic tetralogy: Das Rheingold, Die Walküre, Siegfried and the Götterdämmerung, also known as the Ring Cycle.
Würth Museum - Erstein
Built in Erstein by the company Würth, the museum houses some of the 10,000 works from the personal collection of Reinhold Würth. In a fantastic space covering 800 m², you can admire masterpieces of German expressionism and surrealism, significant sets of geometric abstraction and neo-figurative paintings of the 1980s. Famous artists include: Edvard Munch, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, Emil Nolde, Max Beckmann, Pablo Picasso and Max Ernst. Exhibitions are regularly accompanied by guided tours, lectures, concerts and meetings with the artists.
Town of Dordrecht
The oldest town in Holland, Dordrecht enjoyed an important role in trade until the night of 18-19 November 1421 - St. Elizabeth's Night - when a violent storm blew in from the North Sea, destroying the coastal sea walls. A huge flood then overcame Dordrecht, drowning up to 100,000 people. The land submerged by that event is still mostly underwater. For Dordrecht, this climate disaster meant the end of its commercial hegemony over the country. New sailing routes opened by the flood were taken. The town of Dordrecht still recalls this episode in its history, with the Flood of St. Elizabeth depicted in the cathedral's windows!
Loevestein Castle
Occupying a strategic position at the confluence of the Meuse and the Waal, the medieval castle of Loevestein was built in 1368, near the town of Gorinchem, in order to receive taxes from river-going vessels. It was also used as a State prison, and has now been converted into a medieval museum.
Constance
Constance (Konstanz - Germany). At the far southern end of Baden-Württemberg, Constance is a town whose historic centre is located on the south bank of the lake of the same name. With a population of around 80,000 inhabitants, Constance is famed for its idyllic setting, its pedestrian streets and its council, which met in the town in 1414 to bring an end to the Great Western Schism. Three popes headed the Catholic Church at the time, and order had to be restored. Martin V was ultimately elected Pope by the Council. Picture : Konstanz_Münster_von_oben Fotograf_Achim Mende Nachweis TI Konstanz
Eltville
Built on the right bank of the Rhine about 16 kilometres downstream of Mainz, Eltville is a small town famous for its vineyeards, sparkling wine and its castle whose five-pointed bell tower dominates the surrounding countryside.
Notre Dame of Neunkirch - Places of pilgrimage
The oldest written mention of Neunkirch is from the 13th century. Its location, far away from busy main roads, makes this site a haven of peace, quiet and rejuvenation. It became a pilgrimage site after a statuette of the Virgin Mary was found here. Legend has it that the statuette was found by a shepherd and taken away nine times, but that the statuette always came back to its original location.
Europa Park in Rust
There is loads to discover at Germany’s largest amusement park: in an area of 94 hectares, adventurous visitors can look forward not only to more than 100 attractions and international show programmes, but also to 13 European themed areas with architecture, vegetation and gastronomy typical of the respective countries – pure enjoyment in summer and winter alike!
Karlsruhe castle.
Founded on 17th June 1715 by the Margrave Charles-William of Baden-Durlach, in a forest where he rested after a hunting session, the Baroque castle of Karlsruhe was the very first building in the town. Karlsruhe, whose literal meaning is “Charles' rest-place”, has an urban architecture built in a star shape around the castle, from which 32 streets are spread out like a fan. In addition to the Landesmuseum, a universal museum set up in the castle, covering history, art and civilisation in one large cultural historical exhibition, Karlsruhe is also known for one of its inhabitants, Karl Drais, inventor in 1817 of the Velocipede, also known as the Draisine, the bicycle's forerunner.
The Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen
Internally renowned, especially for its temporary exhibitions such as "The Hohenstaufen Dynasty and Italy", "Alexander the Great and the opening of the world", "Pompei", "Mummies - the dream of eternal life" and "Skull Cult", as presented in association with other museums in Europe and other continents, the Reiss-Engelhorn-Museen (REM) hosts four exhibition houses to form a new museum quarter in the heart of Mannheim.
Marckolsheim: Maginot line Museum
Defence line built between the World Wars along the French-German border, the Maginot line stretched some 200 kilometres north to south through Alsace from Luxembourg to the Swiss border. Established in a casemate on the edge of Marckolsheim, the memorial recalls the terrible battles from 15 to 17 June 1940 when more than 80% of the town of Marckolsheim was destroyed. The fortification has been preserved as they were in 1940: gun positions, dormitory, headquarters, drinking-water source, etc. They are equipped with weapons of the time, such as anti-tank guns, machine guns, mortars, light machine guns...
Sargans Castle
The Sargans castle is visible from far and wide, and stands where the Rhine valley and the See valley meet, at the foot of the Gonzen mountain which peaks at an altitude of 1 380 metres. Built at the top of a hill, it provides a panoramic view overlooking the Sargans countryside. The Castle, rich in orientation and interest, also houses the Sargans regional historical museum: throughout the six levels of the tower, the history, trade and Gonzen mines, the methods of agricultural work and the Alpine industry of the Sargans region are revealed.
Linn Castle in Krefeld.
Built in the 12th century, the Linn stronghold has been converted into a museum of local folklore for the Düsseldorf region.
The Deutsches Eck of Koblenz.
A promontory overlooking the Moselle and the Rhine, in the city of Koblenz, the Deutsches Eck takes its name from the settlement of the Teutonic Knights at this point of confluence in 1216. A monument erected to the memory of Emperor Wilhelm I, paying homage to his work towards the unification of Germany, was unveiled in 1897, destroyed in 1945, replaced by a memorial to German Unity in 1953, and finally reconstructed in 1993. Standing 37 metres tall, this monument attracts over 2 million visitors each year, and became a UNESCO World Culture Heritage Site of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley in 2002.
Speyer Technology Museum
Where can you both visit a Boeing 747 and get inside a submarine? At the Speyer Technology Museum, which also boasts the largest space flight exhibition in Europe - "Apollo and Beyond" - where visitors can visit the Buran space shuttle. Fire engines, musical instruments, locomotives and motorbikes also feature in the museum, which also has an IMAX theatre to give visitors a tremendous experience.
Barbarossa's Castle, Düsseldorf
On the banks of the Rhine, a short distance away from the picturesque centre of Kaiserswerth, to the north of Düsseldorf, are the imposing ruins of the imperial palace of the legendary Emperor Frederick I Barbarossa, and was once one of the most important Rhineland castles. Emperor Barbarossa had extended the palace after transferring the Rhineland customs from the Netherlands to Kaiserswerth, as he needed a fortress overlooking the Rhine. Heavy blocks of trachyte were transported against the current by boat, from Drachenfels (Dragon's Rock) in the Siebengebirge range, to Kaiserswerth. Today, the imposing ruins still measure over 50 metres long, and some of its walls up to 4.5 metres thick! It shows a part of the imperial palace that once upon a time was much bigger.
Düsseldorf Old Town
Düsseldorf Old Town. Nicknamed "Little Paris", Düsseldorf is the German capital of fashion. It is also a great place to stop off on the EV15, especially for its historic city centre, which is bursting with international stalls and restaurants.
Benrath Castle and Park in Düsseldorf
A rococo-style villa, Benrath Castle was erected towards the end of the 18th century by the Elector Palatin Charles-Theodore. With its huge park and pond, it is both an important cultural monument, and also an oasis in the urban sprawl of Düsseldorf. Very well preserved, the castle hosts three museums and is surrounded by a magnificent park measuring several hundred thousand square metres.
Königsallee in Düsseldorf.
Nicknamed the "Kö" by its fans, the Königsallee is considered to be the most beautiful avenue in Düsseldorf. Stretching from one end to the other, the biggest international brands all converge on this street.
Düsseldorf Medienhafen
The redevelopment of the old port of Rheinhafen in Düsseldorf has breathed new architectural life into this old trading port. Classified as historic monuments, the warehouses have been renovated and a great many companies have moved in to this now "trendy" and very high-tech area. A showcase of modern architecture, some of the buildings were built by very famous architects such as Frank Gehry, Steven Holl and Claude Vasconi. If you stop off in Düsseldorf, don't miss this fantastic new quarter!
Indoor Skiing Centre, Neuss
Are you tired of all that pedalling? Then get on some skis! The first indoor ski centre opened its doors in Neuss in 2001. Powdery snow covers the 300 metres of the main piste 365 days a year. Younger or less seasoned skiers can start off on another 3000 square metre piste, or just take advantage of one of the local restaurants.
Zons medieval stronghold
A journey to medieval times can be made in the city of Zons. The stronghold has been fortified in the Middle Ages to collect the customs duty from all ships heading towards Cologne on the Rhine. Nowadays the city's historic district provides an impressive walk along the city wall - fortified with basalt rocks and dominated by its mighty towers.
Cologne Museums
Cologne as a "City of Museums" is among the most important and lively cultural centres in Germany. 36 museums are with their superb collections and fascinating exhibitions a magnet for art and culture lovers from all around the world. They offer a rich variety of exhibits from Antiquity to the present day and inform visitors about things as diverse as chocolate, modern art and the city's history.
Dyck Castle, Neuss
Dyck Castle in Jüchen is one of the most important castles in the Rhineland from an historical and cultural point of view. Surrounded by an historic countryside park with an invaluable collection of wooded plants, the imposing castle ringed by water has stood proud for over 900 years. It was the seat of the former count and then Prince of Salm-Reifferscheidt-Dyck, and the residence of a small independent territory for several centuries. The continuity of the succession of owners and the faithful conservation work of the entire building emphasise the exceptional status held by Dyck.
Marksburg Castle - Braubach.
Surrounded by vineyards, the medieval city of Braubach is dominated by Marksburg Castle, built in the 13th century on the right bank of the Rhine. Perched at an elevation of over 160 metres, the castle towers over the winding alleyways of the Old Town. Marksburg is the only castle never to have been destroyed, and is one of the highlights of the Rhine Valley, listed by Unesco as a World Heritage Site.
Chur
Administrative, religious and historical capital of the Grisons district, Chur is considered as Switzerland's oldest town. Built from the 5th century under the name of “Curia Rhaetorum”, this medieval town, of which a large part of the town-centre has been pedestrianised, is an essential stopping-place for visitors travelling along the Rhine. The narrow streets, flowery fountains, lively little squares and the multitude of restaurants and shops encourage visitors to take a stroll. The town is also the departure point for the Rhaetian railway and its lines certified as World Heritage by UNESCO and its famous lines of the Bernina and Glacier Express.
Oestrich-Winkel Crane.
The Oestrich-Winkel crane is symbolic of the small town, located around ten miles upstream of Bingen, on winegrowing land on the right bank of the Rhine. Constructed in 1744, the crane was used to load an unload shipments of wine on cargo ships right up to 1926. The main customers for the wines produced in the Bingen region were in Cologne, Bremen and even Amsterdam. All the wine was transported by boat.
Versamer Tobel Bridge
The wild and eroded landscape of the Versam region, upstream from Bonaduz, is not at all easy to pass through. However, a mountain road, one of the most spectacular routes in the Swiss Alps, was built in the 1880s, with several tunnels, sharp bends, and retaining walls. The bridge spanning over the Versamer Tobel, a daring steel structure built in 1897, peaks at 70 metres above the Rabiusa, a tributary of the Rhine.
Ruinaulta, the Swiss Grand Canyon
The gorges of the Anterior Rhine between Ilanz and Reichenau, also known as Ruinaulta – “high heap of rubble” in Romansh – provide one of the most magnificent and varied landscapes of the Alps. Formed 10 000 years ago further to the landslide of millions of square metres of rocks, these white-faced and steep wild gorges can be reached on foot or by bicycle.
Haus Bürgel in Monheim am Rhein: Romans, Nature and Horses
Haus Bürgel, located near the city of Düsseldorf, is a former Roman fort converted into a Roman museum. 2000 years of history and an exceptional location in the nature reserve Urdenbacher. The Biological Station offers an extensive programme of excursions and events allowing children and adults to experience nature. Nowadays, Haus Bürgel is as well characterized by a horse ranch and Reuter’s cart horse breeding.
Historical Boat Mill in Ginsheim
In Ginsheim, boat mills had a long tradition. Up to 21 mills were operated on the river at the same time. The reconstruction of the last boat mill demonstrates how exhausting milling used to be, and also showcases how our ancestors, through the use of logic and simple means, arrived at astonishing solutions.
The Niederwalddenkmal of Rüdesheim - monument to the glory of Germany.
Opposite the town of Bingen-am-Rhein, the monumental statue of Germania, built above the village of Rüdesheim, dominates the Rhine and the upper vineyards, almost 50 metres high. This monument celebrates the foundation of the new German empire following the Franco-German war of 1870. In one hand is the emperor's crown, while the other hand holds the imperial sword.
Drosselgasse - a pedestrianised alley in Rudesheim.
Drosselgasse lies at the heart of the old town of Rudesheim. 144 metres in length, this narrow, paved street is for pedestrians only and is a major draw for visitors to this small Rhineland town in the tourist season. With its traditional restaurants, the wine flows to the sound of traditional music. This is a good place to sample local wines, including Rüdesheimer Riesling, in one of the many "Weinstubbe" - local wine bars.
Village/Monastery of Disentis
Founded by the monk Sigisbert in 720, the monastery village of Disentis has extended its name to the whole region of the Surselva. Around the monastery, 14 churches and chapels in various architectural styles illustrate the importance of religion in this region. The Glacier-Express train from St. Moritz to Zermatt stops at the station in Disentis.
Kaub: Pfalzgrafenstein Castle
Built on the small island of Falkenau sitting in the middle of the Rhine, Pfalzgrafenstein Castle is famous for its unique setting. Located opposite the fortified town of Kaub, the 14th century castle was used as a customs post. Never conquered or destroyed, it has survived wars, floods and the onslaught of icy weather. Accessible by boat, Pfalzgrafenstein is now a historical museum.
Weil am Rhein: Three- Countries Bridge
Weil am Rhein is located where Germany, France and Switzerland join. 238 metres long, the Three- Countries Bridge is the world's longest bridge solely for pedestrians and cyclists. It joins the towns of Huningue in France and Weil am Rhein in Germany. Switzerland is just a few hundred metres away on the Germans side.
Cologne Museums
Cologne as a "City of Museums" is among the most important and lively cultural centres in Germany. 36 museums are with their superb collections and fascinating exhibitions a magnet for art and culture lovers from all around the world. They offer a rich variety of exhibits from Antiquity to the present day and inform visitors about things as diverse as chocolate, modern art and the city's history.
“Favorite” Castle in Rastatt.
The baroque city and royal residence of Rastatt is situated between Karlsruhe and Baden-Baden. Modelled on the French Palace of Versailles, the residential palace was built by Margrave Ludwig Wilhelm and Margravine Sibylla Augusta of Baden-Baden. Schloss Favorite [Favorite Palace] in Rastatt-Förch is Germany’s oldest “porcelain palace”.
Mouse Tower, Bingen
Situated on an island in the Rhine, the Neo-Gothic Maüseturm Tower (literally translated as the "Mouse Tower") was built in the 13th century as a lookout for Ehrenfels Castle. Legend has it that the Archbishop of Mainz refused to help poor beggars during times of famine, even though he had plenty of grain reserves. He imprisoned the poor in a barn before setting it on fire and exclaiming: "Do you hear the noise of the mice squeaking? " But at the same time, thousands of rats ran out of the barn on fire and pursued the archbishop to the island opposite Bingen. The archbishop was eaten alive. Built on the same island, the Tower takes its name of "Mouse Tower" from this legend.
Emmerich-am-Rhein, a walk along the Rhine
A relaxing time is guaranteed for all at the Promenade on the Rhine at Emmerich-am-Rhein. This pedestrianised area running along the river is lined with cafés and sun loungers facing the many boats that go up and down the river. This location also boasts the longest suspended footbridge in Germany.
Radolfzell am Bodensee
From a little fishing and wine village, Radolfzell grew over the centuries to become the center of the Untersee region. The resort town, known supra-regionally for the Mettnau-cure, has a lot to offer to the visitors. No wonder, the city looks back at 1.200 years of history. Radolfzell as a place of pilgrimage can be discovered at the end of July, during the ‘Hausherrenfest’, where the city saints, the so called ‘Hausherren’, are being carried around the historic cathedral. Closely related to it as well is the famous Mooser water procession. © Tourismus- und Stadtmarketing Radolfzell, photographer Achim Mende
The Church of Saint Catherine of Oppenheim
Believed to be the most beautiful Gothic church between Strasbourg and Cologne, the Church of Saint Catherine of Oppenheim is of particular interest due its its location overlooking the old imperial city.
Kleve: Schwanenburg Castle
Sitting on a hilltop, Schwanenburg Castle dominates the silhouette of the town of Kleve. The view from the top of the Swan Tower looks out over the Netherlands which is a short distance to the west. Originally built in the 11th century, the castle currently houses a geological museum.
Schaffhausen
Visiting Schaffhausen is somewhat like taking a trip back in time. The old town, built more than 1000 years ago in a place where the boats were forced to cast anchor, hindered in their sail up the river by the Rhine falls, has more than 170 houses with oriel windows and facades painted in rich colours.
Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue nature reserve in Riedstadt.
Covering an area of 24 square kilometres, Kühkopf-Knoblochsaue is the largest nature reserve in the State of Hesse. It is home to exceptional flora and fauna, including bush willow, reed beds and Kühkopf island, surrounded by an ancient branch of the Rhine. This nature reserve gives us a good idea of what the Rhine area looked like before its banks were developed by Man.
Nature reserve of the Offendorf forest
Located on a former Rhine gravel bank, the nature reserve protects 60 hectares of alluvial forest. The whole of the natural site, deprived since 1977 of the Rhine's floods and their contributions in nutritious sediment, is flooded, at the start of the summer, by the rising of the water table during the period of the Rhine's high waters. Gigantic trees, mysterious reed beds and a large variety of water birds make up the attractions of this Alsace jungle.
The North Sea and the dunes
Awaiting cyclists at the end of the EuroVelo 15 route is the little seaside resort of Hoek van Holland - today a part of Rotterdam. The long beaches are perfect for a gentle walk and the dunes are awaiting discovery. Here again are unique plants deserving protection that visitors should take care not to trample on. Now it really is time to rest one's legs and relax.
The Kromme Rijn, or Crooked Rhine
The secondary branch of the Rhine is 17 miles long. Known as the Kromme Rijn, or Crooked Rhine, it was an important waterway until the construction of a dam in 1122 during the Middle Ages. Still flowing gently, the Kromme Rijn has maintained a pleasant landscape, with castles and private estates built alongside the river. Eurovélo 15 crosses the Kromme Rijn at the town of Wijk bij Duurstede.
Gelderse Poort
Located between the towns of Arnhem, Nijmegen and Emmerich am Rhein, Gelderse Poort is a nature reserve that is considered to be one of the 20 most beautiful countryside areas in the Netherlands. It is the starting point for the vast Rhine Delta.
Königswinter: Dragon's Hill
Full of legend, the hill in the Siebengebirge range has become a major tourist attraction due to its spectacular position above the Rhine and the ruins of the old Drachenfels Castle. To get to the top of the hill, one has to pass Schloss Drachenburg, a picturesque castle dating back to the 19th century. Once at the top, visiotrs have a marvellous view of the Rhineland.
The horticultural region of Betuwe
Between the two main Rhine Delta rivers, the Waal to the south and Nederrijn to the north, is the horticultural region of Betuwe. It is above all known for its pear and cherry tree orchards. The delta's rich alluvial deposits make the area ideal for horticulture.
River Linge
108 kilometres in length, it is the longest river flowing solely in the Netherlands. Flowing from east to west, it runs through the Betuwe region from Doorenburg to Gorinchem. Motorized boats are not allowed on the Linge unless the "Watershap Rivierenland" (the Dutch waterways authority) issues a permit for the stretch between Geldermalsen and the Kanal van Steenenhoek.
Lampertheim Nature Reserve
The Lampertheimer Nature Reserve is one of the most important wildlife conservation areas in the northern part of the Upper Rhine. A dominant feature of the 525-hectare area, which includes the Biedensand peninsular and the shallow Lake Welsch Loch, is the natural flood dynamics of the Rhine.
Biesbosch National Park
Biesbosch Natural Park lies in a brackwater zone in which freshwater and saltwater mix. Lying in the estuary of the Rhine and Maas in the North Sea, Biesbosch provides the ideal habitat for numerous kinds of animals and plants. Normal long ago for the western part of the Netherlands, large areas of reeds, meadows, islands full of willow trees and marshy woodland are still to be found in the national park. All the various forms of vegetation have been protected in Biesbosch, one of the biggest national parks in the Netherlands, since 1994.
Ile de Rhinau Nature Reserve
The Ile de Nature Reserve is one of the most impressive riverside woodland areas in the whole of Alsace. It is home to a wide diversity of species living on the materials deposited by the river's high waters. As a result of being directly linked to the Rhine, the woodland areas are regularly flooded throughout the year thus maintaining their alluvial character. A multitude of characteristic plant and animal species that are perfectly adapted to the environment all live close together here under widely differing conditions.
Vineyards in the South-West of Germany.
The region of Baden is one of the biggest wine regions in the south of Germany. The vineyards and small wine villages reach from the moutains of the Black Forest to the Rhine. The region is divided in several parts. Amongst others, in the touristic destination of the Black Forest, the wine region of the Markgräferland, the Tuniberg, Kaiserstuhl, Breisgau and Ortenau, germany's southernmost Riesling producing region. In Breisach am Rhein, you will find the Badische Winzerkeller, one of the biggest wine cellars in Europe. More information under www.badische-weinstrasse.de
Rhäzuns
The alluvial areas between Rothenbrunnen and Reichenau constitute one of the Rhine's last natural river-side landscapes upstream from Lake Constance. One characteristic of the alluvial landscape is its constant transformation. Subject to the whims of floods and droughts, it evolves every year. Alluvial deposits are taken away or left, new islands and new meanders are formed, providing a wide variety of habitats for plants and animals.
Sauer Delta Nature Reserve
The Sauer Delta Conservation Centre is located 100 metres from the River Rhine. It marks the entrance to the largest nature reserve in the Alsace basin, the Seltz Munchhausen reserve or better known as the Sauer Delta Nature Reserve. Located where the River Sauer, a 70-kilometre long river whose source is in the Palatinate, Germany, flows into the Rhine, the nature reserve is home to a biodiversity typical of alluvial plains. To be seen here is a jungle-like forest a phenomenal number of birds.
Lake Constance.
Located to the far south of Germany, at the border with Austria and Switzerland, Lake Constance, the third largest lake in Europe, is a must on the EuroVelo 15 route. In a natural setting of gentle verdant valleys and benefiting from a mild climate, it has two lakes, the “Obersee” (Upper Lake) and the “Untersee” (Lower Lake), joined together by the River Rhine which continues its journey towards the West. Holiday-makers particularly appreciate the large number of cruises available.
Untersee
The Swiss-German ‘Untersee’ is one of the most beautiful parts of the Lake of Constance. There lie the peninsula of Höri, loved by the famous painters and writers Otto Dix and Hermann Hesse, the monasterial heritage of the Reichenau island, the gorgeous painted facades in Stein am Rhein, where you can find a very dense mix of what characterizes the Lake of Constance: beautiful islands, peninsulas and bays, mysterious monasteries and castles, culinary delights and top-class events. © Tourismus Untersee, photographer Theo Keller
Gottlieber Hüppen
Crisp, stuffed and rolled wafers, made since 1928 in Gottlieben, on Lake Constance, the Hüppen are handmade by the Gottlieber firm which makes 11 million of them each year. Each wafer is rolled like a cigar before being filled with a chocolate or amaretto-flavoured cream.
Basler Läckerli
Similar to gingerbread, made with crystallised fruits, honey and almonds, these biscuits from Basel are cut into small squares, then glazed.
Asparagus from Lampertheim
The market garden area in and around Ried in Hesse is famed for its asparagus, strawberries, onions and other fruit and vegetables. Hence it is affectionately known as “the biggest vegetable garden in Hesse”. Between mid-April and end of June, the asparagus season dominates life in the region. The traditional Lampertheim Asparagus Festival of Lampertheim is the ideal opportunity to savour the region's speciality, but it's not the only one.
Sauerkraut
Sauerkraut with smoked pork, frankfurters and potatoes is probably the best-known Alsatian dish and one of the best-loved traditional dishes in France. Thinly sliced cabbage fermented in brine, simmered in white wine with potatoes, Montbéliard and Strasbourg sausages, streaky bacon, smoked pork breast and shoulder, flavoured with juniper berries and cloves, a good sauerkraut is ideal for filling empty stomachs after a long day in the saddle.
Capuns
Capuns is a speciality of the Graubünden canton in Switzerland. They are meatballs made using dried meat and sausage and then wrapped in a chard leaf. They are often served in restaurants in and around Chur.
Brühl: Schloss Augustusburg and Schloss Falkenlust
The UNESCO World Heritage Schloss Augustusburg and Schloss Falkenlust palace complex is one of the first important Rococo masterpieces in Germany. Schloss Augustusburg, the favourite residency of the archbishop-elector of Cologne, Clemens August, is linked to the Falkenlust hunting lodge by a large park.
Abbey of St Gall
Located a few kilometres to the south of the Rhine is the former Saint Gallen Monastery. After the city was founded in 612, the first Benedictine Monastery was founded on the site in about 719. Switzerland's second oldest monastery and one of the biggest Benedictine monasteries in Europe, it was highly influential cuturally for over 1200 years. Distinguishing features are the late Baroque collegiate church and the 160.000-book Baroque library with rococo furnishings. 2.200 codices of which 500 are over 1000 years old. The library therefore houses one of the richtest collections of medieval books belonging to the German-speaking part of Europe.
City of Strasbourg
Set within two arms of the River Ill, the “Grande Ile” (Grand Island) is the historical centre of Alsace's main city. Added to the list of World Heritage Sites by UNESCO in 1988, it has several historical buildings dating back to medieval times. Particularly worth mentioning are the minster, the four ancient churches, the Kammerzell house, the Palais Rohan the former residence of the cardinal, covered bridges ...
Kinderdijk Windmills
Windmills have been a synonym for Holland ever since the 15th century. The Kinderdijk Windmills lying 15 kilometres to the east of Rotterdam are one of the country's most popular tourist attractions. Visitors can marvel at the centuries-old hydraulic structures which served to drain the landscape, reclaim land and build towns and villages. Sea dykes, reservoirs and pumping stations are, together with the 19 restored windmills, all a part of the special attraction of Kinderdijk which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1997.
Neuf-Brisach: Vauban's fortifications
Commissioned by Louis XIV, Vauban began building the Neuf Brisach fortifications, which are unique in the whole of Europe, in 1699. It turned the town into the new stronghold in the Alsace lowlands after Breisach, which lies on the other side of the Rhine, was lost in 1697. Protected by star-shaped bastions, the eight-sided town is one of the show-pieces of Vauban's work. When riding along the EuroVelo 15 Route, one can see the moat belonging to the fortifications by Niffer in the Haut-Rhin department.
Speyer Cathedral
Begun in 1030, Speyer Cathedral is the largest Romanesque cathedral in the world. The basilica with its four towers and two domes was highly influential in the development of Romanesque architecture. It was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1981.
Upper Middle Rhine Valley
The whole 65-kilometre stretch of the Upper Middle Rhine Valley between Bingen and Koblenz is, together with numerous separate elements, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The section has historical, natural and shrouded-in-legend surprises for visitors at a multitude of places. The Middle Rhine Valley has influenced poets, painters and composers and is a magnificent example of a natural landscape that has also been shaped by man. A dominant feature of the impressive cultural landscape are the gorges cut into the Rhenisch slate hills that are lined by about 60 towns and villages and surrounded by vineyards and numerous ruins of castles that once controlled shipping on the river.
The Lorelei
Located in the Upper Middle Rhine UNESCO Cultural Heritage Site, the 132-metre high Lorelei is a slate rock that rises up out of the river on its eastern bank. Legend has it that the Lorelei mermaid combed her long golden hair and lured boatmen with her song into the dangerous current of the Rhine and then onto the rock where they broke up.
Cologne Cathedral
Cologne Cathedral is the town of Cologne's landmark as well as the heart of the city. Situated directly beneath the bank of the Rhine in neighbourhood of the Hohenzollernbridge and the Central station, it is easy to reach all major points of interest of the city from here. Be it one of the many museums or the shopping district with Hohe Strasse and Schildergasse. The "High Cathedral of St. Peter" with its five naves has been completed in 1880 after 632 years of construction. It is the seat of the Archbishop of Cologne and is able to bear about 4.000 believers during mass services. Due to its spiritual and cultural historic importance it has become UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
- Latest news
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New Record, more than 4,000,000 page views in 2017 on the EuroVelo platform
Last year was a successful year for EuroVelo, including great events, important achievements and unforgettable moments. We are very proud to add another success to this: a new record of four million page views on the entire EuroVelo platform in 2017. We owe this success to you and we would like to thank you for it.
Read more Mar 01, 2018 -
“EuroVelo routes are just perfect for biking concert tours!”
Ida Johanne Kühn Riegels, a classical cellist and composer from Copenhagen, is set to start a concert tour by bike in April. For two months, she will transport her cello on her bike and give more than 20 concerts along the EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route. We caught up with her to see how the preparations for her trip are going.
Read more Jan 19, 2018 -
Continued success in 2017: EuroVelo 15 – Rhine Cycle Route
Many of you enjoyed cycling on the EuroVelo 15 - Rhine Cycle Route in 2017, the first fully certified route in the EuroVelo network. We want to use this opportunity to look back at new developments along the route this year.
Read more Dec 18, 2017 -
Discoveries along the Rhine Cycle Route - Exciting museums about art,culture,nature and history
The Rhine Cycle Route EuroVelo 15 follows the Rhine and its 1.233 km from its source in the Swiss Alps to its outlet in the Dutch sea. It passes four countries, unique landscapes and nine UNESCO world heritage sites. A cycling tour along the famous and well-visited Rhine Cycle Route can be combined with a visit to one of the many museums along the route.
Read more Oct 17, 2017 -
EuroVelo 15 Summer Photo Contest - And the Winners are …
This year’s response to our Summer Photo Contest was huge and we’ve received a lot of beautiful pictures ! A great thanks to everybody who participated in our Summer Photo Contest! The results of the Photo Contest are finally in! And the winners are...
Read more Sep 05, 2017 -
Hook of Holland: Certificates await cyclists who complete EuroVelo 15 - Rhine Cycle Route
Cyclists who complete the 1,233 km long EuroVelo 15- Rhine Cycle Route can obtain a certificate upon reaching the northern end of the route - in Hook of Holland - where the River Rhine enters the North Sea.
Read more Aug 29, 2017 - More…
