It is still considered an insider tip and has been awarded four out of five possible stars by the General German Bicycle Club. The Lahn Cycle Route combines a wide variety of landscapes, such as forests and rolling hills, meadows and floodplains, steep slopes and rocks, with relaxed cycling fun on quiet cycle paths. Defiant castles, monasteries, ornate churches and enchanted palaces bear witness to the culture of the Lahn Valley that has grown over the centuries. The cathedral cities of Wetzlar and Limburg, the university towns of Marburg and Giessen, and romantic little towns with half-timbered charm make the 250 kilometers along the Lahn seem insanely entertaining. Enchanting photo motifs present themselves at every turn. The journey through the rustic-romantic Lahn Valley, a landscape of unspoiled nature and rich in tradition culture, you should not miss!
Learn more on this page about the Lahn Cycle Route, its topography, signage and trail quality, as well as the arrival and ideal travel time. Be inspired by our cycling tours along the Lahn. We will be happy to advise you. If you decide to travel with us, we will take care of the hotel bookings and luggage transport for you. All you have to do is cycle and enjoy.
Martinsburg Castle in Lahnstein
On the Lahn Cycle Route
Runkel Castle in Runkel
Limburg on the Lahn
Marburg’s Old Town
The classic on the lahn cycle route
On the way from the source of the Lahn to Koblenz
The Lahn attracts sports enthusiasts and recreation seekers alike like a magnet. This varied cycling experience begins in the Rothaar Mountains and ends in Lahnstein, where the river meets the Rhine. Colorful meadows are replaced by green hills and finally by steep, forested slopes. Let your gaze wander far over the Lahn Valley from these elevations. Do not miss the Lahnwindungen between Weilburg and Runkel as well as between Diez and Lahnstein.
Starting point is Bad Laasphe, which awaits you on the south side of the Rothaargebirge with an extremely worth seeing old town. The journey continues to Biedenkopf. Here, an excursion to the Landgrafenschloss, which towers over the town, is worthwhile. Next on the agenda is the university town of Marburg with its beautiful old town ensemble and the Elisabethkiche. Gießen is in no way inferior with its new castle and the Zeughaus. The Goethe city of Wetzlar as well as the neighboring Braunfels with its fairy-tale castle should not be missed.
In general, along the river you will repeatedly come across castles, monasteries, churches and palaces that tell of impressive architecture from times past. In Weilburg, a special spectacle awaits you: Canoes pass through Germany's only ship tunnel at the foot of the castle complex. The Lahn Cycle Path runs mostly directly along the water, so you rarely lose sight of the Lahn. The spa and health resort from the Wilhelmine era and former meeting place of the European high nobility, Bad Ems, still shines in sophisticated flair today. Then only a short distance, and Lahnstein with the Castle Lahneck is reached. In the inns along the Lahn, regional products are served, sometimes prepared traditionally, sometimes in a refined way. The Lahn valley has preserved its very own charm to this day. Take the time to let the charm work its magic on you.
Route of the Lahn Cycle Route
Short & Sweet: The Lahn Cycle Route
- Length
approx 245 km - Topography
From the source away you cycle through open river landscape with meadows and hills, later, about from Löhnberg, you expect partly steep and wooded slopes of the Taunus and Westerwald. - Signage
The Lahn Cycle Route carries a uniform signage with green bike logo and the red inscription Das Lahntal (The Lahn Valley). - Quality
You cycle mostly on asphalt paths, largely car-free, mostly directly along the river, beyond car traffic and hustle and bustle. Expect short uphill and downhill stretches.
The River Lahn near Bad Ems
Travel season
Between April and the end of September it is best to cycle on the Lahn Cycle Route. Naturally, most cyclists are on the road in the summer months. Note: Although the range of accommodation along the way is plentiful, it is advisable to book early for the months of July to September.
Getting there
The Lahn Valley can be easily reached from all directions by car, train and long-distance bus. Only nine kilometers below the source of the Lahn lies the station Feudingen directly on the Lahn Cycle Route. Already from here, the entire Lahn Valley can be reached by train, for example, long-distance traffic with Marburg and Giessen (Intercity stops) and Limburg and Koblenz (Intercity Express).
The Old Castle in Koblenz
Shortcuts
The train network is perfectly developed, so that shortcuts (even those taken spontaneously) of daily stages or sections are no problem. Please note that the transport of bicycles on trains is limited.
The Stone Bridge in Weilburg
For whom is the cycle route suitable?
The Lahn Cycle Route is family-friendly and also for cyclists without pronounced stamina well to master.
A family on the Lahn Cycle Route
Frequently asked questions about the Lahn Cycle Route
