Panorama Cycle Route Balkantrasse

50,53 km long
Difficulty: medium
Condition: medium
regional bike tour
Railway line cycle paths
  • 3: 26 pm
  • 50,53 km
  • 276 m
  • 418 m
  • 40 m
  • 347 m
  • 307 m
  • Start: Langobardenstraße, 42277 Wuppertal-Oberbarmen (connection to Bergischer Panorama cycle path / Nordbahntrasse)
  • Destination: Pontoon bridge (Wupper), Unterstraße, 51371 Leverkusen-Rheindorf
--- CURRENT ROUTE INFORMATION --- Due to extensive work on Montagnusstrasse in Burscheid, the Panorama Cycle Path Balkanstrasse will be closed until approximately mid-2026. A corresponding detour is signposted. See map for download. The detour is expected to remain in place until mid-2026. (Status: May 2, 2023)


The old railway line offers a convenient way to explore the Bergisches Land region. Effortless, yet with many interesting stops along the way.
COMFORTABLE CYCLING ON THE PANORAMIC CYCLE PATH BALKANTRASSE

From Wuppertal-Oberbarmen through the hilly landscape of the Bergisches Land to the Rhine plain

Balkantrasse – the name is reminiscent of the "Balkan Express." That's what locals called the former railway line between Leverkusen-Opladen and Remscheid-Lennep. Today, a cycle path runs along this route. Ideal for leisurely cycling with views from a lofty height.

Charming old town in Remscheid-Lennep

The starting point of the Bergisches Land tour is in Wuppertal Oberbarmen. From there, the route leads via Remscheid-Lüttringhausen to Remscheid-Lennep. Here, a stroll through the narrow streets of the historic town center with its almost circular medieval layout and listed buildings is highly recommended. Or, follow in the footsteps of the great inventor of X-rays at the German Röntgen Museum.

Relaxed route

The route follows a former railway line, offering a relaxed ride through the countryside with no significant inclines. Urban life and rural idyll alternate along the way. In Wermelskirchen, the route takes you along quiet roads right through the charming town center. 

Along the approximately 51-kilometer route, impressive milestones serve as reminders of the railway's past. Converted, old station buildings, such as the Burscheid station, invite travelers to take a break. 

Perfect for families: A stop at the KlimaErlebnisPark NaturGut Ophoven with lovingly designed flower and vegetable beds, various forest and meadow areas with explanatory panels and many opportunities to touch, feel, and discover.

Logo Panorama Cycle Path Balkan Trail
© Bergische Struktur- und Wirtschaftsförderungsgesellschaft, Einfach Bergisch Radeln | CC BY SA
Logo Panorama Cycle Path Balkan Trail

Good to know

Best Season

suitable
depending on the weather

Directions

Difficulty: medium
Route: 50,8 kilometers from Wuppertal-Oberbarmen to Leverkusen
Duration: 3,27h
Increase: about 285 m
Descent: approx. 427 m
Flooring: mostly asphalted
Recommended bicycle type: Trekking bike to e-bike
Signage: vFrom Leverkusen-Opladen to Remscheid-Lennep train station, the route is signposted with brown signs for the Balkantrasse cycle route. Between Remscheid-Lennep and Wuppertal, only red and white NRW cycle route signs are used. 

www.einfach-bergisch-radeln.de

Tour features

  • signage

  • refreshment possibility

  • Suitable for bicycles

  • Family Friendly

  • Good connection to public transport

  • Culinary interesting

  • Culturally interesting

  • Accommodation possibility

Documents

author

Text: Simply cycling in the Bergisches Land region, edited/translated by: Supertext/Home of Translation GmbH
Stöcken 19
42651
42651 Solingen

License (master data)

Text: Simply cycling in the Bergisches Land region, edited/translated by: Supertext/Home of Translation GmbH
License: no copyright required (public domain) (no copyright)

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