Starting point Bedburg Alt-Kaster
Let's go in the Rhine-Erft district
Bedburg, with its historic district of Alt-Kaster, is also known as "the castle town on the Erft". For the annual St Nicholas market, the residents of the village open their homes and yards to offer handmade goods.
From Bedburg Alt-Kaster to Monschau
Distance: Around 52 miles
It takes less than an hour to get from the historic town centre of Bedburg to charming Monschau . Monschau has a very special atmosphere, where you can enjoy a coffee in one of the small cafés.
Good to know: Typical of Monschau, which lies in the rocky valley of the Rur in the Eifel, are the house-high beech hedges that the townspeople planted generations ago to protect their houses from wind and rain. After a tour of the town, you can take a hike through the secluded nature of the High Fens moorland area or treat yourself to some culinary delights in the historic mustard mill.
From Monschau to Bad Münstereifel
Distance: Around 34 miles
The route takes about an hour eastwards through the surrounding countryside of the Eifel National Park to the Kneipp spa town of Bad Münstereifel.
Good to know: In the medieval Eifel village, the Erft meanders past half-timbered houses and a restored stone wall.
From Bad Münstereifel to Freudenberg
Distance: Around 112 miles
Now it's off to the Siegen-Wittgenstein region, with its mountains and valleys. Tip: Make a stop in the tranquil town of Freudenberg - about a two-hour drive.
Good to know: As you ride through quiet forests and wide valleys, you will come across traditional, black-and-white half-timbered houses that form the "Alter Flecken", a densely packed area - the view of the historic centre of Freudenberg is a popular photo spot.
From Freudenberg to Xanten and Düsseldorf Airport
Distance: About 151 miles to Xanten | 37 miles to Düsseldorf Airport
The town of Xanten on the Lower Rhine is the last stop on the route.
Good to know: During Roman times, Xanten was one of the most important metropolises of the Germanic province of Rome. A visit to the Xanten Archaeological Park with the LVR Roman Museum is highly recommended: here you will find replicas of an amphitheatre and harbour temple, residential settlements, thermal baths and city walls from Roman times.
After six exciting historical sites, the road trip comes to an end here. But there is so much more to discover in North Rhine-Westphalia: take a look at the other themed routes and be inspired!
