The Vennbahn, a former railway line linking the Meuse valley to Germany's industrial regions, is now an emblematic cycle route that crosses Germany, Belgium and Luxembourg.
History of the Vennbahn
The Vennbahn was created at the beginning of the 20th century (completion of the railway line in 1889). During this period, it played an essential role in freight and passenger transport. It linked Germany's industrial regions with the Belgian coalfields and Dutch ports.
Over the decades, railway activity declined. In 1990, the Vennbahn was used for tourist transport. However, the project proved unprofitable. This led to the decision to convert the line into a cycle path.
Natural treasures along the Vennbahn
The Vennbahn passes through a wide variety of natural landscapes. The route takes in forests, valleys, meadows and lakes. There are also protected nature reserves along the way. These are home to a rich variety of flora and fauna.
Along the way, you can also see a number of historic buildings, including the ruins of Burg-Reuland castle, the German Eifel, and towns such as Aachen and Kornelimünster.
Cycling on the Vennbahn: an unforgettable experience
Cycling the Vennbahn is a great adventure for cyclists of all abilities and objectives. The total length of this cycle route is around 125 kilometres, with an average gradient of 2%.
To prepare for the adventure, cyclists can opt for adapted equipment such as mountain bikes and BikePacking panniers. In addition, reception points and campsites are dotted along the route, allowing cyclists to plan their journey according to their own pace and preferences.
In a nutshell
The Vennbahn is more than just a track, it's a journey that combines the past with the discovery of nature. Pedalling along this reused track, you can discover one of the longest cycle routes in the European Union.
If you want to discover the Vennbahn by bike with a guide, DiscoveRent is offering a 3-day micro-adventure for explore the Vennbahn from Troisvierges to Eupen with your bikes.
