Elpe-Valme-Ruhr

The Elpe-Valme-Ruhr regional cycle tour starts in Olsberg and leads to Gevelinghausen after an initial climb. After passing Gevelinghausen Castle, the route stretches along the Elpe Valley to Altenfeld. Shortly before Bödefeld, the route changes to the picturesque Valmetal, whose gentle gradient accompanies you all the way to Ramsbeck. In Ramsbeck, you have the opportunity to explore the visitor mine and delve deeper into the region's mining history. From there, the route leads along the so-called "Bähnchen", a former narrow-gauge railroad line that served as a transport route for over 500,000 tons of freight from the Ramsbeck mine to Bestwig between 1897 and 1952. The journey continues to Bestwig via Heringhausen. At junction 16, near Bestwig town hall, the Ruhr Valley cycle path joins upstream and leads back to Olsberg, completing the circular route. Finally, the newly designed Kneipp adventure park offers a soothing option for regeneration.

A list of helpful tips on equipment can be found at:

www.adfc.de/themen/auf-tour/radtourenplanung/checkliste-packen/

Please pack your charging device. You can charge your battery at many restaurateurs.

A rescue point system has been installed throughout the region (Soest district, Hochsauerland district, Märkischer district, Olpe district and Siegen-Wittgenstein district). Rescue points can be found on the information boards at the junctions of the South Westphalia cycle network.

In the Sauerland visitor mine in Ramsbeck, the mine train takes you 1.5 km below the Dörnberg. Visitors gain an insight into the world of mining.

The BVA cycling guide "Alte Bahntrassen im Sauerland" 1:50,000: € 14.95 (plus € 2.50 packaging and postage) offers a tour description as well as further information on the sights along the way.

BVA ADFC regional map Sauerland (with junction system) 1:75,000: € 8.95 (€ 2.50 packaging and postage, foreign postage € 3.70)

BVA cycle excursion guide Old railroad routes in the Sauerland 1:50,000: € 14.95 (plus € 2.50 packaging and shipping)

You can order here:

The route can be reached via Olsberg-Bigge or Olsberg station.

Tourist Information Olsberg

Parking lots Tourist Information Olsberg, Olsberg Concert Hall, Bigge train station