Rheinbach – Cycling Routes, City Forest and Culture

Cycling and Nature in Rheinbach

A 25 km branch loop of the 124 km Rhineland Apple Route runs through the town. The Central Germany Route, a D-Route in Germany’s long-distance cycle route network, also passes through parts of Rheinbach. From there, it continues southeast towards Meckenheim and then on to Bonn. The two routes offer different options for planning your trip: the Apple Route runs through Rheinbach as a branch loop, while the Central Germany Route is part of a national long-distance cycle route network.

For days surrounded by greenery, Rheinbach City Forest is a popular local recreation destination. Its network of paths includes larger main routes, smaller hiking trails and bridleways.

Rheinbach Forest Chapel can also be reached in various ways: by car, by bicycle or on foot via the hiking trails in the City Forest. Parking is available at the hiking car park.

The Roman Aqueduct and Rheinbach’s History

In the heart of Rheinbach is the free Roman Aqueduct Information Centre, approximately halfway along the Roman Aqueduct Hiking Trail. On display are a nearly six-metre-long chorobate and an authentic section of the Roman water conduit. The information centre is also a starting point for hikes, walks and bike rides, including routes away from the Roman Aqueduct. Those interested in Roman engineering can combine their visit with outdoor activity without making the Roman Aqueduct the sole focus of a tour.

Himmeroder Hof, a Frankish farmstead, is located at Himmeroder Wall, close to Rheinbach Castle. The surviving parts date from the first half of the 18th century. The Hexenturm (Witches’ Tower) is the only part of the castle still standing today; it is open to visitors. Another historic site is in the district of Wormersdorf: the ruins of Tomburg stand atop a 316-metre-high basalt cone.

Guided Tours, Theatre and Events

Castle and town tours are offered in Rheinbach throughout the year. Night watchman tours are also held several times a year.

Recurring events include Rheinbach’s Summer Cinema, an annual open-air event where locals and visitors watch films together. The Rheinbach Classics bring the 1950s and 1960s back to life every year in mid-July, including with a classic car show known throughout the state. For several years now, “Culture in the Courtyard” has been an open-air festival at Himmeroder Wall, directly in front of the Himmeroder Hof Cultural Centre, and is considered a summer cultural highlight. Rheinbach Municipal Theatre complements the cultural programme with a varied selection of comedies, farces and dramas.

Leisure Activities for a Range of Holiday Days

Rheinbach Leisure Park offers sports, fun and relaxation for all ages across more than 15 hectares. Activities include a water play trail, a climbing locomotive, a play and toboggan hill, and large children’s playgrounds. Families can take these options into account when planning activities together; there is something for everyone, from play facilities to outdoor exercise.

When choosing a holiday apartment in Rheinbach, it is worth deciding in advance what you would most like to do during your stay: cycling, the City Forest and hiking, historic discoveries or cultural events all lead to different day plans.

You can also include Hilberath in your further research on Rheinbach. Other destinations to discover include Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, Wachtberg, Bornheim, Adendorf, Swisttal, Alfter and Much.

For an overview of the wider region, see: Rhein-Sieg District.