Go West - Through the outer green belt

Experience a day in Cologne—away from the hustle and bustle, immersed in nature. The bike tour "Go West - Through the Outer Green Belt" combines urban culture with gentle movement and peaceful green oases. Ideal for anyone wanting to feel how urban life and nature harmonize in Cologne—an example of the conscious dialogue between the city's diverse facets.

Starting from the imposing backdrop of Cologne Cathedral, the route leads towards Ehrenfeld, where the Blücherpark marks the first highlight. This carefully designed, symmetrical park from the early 20th century impresses with its historically significant layout and invites visitors to linger. From here, the tour leaves the urban hustle behind, following the A57 and winding through green spaces, anticipating the rich landscape and historical heritage that Cologne has to offer.

A special feature of this tour: The Inner and Outer Green Belts of Cologne were originally part of former Prussian fortifications from the 19th century. Remnants of these military structures can still be found along the way. During the tenure of Mayor Konrad Adenauer, these fortifications were transformed into park landscapes and protected long-term, making it a visionary urban development project that continues to shape Cologne's quality of life to this day.

The Outer Green Belt welcomes cyclists and guides them southwest. Surrounded by idyllic forests and expansive meadows, the care and planning invested in this green lung of the city—created in the mid-20th century—become tangible. After passing through Bocklemünd, the route leads into the Belvedere Landscape Park. With its observation platform, it offers a stunning view of Cologne's skyline. Additionally, it is home to Germany's oldest surviving railway station building—a piece of industrial culture nestled in nature.

Another highlight along the route is the RheinEnergieStadion and the surrounding sports facilities near the German Sport University (SpoHo). Here, the Green Belt reveals itself as an integral part of urban living space. From the RheinEnergieStadion to miniature golf opportunities and boat rides at Decksteiner Weiher, this vast recreation area demonstrates its flexibility and welcoming design.

From Decksteiner Weiher, the sense of returning home accompanies cyclists. Just beyond the Geißbockheim, a popular rest stop with hearty cuisine and football club history, lies another historical gem: a sedimentation basin from the Roman Eifel Aqueduct. This ancient waterway highlights Cologne's connection between nature and infrastructure, dating back to Roman times.

The final stage passes by the Südfriedhof cemetery, through the Vorgebirgspark, and into the Volksgarten. This park within the Inner Green Belt marks the crowning conclusion of the approximately 30-kilometer-long tour. A beer garden in the middle of the park offers the perfect spot to unwind at the end of the journey.

This tour captures Cologne's lifestyle holistically, providing space for deceleration, movement, and mindful exploration. Along the way, tranquil retreats invite you to pause, charming eateries welcome you to stop in, and expansive green areas are perfect for picnics. The route can be adjusted flexibly—whether you complete the entire tour or take a shortcut back to the city center via the Stadtwald from Adenauer Weiher. Look forward to an experience that emphasizes the harmonious connection between urbanity and nature, presenting Cologne from a surprisingly multifaceted perspective.