Kleinbahn Cycling Route Ellerbachtal-Gräfenbachtal

Kleinbahn Cycling Route Ellerbachtal-Gräfenbachtal

The "Kleinbahn Cycling Route Ellerbachtal-Gräfenbachtal", which runs through the municipality of Rüdesheim/Nahe, is named after the narrow-gauge railway that operated from 1896 to 1936, following its tracks and commemorated by the Kleinbahn Museum in Bockenau with a locomotive from 1920. It offers cyclists and hikers a unique landscape, away from the noise of public roads.
The total length of the Kleinbahn Cycling Route is 34 km with an elevation gain of 330 meters.
Coming from Bad Kreuznach, along the Nahe Cycle Path, the route follows a winding valley path along the Ellerbach, passing lush meadows until reaching Bockenau, where after an idyllic forest section, there is a noticeable ascent towards Allenfeld, leaving the Ellerbachtal. In complete seclusion, one can cycle or hike the 2.6 km ascent. Once at the top, a wonderful view of the Soonwald opens up to the north.
Now the route descends towards Argenschwang into the Gräfenbachtal. Above the small village rises the privately owned Rosenburg. In the town center, the Gräfenbach is crossed for the first time, which from now on quietly accompanies the second half of the cycling route.
The path leads through a densely wooded, narrow valley at the foot of the uniquely restored Dalburg castle ruins, which is a must-visit, towards Wallhausen, where the view opens up through the plains of meadows and fields to the first vineyards. Then the third castle ruin, Gutenburg, appears along the cycling path.
The last kilometers of the cycling route can be completed in total relaxation, always slightly downhill.
Since the opening of the cycling route in 2000, the municipality of Rüdesheim/Nahe invites everyone to a cycling experience day on the "Kleinbahn Cycling Route" every first Sunday in August.