Today we would like to take you with us on our favourite bike tour through the region. The famous “Rhineland Apple Route“ has an extension of no less than 124 km and shows the beauty and variety of one of the biggest fruit- and vegetable farming areas of Germany. You may divide the whole tour into 2 – 4 stages dependent on your taste and fitness level. So it is guaranteed that enough time remains for guided tours through the farms and have enough picnics.

The tour routes you through a variety of fruit-plantations, vegetable fields and regional farm shops and is especially designed for families and sensualists. During the tour no less than 12 recently constructed rest areas with adventurous elements attract bikers and the whole family additionally.

For us Meckenheim -with its beautiful old town and its different restaurants- and shopping opportunities- can be considered as the ideal initial- and endpoint of the route – regardless if you travel to Meckenheim by car or train.

From Meckenheim you may also make a side trip on the so called “Meckenheim minor loop” which gives you additional impressions on 32 km of the fruits and rose fields arround.

The tour is divided into 6 attractive and different topics.

Meckenheim

Variety of shapes, authentic local quality by providing insight into the further processing of local fruits and vegetables.

The northernmost city in the Rhine-Voreifel region is the only municipality in the region with a connection to the Rhine. In Bornheim you go from the banks of the Rhine over extensive asparagus and strawberry fields to the heights of the foothills with picturesque views to Cologne Cathedral.

Bornheim

From the orchard to the plantation - a filling fruit blossom landscape

The northernmost town in the Rhine-Voreifel region is the only municipality in the region with a connection to the Rhine. In Bornheim, the route leads from the banks of the Rhine across extensive asparagus and strawberry fields to the heights of the foothills with picturesque views as far as Cologne Cathedral.

Alfter

Who lives where? Underestimated and hardworking - the wild bee!

Picturesquely situated on the slopes of the Ville and in the plains around the former federal capital Bonn, lie the numerous sub-villages of the municipality of Alfter.

Here you can experience the interplay between the Ville with its numerous orchards and the large vegetable fields in the plain.

Wachtberg

From the plantation to the plate, orchards and honeybees

Wachtberg impresses with its volcanic hilly landscapes and fascinating views over bright berry fields and old fruit trees up to the Siebengebirge. Wachtberg's unofficial landmark - the round white radar dome of the Frauenhofer Institute (Radom) - towers over the Rhine-Voreifel region, visible from afar.

Swisttal

Tasks for church and government, fruit transport in agriculture

The Swisttal offers impressive views in all directions over fields, meadows, streams and castles up to the heights of the Eifel. Picturesque castles, beautiful moated castles and numerous historical buildings characterize the districts.

Rheinbach

How did the apple get to Rheinbach, “Klein-Altendorf” campus

With the ruins of Tomburg in the background, the picturesque Rheinbach lies at the foot of the Eifel mountains. The cityscape, which is characterized by historical buildings, looks back to a long and eventful past. In Rheinbach you can experience the interplay between the Middle Ages, Roman times and modern developments in agriculture against the backdrop of the Eifel rise.

Family friendly – Vacation in the region

Further recommendations invite you for an even longer stay!

Burg Lüftelberg

Don't miss a visit to Lüftelberg Castle in Meckenheim. The baroque moated castle is partially accessible to visitors. Be sure to take a look at the garden hall and the baroque gardens.

Local farm shops

Numerous farm shops, farm cafes, vending machines and mobile sales stations look forward to your visit. Just stop and enjoy one or two regional culinary delights. e.g. from Café Landlust you can enjoy a great view of the route.

The Meckenheim side loop - great with small children

If you don't want to cycle the entire 124 kilometers or if you are out and about with small children, then just start with the Meckenheim side loop of the Rhenish Apple Route (approx. 32 km). In Meckenheim, it follows the traces of the old apple and rose route and takes up the various facets of the city. The Meckenheim side loop links urban elements in numerous variations with the extensive orchards and the diverse tree nursery fields.

After-work market of Rheinbach

An after-work market takes place in Rheinbach every Thursday from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Regional, sustainable family businesses and environmental initiatives offer their products on the church square of the Catholic parish church of St. Martin. There is something delicious for everyone!

Apple blossom season

Especially during the apple blossom season in April and May, guests come from near and far to admire and celebrate the blossoming fruit trees on hikes, bike rides or dance balls. The Rhenish Apple Route builds on the special tradition of the region and offers the opportunity to experience the largest fruit and vegetable growing region in North Rhine-Westphalia with all your senses from the field to the plate, from flowering to harvest.

Lots of space and family-friendly

The themed bike route leads along well-paved roads with little traffic in the region. On most of the route, you can relax and enjoy nature on wide farm roads without traffic nuisance. More than 90% of the main route is paved and therefore offers a lot of comfort in all weathers.

E-bike charging stations

At numerous points, charging stations offer the possibility of charging the battery. You don't have to wait in the cold, you can try regional delicacies or enjoy the sun with a piece of cake and a coffee. All charging options along the apple route can be found on the map.

E-bike and bike rental

City-Hotel Meckenheim has 2 e-bikes for rent. There are also 6 locations in the region that rent e-bikes day and night. More information at www.nextbike.de/de/rvk and also at „2-Rad-Leuer“ in Meckenheim located on the main road in walking distance to the hotel.

At Bad Neuenahr at the base camp you can rent bikes and have them delivered directly to the hotel at https://www.basislager.com/fahrrad-verleih.html.

Apfelroute Distance: 124 km Elevation: 688 m Travel time: 14 Std.

Meckenheim Schleife Distance: 31,3 km Elevation: 168 m Travel time: 4:00 Std.