Cycling the Sieg from Hennef: One Way by Bike, Back by Train

The easiest way to cycle the Sieg from Hennef is one way upstream along the signed Sieg cycle route (Sieg-Radweg) and back by train: the railway follows the valley, with stations at Blankenberg (Sieg), Merten, Eitorf and Schladern. Riding from Hennef to Eitorf is roughly 15–20 km, to Schladern roughly 25–30 km, mostly gentle with a few short climbs. The Hennef Day Routes include a bike stage and a Sieg and Allner See route you can combine with this ride.

The Sieg runs west through a green, winding valley before it joins the Rhine near Bonn. The cycle route follows it for a long way, sometimes right by the water, sometimes through villages and meadows a little above it.

A one-way ride: Hennef to Eitorf or Schladern

• Hennef station. Start here, with cafés and shops for supplies nearby. Head towards the river and pick up the cycle route signs.
• Allner and the river meadows (3–6 km). The route leaves town along the Sieg. Early on you pass close to the Allner See.
• Blankenberg (Sieg) (8–12 km from Hennef). Below the hill town of Stadt Blankenberg. If you have the energy, push or ride up to the castle village for the view; it is a steep climb. Otherwise keep to the valley.
• Merten (12–16 km). A quiet stretch through the meadows. Merten has a station if you want to stop early.
• Eitorf (15–20 km). A small town with places to eat and a station on the same line. A good end point for a half-day ride.
• Schladern (25–30 km). Continue upstream to the Siegfall, a broad waterfall on the Sieg next to the village. Rest here, then take the train back.

Allow 2–3 hours of riding to Eitorf and 3–4.5 hours to Schladern, plus breaks. Stretches of the route use quiet roads or share space with walkers, so ride at a steady, considerate pace.

Getting back by train

The S-Bahn and regional trains on the Sieg line link Schladern, Eitorf, Merten and Blankenberg (Sieg) with Hennef. Before you set off:

• Check the timetable for your return, especially on Sundays and in the evening, when services are less frequent.
• Buy a bike ticket. Bikes usually need their own ticket in addition to yours. Check the rules of the regional transport association for your ticket type.
• Watch for engineering works. Replacement buses often do not carry bikes. If works are announced, plan a shorter there-and-back ride instead.
• Space. On sunny weekends trains can be full of bikes. Board at the doors marked for bikes and be ready to wait for the next train.

Bikes, surfaces and what to bring

• Bike type. A trekking or city bike with gears is ideal. Some sections are gravel.
• E-bikes. Useful if you want to add the climb to Stadt Blankenberg or ride both ways.
• Rental. Ask locally or in nearby Siegburg or Bonn for bike hire; options in Hennef itself are limited, so book ahead.
• Bring: water, a snack, a small repair kit and a rain jacket. Shops and cafés are in the towns, not along every stretch of the river.

Riding with children

The flat stretches between Hennef and Blankenberg (Sieg) work well with children on their own bikes or in a trailer. Keep the ride short, 10–15 km, and plan the train back from Blankenberg (Sieg) or Merten. Some sections share space with cars on quiet village roads, so ride in single file. Avoid the climb to Stadt Blankenberg with small children on bikes; walk up instead if you want to see the castle village.

Budget and timing

• Bike hire: roughly €15–40 per day, more for an e-bike.
• Train back with a bike ticket: a few euros to around €15, depending on distance and your ticket.
• Food: €15–30 per person.

Spring to early autumn is the best time. After heavy rain, riverside paths can flood or turn muddy; check local notices. In autumn, start early so you finish before dark.

Plan B

If the weather turns, stop at the nearest station and take the train back; that is the advantage of riding along the railway. On a day with uncertain weather, do a shorter out-and-back ride from Hennef to Blankenberg (Sieg) and spend the rest of the time in Hennef's centre or at the Kurpark.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Sieg cycle route hard?

No, it is mostly easy and follows the river. There are a few short climbs. The hard part is the optional detour up to Stadt Blankenberg.

Can I take my bike on the train back to Hennef?

Usually yes, with a bike ticket and outside very crowded times. Check the current rules and the timetable before your ride.

How far is it from Hennef to Schladern by bike?

Roughly 25–30 km along the river, depending on the exact route. Plan 3–4.5 hours of riding at an easy pace.

Plan your Sieg valley days

A bike stage, a Sieg and Allner See route and eight more days, each with a bad-weather swap, are in Hennef Day Routes – 10 Itineraries. Trains and buses around the town are covered in Getting Around Hennef by Bus & Train. For the evening, read Was die Sieg weiterträgt, a novel set in Hennef about a sound recordist who records voices, paths and the river. All are available in English, Spanish and German; see Hennef Travel Guides.

Distances, times and prices are planning estimates, not timetables or guaranteed conditions. Check train times, bike rules and path conditions before you go.