On the road on the NaturRADtour

48 km through Karlsruhe's natural landscape on the NaturRADtour

The NaturRADtour was launched in 2017 and is Karlsruhe's first tourist cycle tour. The route includes numerous protected natural areas and conservation areas where some plant and animal species grow and live that only exist there - and all this over a distance of just 48 km. You cycle through the Hardtebene, the Rheinauen, the old airfield, the Oberwald and along the Alb. The route is flat and therefore also easy for children to manage, although it is advisable to only cycle a shorter section with children.

For an optimal start, you should obtain a free map with the route plan from the Karlsruhe Tourist Information Office, or download the "Outdooractive free" app onto your smartphone and use the digital route as a guide. Of course, you can also simply follow the signs for the "NaturRADtour" with the three leaves. If 48 km a day is not enough for you, you can also opt for the longer route of 65.5 km, via Ettlingen, Grötzingen and Neureut.

Start in the Oberwald conservation area in the direction of Durlach

A good start to the tour is the Oberwald nature reserve. In addition to the shady oak trees, the Oberwald offers a wide cycle path and the opportunity for children to explore the Oberwald zoo and its animal inhabitants or let off steam in the playground. After these stops, the tour can continue in the direction of Durlach. Durlach is the oldest part of Karlsruhe and is therefore also known as the "mother" of Karlsruhe. The old town district in particular, with its medieval flair, is picturesque and invites you to explore. However, you should plan more time for a proper exploration of Durlach and visit the district again at a later date. If you follow the tour, you will now reach Karlsruhe's Oststadt district and the castle.

Highlight Karlsruhe Castle and pure nature Enjoy the old airfield

One of the big highlights of the tour is definitely the arrival at Karlsruhe Palace. The palace is an impressive sight and the meadows on the palace square or in the palace garden behind it are perfect for a little picnic. After the break at the palace, you can continue the tour in the direction of Hardtwald forest to the next nature reserve, the old airfield. The former military airfield provides a habitat for many animals, insects and flowering plant species. With a bit of luck, you might even spot some donkeys grazing on the green meadow.

Enjoyable time out at Hofgut Maxau or Brauhaus 2.0

On such a long cycle tour, a longer break in one of the excellent restaurants on the tour is a must. We recommend the Hofgut Maxau on the Rhine or the Brauhaus 2.0 in Knielingen. The delicious homemade cheese spaetzle, a small salad and a refreshing Pilsner are the perfect refreshment after a 20-kilometre cycle tour.

Discover the Rhine landscape in Karlsruhe

The next destination on the route is the Rhine, but on the way there you can enjoy the beautiful landscape in Knielingen, with its fields and lakes. After passing through Knielingen, you reach the Rhine. This section along the river is also known as the "Old Rhine Maxau and Burgau". Further south are the "Rheinauen" in the area of the Rappenwört nature conservation center. You cross this natural idyll quite quickly and soon find yourself at the Rhine ports of Karlsruhe, where the first harbor basins were put into operation more than 100 years ago.

Along the Karlsruhe Alb to Dammerstock

However, the most beautiful section of the tour is definitely along the Alb. The small river with its wonderful natural scenery is the perfect highlight and final section of the tour. If you have time, you should definitely make a detour to the Rappenwört nature conservation center. The Alb flows along the route to the last point on the 48 km route, Dammerstock. A beautiful settlement with a huge playground for children.

The NaturRADtour is the perfect way to explore the great outdoors and various nature reserves around Karlsruhe. So you should definitely plan a nice day out on your bike for next summer.