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MTB Siebengebirge
The Siebengebirge between Bonn and Königswinter is an underrated MTB area: steep lava chimneys, enchanted beech forests and legal single trails with up to 350 meters of descent. You can reach the best spots from Oberwinter in just 20 minutes. This guide presents four spectacular enduro routes – with difficulty levels, altitude profiles, tips for refreshment stops and GPS downloads.
Tour 1: Lohrberg Enduro Loop (27 km | 960 m | S2-S3)
The starting point is the Oberdollendorf parking lot – just 15 minutes from Oberwinter. After a warm-up via the Rheinsteig feeder road, it’s straight down to business: the “Bart’s Brake Burner” trail offers a 32% gradient, sharp basalt steps and two optional doubles. The trail then leads along the Hirschweg to the famous “Downhill Power Line”, a 1.1 km long trail with flowing bends, built in 2022 by local trail builders. Charging station for e-bikes: Margarethenhöhe with Schuko socket and tool wall. Attention: Hikers on the way back via the Petersberg Panorama Trail.
Tour 2: Ölberg Rock Carousel (34 km | 1,220 m | S3)
This royal stage demands technical skill: From Niederdollendorf train station (with bike elevator), the route leads directly to the Ölberg north ridge – a rocky ridge made of trachyte, officially signposted as MTB route 7. The highlight is a 70 cm drop on a natural step – with a chicken line for those who prefer to take it easy. Refreshment tip: Löwenburger Hof with homemade apple strudel. Return via the Ittenbach pump track – free and fun.
Tour 3: Nonnenstromberg Night Ride (22 km | 780 m | S2)
A perfect tour for the cooler months of the year: start at the Milchhäuschen parking lot in Bad Honnef. The tour combines the rooty Brunnholz trail with a fast descent along the Freischütz forest road. Special feature: reflector posts have marked the narrow sections since 2024 – developed as a pilot project by the ADFC. Riding is permitted until 10 pm. Mandatory equipment: 1,000 lumen helmet lamp and wildlife warning whistle.
Tour 4: Three-Craters Circuit (40 km | 1,050 m | S2-S3)
This tour starts in Rhöndorf and leads via the Drachenfels ruin (incl. 18% steep ramp) up to the Breiberg plateau. This is where the Eisvogel Trail begins – flowy and a scenic highlight, but closed when wet (observe the traffic light sign!). The way back is via the Schmelztal Trail – an officially licensed route in the Bonn Trail Park. You can return to Oberwinter in just 25 minutes on line 66.
Technique, setup & trail etiquette
The Siebengebirge is technically demanding: 2.4″ tires with EXO+ carcass, disc brakes over 200 mm and 1.8-2.0 bar pressure are recommended. Replace tubeless tyres regularly – the sharp-edged trachyte is very demanding on the material. Remove resin dust from the wheels after the tour. Important: Only ride on designated trails, pedestrians have priority, use a bell and ride at a maximum speed of 15 km/h with visual contact.
Conclusion: trail fun meets Rhine romance
With legalized single trails, crisp descents and fast connections, the Siebengebirge is a real insider tip for mountain bikers – far away from the crowded Alpine region. Oberwinter is the perfect starting point: safe storage for your bike, a warm shower after the ride and sunset included. Book your stay now and rock the trails!
