Radroute der Megalithkultur Self-Guided: Stages, Accommodations & Map 2026
The route links Perl on the Moselle with Bergheim and runs via Trier into the Netherlands. On the way you’ll ride sections like the Mosel-Radweg, the Maaspad and the Geul-Radweg. At Vaals you cross the border again and head back towards Germany.
The Radroute der Megalithkultur runs for 407.1 km from Perl to Bergheim. You start by following the Moselle via Nittel, Trier, Schweich, Detzem and Pölich, then you cross the border into the Netherlands (including Mheer, Echt, Sittard, Heerlen) before swinging back towards Germany at Vaals. What makes it stand out is the mix of prehistoric megalith sites and more classic culture along the way: you’ve got megalith sites near Perl right at the start, later you’ve got the Roman Villa in Kollig on the list, and in Valkenburg there’s the Thermenmuseum. In between, you bounce between the Mosel-Radweg, the Maaspad and the Geul-Radweg. It suits relaxed riders and e-bikes well; a lot of it is flat along the Moselle, while stages like Heerlen → Vaals with the Vaalserberg feel noticeably hillier. You plan this trip yourself: use the 14 official stages as your framework and mix in culture stops with shorter day distances.
Route Profile
| Distance | 357 km |
| Stages | 14 |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Best Season | Spring, Summer, Autumn |
| Signage | Well signposted |
| Suitable For | Recreational cyclists, Experienced cyclists, E-bike |
| Surface | Mixed |
Radroute der Megalithkultur Map
BikeTouri Tip: View the complete route on a map in BikeTouri – with all accommodations and supply points. Also available offline.
Radroute der Megalithkultur Stages
The official route is split into 14 stages, covering 407 km in total. You can use them as a fixed framework, or mix and match sections (Moselle, Meuse valley, Geul) more flexibly.
Stage 1: Perl → Nittel (35 km)
From Perl you ride through the Permeltal towards Nittel. You’ll be on forest and farm tracks, and then you reach the Moselle sections.
Megalith sites near Perl, Ruwerer Dolmenweg.
Stage 2: Nittel → Trier (25 km)
You follow the Moselle to Trier. This section uses cycle paths and quiet side roads.
Moselle valley, Trier old town.
Stage 3: Trier → Schweich (29 km)
From Trier you roll along the Mosel-Radweg to Schweich. It’s all about the river corridor.
Roman Bridge, Trier, vineyards.
Stage 4: Schweich → Detzem (21 km)
Further downstream on the Moselle, partly on farm tracks. You stay in wine country throughout.
Wine region.
Stage 5: Detzem → Pölich (24 km)
You stay on the Moselle, but you’ll need to factor in the climb up the Klüdingerberg. After that, it’s worth taking time for the culture stop away from the river route.
Roman Villa Kollig.
Stage 6: Pölich → Mheer (35 km)
This stage takes you across the border into the Netherlands. You carry on along the Maaspad.
Vlöser Ley Megalith.
Stage 7: Mheer → Echt (27 km)
You ride Meuse valley paths and stay close to the river. Along the way you skirt nature reserves.
Nature reserves.
Stage 8: Echt → Sittard (18 km)
You head into Sittard on urban cycle routes. It feels more city-ish than the Moselle or Meuse sections.
Sittard centre.
Stage 9: Sittard → Doenrade (22 km)
You ride through woods and heathland. This one is firmly about natural landscapes.
Natural areas.
Stage 10: Doenrade → Schimmert (26 km)
This stage takes you through rolling terrain. As a contrast to the profile, you pass lakes that make good stopping points.
Lakes.
Stage 11: Schimmert → Brunssum (19 km)
You ride through the Terwormerbos. This section is all about the woods.
Woods.
Stage 12: Brunssum → Heerlen (15 km)
Short and direct into Heerlen. It’s a good day if you want to leave time for city stops.
City of Heerlen.
Stage 13: Heerlen → Vaals (24 km)
You ride towards the Vaalserberg and approach the border back to Germany. The profile gets tougher than on the river sections.
Highest point NL.
Stage 14: Vaals → Bergheim (37 km)
You follow the Geul-Radweg on towards Bergheim. Valkenburg and Sibberg are fixed waypoints on this stage.
Valkenburg Thermenmuseum, Sibberg.
The Most Beautiful Section on the Radroute der Megalithkultur
The bit that sticks with me most is Detzem → Pölich (Stage 5), with the detour to the Roman Villa in Kollig: you roll along the Moselle at first, then you’ve got the climb up the Klüdingerberg, and after that you get a proper culture stop away from the river kilometres. Highlight: the Roman Villa in Kollig — a clear fixed point if you don’t just want to ride through, but actually want to see something.
Highlights on the Radroute der Megalithkultur
- Megalith sites near Perl (Stage 1).
- Ruwerer Dolmenweg (Stage 1).
- Trier old town (Stage 2).
- Roman Bridge, Trier (Stage 3).
- Roman Villa in Kollig (Stage 5).
- Thermenmuseum Valkenburg (Stage 14).
Accommodations on the Radroute der Megalithkultur
Along the Radroute der Megalithkultur you'll find numerous accommodation options – from hotels and guesthouses to campsites and small tent meadows.
Campsites & Tent Options
Along the Radroute der Megalithkultur there are numerous places to camp – from large campsites to small tent meadows on farms. Campsites usually don't need to be booked in advance.
Hotels & Guesthouses
Numerous accommodations along the route – from hostels and guesthouses to hotels. Important for cycle tourists: secure bike storage and no minimum stay requirements.
BikeTouri Tip: BikeTouri shows you all accommodations along the route – with prices, amenities, and reviews from cycle tourists. Also available offline.
Planning Your Radroute der Megalithkultur Trip
What should you book in advance?
During peak season (June-August), it's recommended to book accommodations in popular stops 1-2 days ahead. Outside peak season, spontaneous booking is usually possible.
What can you decide spontaneously?
Daily distances, rest stops, restaurant visits, and detours to attractions can all be decided on the day based on weather and how you're feeling.
Typical daily costs
Practical Information
Getting There & Away
The route is well connected by train at both start and end points. Most regional trains accept bicycles, though reservations may be required during peak season.
Shopping Along the Way
Supermarkets and grocery stores can be found in most towns along the route. Plan for longer stretches in rural areas where shops may be limited.
Bike Shops & Repairs
Bicycle repair shops are available in larger towns. Carry basic tools and a spare tube for emergencies between service points.
More Information
Conclusion
Big plus points: it’s well signed, and you get clear culture anchors all the way from megalith sites to Roman history. Downsides: there’s no hard data on surfaces or elevation profile, and some sections get noticeably hillier (for example heading towards the Vaalserberg). If you like planning by stages and deliberately building in stops on the way, this route works really well.
Why BikeTouri?
We don't just show the big campsites – but also small tent meadows, farms, and cyclist-friendly guesthouses. With prices, reviews from cycle tourists, and offline maps.