Nibelungen Gravel Ride events have been held in Worms, southwest Germany for the last eight years. Each time it’s been run, the organisers have created a new course so that each event has been unique. At the end of June 2025, the final ever version of the event was held and it sounds like it was an amazing experience. Gravel-riding legend Timo Rokitta has sent in this great ride report of what went down…. 

Eight years, over twenty different events, countless kilometers ridden, innumerable drops of sweat, dusty gravel roads, rocky trails and euphoric finishes – for many, the Nibelungen Gravel Ride was more than just a gravel biking event. It was an adventure, a ritual, a pilgrimage on two wheels. But on June 28, 2025, it was time for one final call: adjust your helmet, click into your pedals and off you go! For the grand finale, everything that makes a gravel biker’s heart race was brought out. And more.

Four carefully designed routes were on offer – from the relaxed "Explorer" route to the epic long-distance ride that demanded everything from both rider and bike. The selection of tracks alone showed: the organisers didn’t want a quiet roll-out but a worthy, unforgettable and magnificent finale. And they delivered. The routes were more than just paths – they were stories, poetic landscapes winding through the most spectacular regions of southwest Germany. The Rhine, the Palatinate Forest and the German Wine Route – a glorious best-of from previous years.

Because that was always the special thing about the Nibelungen Gravel Ride: new routes every year, new highlights, new stories. One year the tour led through the wide hills of Rheinhessen, another into the deep forests of the Odenwald or – like last year – up to the legendary Donnersberg, the mystical mountain of the Celts. No ride was like the other. And that’s what made it so legendary.

For the 2025 finale, the organisers headed into the Palatinate Forest, where dense woods, steep climbs, and spectacular views awaited. But before hitting the mountains, the finale began – in true style – early on the morning of June 28 in Worms, the city of the Nibelungs. At exactly 8 a.m., Timo Horst, the city's sports commissioner, personally gave the starting signal. A symbolic act – where the ancient legends once began, the modern chapter would now come to an end.

The start was flat – like a calm introduction before a loud crescendo. The first kilometers followed the mighty Rhine, passing the legendary spot where Hagen von Tronje is said to have sunk the Nibelung treasure. One might even believe the water glistens a little more mysteriously there. Then the route veered away – leaving the river behind, heading into the rural idyll around the Silbersee near Roxheim, which has nothing to do with Winnetou but feels just as mystical thanks to its setting and atmosphere.

Following an old, renaturalised railway bike path along the babbling Eisbach stream, the route gently but steadily climbed toward the first hills. The next goal: the German Wine Route – and with it, the first real challenges. The notorious “Koppenberg” near Großkarlbach was a hot topic: rough cobblestones, steep and bumpy – but pure fun for all true gravel lovers.

After about 50 kilometers, the first feed station awaited. As always at the Nibelung Gravel Ride, they didn’t hold back here. Alongside classics like granola bars and fruit, there were also Belgian waffles, fluffy chocolate croissants and drinks in all varieties. If you didn’t refuel here, it was your own fault – because what came next would demand everything.

After a short section through the popular spa town of Bad Dürkheim, with views of the famous giant wine barrel, things got serious. The route climbed steeply into the Palatinate Forest. The ascent dragged on, becoming narrower, wilder, greener – until the legendary “Three Oaks,” a remote forest crossroads, that many will remember for a long time. From there, it was a rapid descent into the Isenach Valley, winding picturesquely through the landscape.

But anyone who thought that was the highlight hadn’t yet faced the “Rahnenfels Climb.” 300 vertical meters, all in one go. A test of endurance, technique and mental strength. Sweat flowed in streams, but the view made up for it all. High up on narrow trails, the route continued toward Altleiningen, where the impressive castle – now a youth hostel – towered like a guardian over the valley. Everyone who reached that point knew: they’d almost made it. Almost.

Then came the Stumpfwald – a dark, mystical forest living up to its name. Moss-covered tree stumps, shadows, silence. And in the middle of it: a narrow, rooty singletrack trail that put a smile on everyone’s faces. Pure riding fun before descending into the picturesque Eistal.

The return to the feed station was a constant up and down – literally. The path offered everything: sweeping views, steep ramps, tight trails. And then: the mysterious Ungeheuersee – dark, still, surrounded by ancient trees. The following descent into the vineyards was fast, technical, but simply dreamy.

After the final refreshment stop, the route entered its final stage. Running parallel to the German Wine Route, it wound through hilly vineyard landscapes – a mix of gentle gravel, sharp climbs and flowing descents. Every meter was a delight, every climb an experience. And even though legs were tired, the final short ascent on cobblestones up the infamous “Pavé Mörstadt” was conquered with a feeling of relief and joy.

At the finish line: exhaustion, happiness and pride. And that special moment when you know you were part of something big. After a well-earned shower, the crowning finale awaited: flame-grilled salmon over an open fire, cool drinks, relaxed conversations and a look back at eight years full of adventure. Those who wished could even get a massage from the physiotherapists of Worms Hospital while dreaming of the Stumpfwald, of Rahnenfels, of the shimmering Rhine.

With both a smile and a tear, many participants said goodbye to an event that was more than just gravel riding. The Nibelung Gravel Ride was an experience. A myth on gravel. And although 2025 wrote the final chapter, it will live on – in memories and in pictures. Because true legends never die.

You can find out more about the sister events to the Nibelungen Gravel here.

Or, if you’d like to ride the route for yourself, you can find details here: