The tour begins at the Decksteiner Weiher pond on Cologne’s outer green belt. The wide meadows of this park are crisscrossed by a network of paths that invite visitors to cycle, stroll and relax. The ruins of Fort VI, which used to be part of Prussian Cologne’s outer ring of fortifications, are well preserved and can be visited today. Visitors who’d like to enjoy the view of the Deckstein pond before beginning the tour can take a break at the Haus am See.
From there, cycle along the green belt in a northwesterly direction until you’ve crossed the Dürener Straße and the Militärring. Through the Stadtwald Forest and after cycling along the Lindenthal Canals, you’ll reach the Aachener Weiher pond on the inner green belt. After climbing up the slope a few metres, you’ll have a great view of the Colonius telecommunication tower and the MediaPark. The neighbouring Belgian Quarter is known for its charming cafés and restaurants. For example, you can enjoy homemade marmalade at the Café im Bauturm and fresh drinks at the Little Link. Also the bicycle-friendly hostel "die wohngemeinschaft" is located there and lives up to its name in the unique bar next door.
Next, this route takes you northward along the inner green belt to the Herkulesberg. From the top of this hill, you can see the Cologne panorama from a different perspective. If you’re reluctant to make the climb, you can take the Herkulesberg pedestrian bridge over the railway tracks by the MediaPark.
Then proceed along the Innere Kanalstraße to the next photo stop: the Odonien complex, which combines open-air studios, art workshops and cultural venues. Wherever you look there’s something to discover and photograph. There’s also a beer garden, where you can process your first impressions and your photos.
The route now takes you eastward along the Innere Kanalstraße to the rose garden on top of the former military complex Fort X. Today this symmetrically designed garden consists of about 2,000 roses representing more than 40 different rose varieties.