The Longest winding Bar. An early nite and we were rested sufficiently. We had our breakfast and left Cologne on time for our next destination – the longest bar in Dusseldorf and finally to Duisburg and we stayed slightly off the river at Mulheim.

This stage of the route traverses what is mainly an industrial area between the great industrial cities of Köln, Leverkusen, and Düsseldorf. There is, however, a surprising amount of open country as the river makes wide meanders across the flat plain.

The outward path was quite well marked and we were able to get on track immediately. Again, the German cycling paths are excellent, wide, tarred roads and clear markings. After about a 27 Km ride, we stopped at Baumberg, Mon Heim Village to have lunch. We had a great lunch and headed to Dusseldorf. We visited the Rhine Tower at Dusseldorf. Located a short 10-minute stroll from our hotel the Rheinturm, known as the Rhine Tower, is one of Düsseldorf's most recognizable landmarks and is worth visiting for its outstanding panoramic views of the city's skyline. Standing 240.5 meters high, the Rhine Tower is the tallest building in Düsseldorf. Come and check out the view and book a fancy meal with your travelling companions.

Experience and eat with fantastic views

First opened in 1981, the tower serves as both a telecommunications spire and a tourist attraction with an observation deck and restaurant at 172.5 meters. From here you can view the stunning city, the winding Rhine river and well beyond, into the beautiful countryside. The renowned Günnewig Restaurant Top 180 revolves once an hour to give you the opportunity to witness an ever-changing view of Düsseldorf as a backdrop to the delicious menu and wine list. For an afternoon coffee or evening cocktails with a stunning view, head a few meters down to the Gunnewig Bar and Lounge. It’s always a treat to have a drink or meal while feeling on top of the world, so don’t miss this attraction.

To give the tower a new face, architect Horst Baumann has added to the Rhine Tower's fame by transforming it into the world's largest digital clock. It now has an engaging series of projections that are used to display the time on its pillar via the use of circle lights. The hours, minutes, and seconds are divided by red vertical lines and show 24-hour time. Test and see if you can find out how it works.

Around the tower

The tower, a breathtaking architectural structure itself, is located on the edge of Media Harbor, home to a beautiful cosmopolitan landscape that blends the old and new. After a morning of exploring, head up the city’s lively riverside esplanade, Rheinuferpromenade, towards the old town. It’s the perfect place to continue your afternoon and evening at one its many bars and restaurants.

Then we headed toward the longest bar in the world. Located along the street called Ratinger Straße the bars in Altstadt are notorious for serving the local Dusseldorf brew, Altbier.  Often just called Alt, this is a dark, top-fermented beer normally brewed with a variety of barley and hops.  The color can be anywhere from copper to a deep dark brown depending on the quantity of malt used.  Alt is brewed from an old recipe and since the late 1800s, it has only been brewed in a few places in the world.  Lucky you since you’ve come to the right place.

We visited Zum Uerige is located on a busy corner in Altstadt and while beer is the norm here, you can also order bar food if you wish.  Don’t consider ordering anything other to drink other than beer though or the waiter will give you a hard time.  Zum Uerige is one of the most well-known pubs in Germany and it’s a classic.  When you walk in the door you’ll see a stained glass window with old scenes from Germany alongside carved wooden panels.  A taproom is also on display.   You can tell this place is an oldie because the wood is stained from years of spitting, drinking and smoking. Outside seating runs along the side of the pub with standup tables for a quick drink or tables and benches if you want to stay awhile.  This pub also produces wheat beer, but the alt is the big seller here.

After traversing the longest bar and it was getting late, we decided it would be best to take the train to Mulheim where we were putting up. As we were cycling and approaching the Banhof, Yoges’s bicycle skidded and she fell. It hurt her knee and Calf badly. However, she is a strong lady and managed to cycle all the way to our Airbnb for the nite.