Bicycle-Friendly "Siegtal Autobahn": City Highway in Siegen Now Accessible for Cyclists
In the picturesque Siegerland region of Germany, the annual car-free event, Siegtal Pur, returned after a one-year hiatus on Sunday, 6th July 2025. The event, which took place in the Kreis Siegen-Wittgenstein area, saw approximately 115 kilometers of roads from Netphen to Siegburg closed for the day, transforming parts of the Sieg valley into a haven for pedestrians, cyclists, inline skaters, and joggers.
This year, Siegtal Pur welcomed new participants such as Kathrin, Helga, Steffi, and Tim, whose destination and distance covered remained unspecified. The General German Bicycle Club (ADFC) also organised a parade featuring cargo and special bikes to highlight their diversity and everyday usability. Cargo bikes, in particular, were a highlight at this year's event.
The car-free route extended to include the Siegburg city motorway, providing thousands of participants with a safe and enjoyable space to explore the region without the disturbance of motor vehicles. The atmosphere on the route was lively, with various information stands and catering options available along the entire route.
Despite cooler temperatures and light rain, Siegtal Pur was well-attended, demonstrating the event's enduring popularity. Max Holz, a participant who has lived without a car for 25 years, echoed the sentiment, stating that events like Siegtal Pur serve as a model for the future, with car-free city centres potentially becoming the norm.
The Kreis Siegen-Wittgenstein initially decided to discontinue Siegtal Pur in 2025, but the event's success and the importance of promoting sustainable mobility led to its continuation. The costs of Siegtal Pur range from 80,000 to 90,000 euros, which was the reason for its absence in 2024. However, the event is usually free to attend for visitors, with costs typically associated with optional services like food, merchandise, or bike rentals.
For those interested in participating in the current or next Siegtal Pur event, visiting the official municipal or tourism websites of Kreis Siegen-Wittgenstein or the Siegerland region would provide up-to-date details about the exact date, route, and any participation fees.
In conclusion, Siegtal Pur is an environmentally focused, recreational event celebrating the Sieg valley by temporarily banning cars, allowing people to enjoy a car-free day in nature, typically free of charge to the public. This helps foster appreciation for sustainable mobility and the local landscape, making it an event worth marking in your calendar.
Kathrin, Helga, Steffi, and Tim joined the annual car-free event, Siegtal Pur, and might have attended the ADFC's bike parade showcasing cargo and special bikes, adding a new twist to the event's sport and news menu. With the extended car-free route including the Siegburg city motorway, sports enthusiasts could explore the region on bicycles, skates, or jogging tracks, surrounded by a lively atmosphere and various amenities.
