The Roman Empire is one of the largest empires that ever existed. The Upper Germanic-Rhaetian Limes forms a part of the Roman border fortification with castles, watchtowers, walls, and palisades, with which the former world power delineated its realm against free Germania. In 2005, it was awarded UNESCO World Heritage status as part of the transnational World Heritage Site "Frontiers of the Roman Empire." The recognized borders as World Heritage are an extraordinary example of military architecture and construction in the Roman Empire. They testify to the power of the Roman Empire and its significant influence on the territories it dominated. They also reflect the exchange of human and cultural values at the height of the Roman Empire.

The ADFC Neuwied, in cooperation with Conrad Lunar, the initiator of the Drachenkopfweg, offers a cycling tour following the traces of the Romans. The name of the path refers to the gilded cavalry standard found during excavations at the castle of Niederbieber. The starting point is at the Engers riverbank at Rhine kilometer 602, where a representation of Caesar's crossing of the Rhine in 55 BC is depicted on a milestone. From there, we will follow the Drachenkopfweg, which is described in detail on the website https://www.drachenkopfweg.de.

On the approximately 44-kilometer route, a total of 11 sites of Roman military architecture as well as other evidence and relics of Roman settlement will be visited. A total of 530 meters of elevation gain is to be overcome. Almost exclusively paved paths will be used except for the 5 km section from Anhausen to the Oberbieber reservoir. The longest ascent leads from Heimbach-Weis through the forest predominantly along the Limes to the small fort Anhausen. For the route, mountain bikes, gravel or trekking bikes as well as everyday bicycles and e-bikes with robust tires are suitable.

Given the inclines, a certain level of fitness is advisable. Short breaks with explanations of exposed and partially reconstructed Roman finds will be made at the 11 points. More information can be found on the website of the Drachenkopfweg.

Registration is required by email to og.neuwied@adfc-rlp.de at the latest one day before the tour. We recommend wearing a bicycle helmet.