Best lake trails in Cologne
4.1(550 reviews)
Explore the most popular lake trails near Cologne with hand-curated trail maps and driving directions as well as detailed reviews and photos from hikers, campers and nature lovers like you.
Top trails
- 4.5 (108)·Hard·19.3 km·Est. 5–5.5 hrThe famous circuit in the Königsforst near Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. The Königsforst is a nature reserve, FFH, and bird sanctuary east of Cologne. The Königsforst, part of the Bergische Heideterrasse, has been a popular excursion destination for people living in Cologne for a long time - archbishops and nobles have already hiked here. This route starts at the forest's southwestern entrance, runs along Steinbruchsweg, and then turns onto Rathausen-Forsbachweg. With a bit of luck,...
- 4.7 (44)·Moderate·8.9 km·Est. 2–2.5 hrFamily-friendly hike in the heart of Cologne. Cologne's green belts are planned green zones that form a semi-circle around the city on both banks of the Rhine. This route leads around the Denksteine and Adenauer Weiher. Perfect for an afternoon walk with the family. Highlights of the hike: - Rhine bank - Local flora and fauna - Monuments - Adenauer pond ---- Accessible by bus and train
- 4.3 (30)·Easy·3.5 km·Est. 0.5–1 hrFamily-friendly circular route in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. This is an easy hike in the Cologne city forest, perfect for a relaxing stroll with the family or a leisurely jog. The circular route along the Marcel-Proust-Promenade can be wonderfully combined with a detour to the free and barrier-free Lindenthal animal park (unfortunately dogs are not allowed in here). More information about the zoo can be found under "Tips". The tour is accessible by bus and train. Highlights of the...
- 4.4 (47)·Moderate·13.4 km·Est. 3.5–4 hrSixth section of the Cologne Trail, North Rhine-Westphalia. This stage leads along the Rhine for longer. The route is often shared with cyclists, so mutual respect is important. There are cafés and restaurants in Flittard to stop for a bite to eat and after this section of the hike, the route heads into the countryside for a bit. As always, the hiking trail is well connected to public transport. Highlights: - idyllic lakes and rivers - "Alter Schlackehafen" viewpoint - Stammheim castle park
- 4.4 (34)·Moderate·6 km·Est. 1–1.5 hrBeautiful hiking trail north-east of Cologne in North Rhine-Westphalia This hiking trail leads to the idyllic Höhenfelder See lake and the Dünnwald wildlife park. The start and end point is at the Kalkweg hiking car park. A number of wild animals can be seen in the Dünnwald wildlife park. The lake is a quarry pond of a former gravel pit. However, swimming in the lake is not permitted. The route is very suitable for families with children. Highlights: - Lake Höhenfeld - Dünnwald wildlife...
- 4.0 (20)·Moderate·8.4 km·Est. 2–2.5 hrThis relaxing forest trail leads through one of the largest contiguous forest areas in the Cologne Bay. The trail opens up the Königsforst nature reserve east of Cologne and runs along a mixture of wide, well-maintained forest roads and gently winding forest paths. The main highlights of the tour are the historic water treading pool, which invites for a refreshment in Kneipp style, and the idyllic Pionierweiher, a tranquil body of water surrounded by dense beech and oak forests. The route is...
- 4.6 (20)·Moderate·20.9 km·Est. 5–5.5 hrFirst stage of the long-distance hiking trail Kölnpfad, North Rhine-Westphalia. A good basic level of fitness is required for the first, quite long stage of the Kölnpfad Trail. It starts at the Rodenkirchen bridge. The route passes the Weißer Rheinbogen, the Forest Botanical Garden and the Friedenswäldchen forest until the end of the stage, the Klettenbergpark, is reached. There are several places to stop for refreshments here. Highlights of the route: - Rhine bank - Forest Botanical...
- 4.2 (21)·Moderate·7.7 km·Est. 2–2.5 hrPopular walk near Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. This entertaining route around the Decksteiner Weiher pond is just a few kilometres as the crow flies from Cologne city centre and is therefore perfect for a relaxed after-work walk. The pond is part of Cologne's outer green belt - the city's former fortress ring. Highlights of the hike: - Decksteiner Weiher - Wilderness forest - Fitness trail - Cologne forest laboratory - Dog exercise area
- 4.2 (18)·Moderate·16.9 km·Est. 4–4.5 hrRelaxed stage of the long-distance hiking trail "Kölnpfad" near Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. The second stage of the Kölnpfad starts at the Klettenbergpark stop and ends at the Bocklemünd stop. Most of the time, the route follows well-surfaced paths along Cologne's green belt. However, the route also briefly runs along a very busy road - special care is required here. It is possible to stop off at the "Haus am See" with its mini golf course. Highlights of the hike: - Cologne's green...
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Frequently asked questions
What is the longest lake trail in Cologne?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest lake trail in Cologne is Kölner Weg (Fernwanderweg). This trail is estimated to be 259.3 km long.
Which lake trail has the most elevation gain in Cologne?
Cologne: With an ascent of 8,274 m, Kölner Weg (Fernwanderweg) has the most elevation gain of all of the lake trails in the area. The next highest ascent for lake trails is RSG-Ford RTF 2021 - 220 Route with 2,964 m of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult lake trail in Cologne?
The most popular and difficult lake trail in Cologne is Königsforst Circuit with a 4.5-star rating from 109 reviews.
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Suitability
Points of interest
- Baptisterium
- Cologne Cathedral
- Schinkenkessel (römisch/preussisch)
- Domfontäne
- Monte Troodelöh
- Tünnes und Schäl
- Von-Diergardt-See
- Roman Aqueduct
- Wiesenhaus Campingplatz
- Alter Schlackehafen
- Skulpturenpark Stammheim
- Römisches Nordtor
- Fühlinger See
- Cologne Cable Car
- KölnTriangle Cologne View
- St. Maria ad Gradus
- Decksteiner Weiher
- Pegel Köln
- Bastei
- Heinzelmännchenbrunnen