Best wildlife trails in Cologne

4.3(194 reviews)

Explore the most popular wildlife 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

#1 - Königsforst Circuit
4.5 (108)·Hard·19.3 km·Est. 5–5.5 hr
The 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,...
#2 - Dünnwald Wildlife Park and Höhenfelder See Circular Route
4.4 (34)·Moderate·6 km·Est. 1–1.5 hr
Beautiful 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...
#3 - Heinrich-Lübke-Ufer - Zündorf
4.4 (11)·Moderate·15.9 km·Est. 4–4.5 hr
#4 - Deckstein Pond
4.2 (6)·Moderate·6.6 km·Est. 1.5–2 hr
#5 - Köln Königsforst Runde
4.7 (16)·Easy·3.7 km·Est. 1–1.5 hr
#6 - Rhine Cycle Path Stage 6: Cologne -Arnhem
4.5 (8)·Moderate·225 km·Est. 24 hr+
Varied long-distance stage along the Rhine, North Rhine-Westphalia This is the sixth stage of the popular long-distance cycle route "Rhine Cycle Route" (EuroVelo 15), which follows the Rhine from the Swiss Alps to the North Sea over a total length of 1,500 kilometres. The 6th stage starts in Cologne and leads via Düsseldorf and Duisburg to Arnhem in the Netherlands. There are numerous places to stay overnight and stop for refreshments, so that the stage can be completed comfortably in...
#7 - MTB: Köln nach Witzhelden durch das Dhünntal
5.0 (1)·Moderate·37.5 km·Est. 10.5–11.5 hr
#8 - Kölner Weg Etappe 1: Köln - Rösrath
4.5 (2)·Moderate·15.6 km·Est. 4–4.5 hr
Stage 1 of the long-distance hiking trail "Kölner Weg", North Rhine-Westphalia. This is the first stage of the traditional Cologne Trail, which leads from Cologne's Königsforst forest over a distance of around 255 kilometres through the Westerwald, Bergisches Land and Siebengebirge mountains to Königswinter. The first stage runs from Cologne to Rösrath. For the most part, you walk along quiet forest paths through Cologne's Königsforst forest. There are places to stay overnight and stop for...
#9 - Dünnwald - Odenthal - Scheuren
3.7 (5)·Moderate·37.3 km·Est. 10–11 hr
Scenic and varied mountain bike tour in the Dünnwald, North Rhine-Westphalia. Start and finish are at the Leuchterstraße bus stop. There are also car parks nearby. This is a lovely excursion that also offers beautiful views. Highlights of the tour: - Beautiful views - Local flora and fauna - Beautiful natural landscapes
#10 - Family-friendly tour through the Dünnwald recreation area
5.0 (1)·Easy·4.2 km·Est. 1–1.5 hr

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Frequently asked questions

What is the longest wildlife trail in Cologne?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest wildlife trail in Cologne is Rhine Cycle Path Stage 6: Cologne -Arnhem. This trail is estimated to be 225.0 km long.

Which wildlife trail has the most elevation gain in Cologne?

Cologne: With an ascent of 2,105 m, Rhine Cycle Path Stage 6: Cologne -Arnhem has the most elevation gain of all of the wildlife trails in the area. The next highest ascent for wildlife trails is MTB: Köln nach Witzhelden durch das Dhünntal with 1,091 m of elevation gain.