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Best trails in Cologne

Best trails in Cologne

4.1(1,232 reviews)

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Looking for the best hiking trails in Cologne? Whether you're getting ready to hike, bike, trail run, or explore other outdoor activities, AllTrails has 119 scenic trails in the Cologne area. Enjoy hand-curated trail maps, along with reviews and photos from nature lovers like you. Explore one of 25 easy hiking trails in Cologne or discover kid-friendly routes for your next family trip. Check out some trails with historic sights or adventure through the nature areas surrounding Cologne that are perfect for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts at any skill level.
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Top trails

  1. #1 - City Tour Cologne: Old Town City Walk

    4.4 (87)·Easy·1.8 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Popular city walk in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. This city walk goes through Cologne's city centre, past many of the city's most famous sights. It starts at the Rhine, which will be crossed via the Hohenzollern Bridge - famous for its hundreds of thousands of love locks. Of course, Cologne Cathedral, which was built in 1248 and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is also along the route. Highlights of the route: - Rhine - Hohenzollern Bridge - Cologne Cathedral - Numerous museums - Rhine...

  2. #2 - Cologne Loop: Rheinpark - Sculpture Park - Cologne Cathedral

    4.4 (78)·Easy·3.3 mi·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Family-friendly city walk in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. This is a nice, easy tour of Cologne. Always along the Rhine, it passes famous attractions like the Cologne Cathedral. The route can be easily reached by bus and train. The start and finish of this walking tour is Cologne Central Station. Highlights of the route: - Beautiful cultural and urban scenery - Great views - Along the Rhine

  3. #3 - Rhine Riverbank Loop

    4.4 (94)·Moderate·6.9 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Scenic city walk in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. A beautiful loop without much ascent, which always leads along the banks of the Rhine and past numerous attractions. There is the Rhine Park and Cologne Cathedral and much more to discover in the historic city centre. The start and finish points are easily accessible, right next to Cologne Central Station. The route can be individually shortened or extended and there are numerous cafés and restaurants to stop off at. Highlights of the...

  4. #4 - Königsforst Loop

    4.5 (109)·Hard·12 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hr
    Popular loop 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, ru onto Rathausen-Forsbachweg. With some luck, kingfishers, gray woodpeckers, ns along...

  5. #5 - Köln: Sechs Rheinbrücken

    4.6 (36)·Moderate·9.4 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hr
    This beautiful round only leaves out the Rodenkirchen and Merkenich motorway bridges in the south and north (there must still be challenges for spring). Otherwise you take all six Cologne inner city bridges with you! Reachable by bus and train, start and finish at Cologne Central Station.

  6. #6 - Cologne Green Belt

    4.7 (49)·Moderate·5.5 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Family-friendly hike in the heart of Cologne. Cologne's green belts are planned green zones that form a semicircle around the city on both banks of the Rhine. This route leads around the Denksteine and Adenauer Weiher. Excellent for an afternoon stroll with the family. Highlights of the hike: - Rhine bank - Local flora and fauna - memorial stones - Adenau pond ---- Accessible by bus and train

  7. #7 - City forest Cologne

    4.3 (31)·Easy·2.2 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Family-friendly loop in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. This is an easy hike in the Cologne city forest, which is 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...

  8. #8 - Cologne Trail Stage 11: Zündorf - Rodenkirchen

    4.3 (16)·Moderate·5.1 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hr

  9. #9 - Rheinauhafen and Cologne Chocolate Museum

    4.4 (20)·Easy·2 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hr
    Popular walk in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. This is a very relaxed walk on the peninsula in the Rheinauhafen. In the Chocolate Museum - the most visited museum in the city - interested visitors can learn everything about chocolate production. Highlights of the route: - Rhine - Rheinauhafen - Chocolate Museum Cologne

  10. #10 - Radenbruch-Tour (Bündnis Heideterasse Wanderwege)

    4.4 (25)·Moderate·7.9 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hr
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Frequently asked questions

What are the different types of hiking trails in Cologne?

There are plenty of things to do on Cologne's hiking trails. On AllTrails.com, you'll find 35 road biking trails, 34 hiking trails, 30 walking trails, and more.

What is the longest trail in Cologne?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Cologne is Kölner Weg (Fernwanderweg). This trail is estimated to be 161.1 mi long.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Cologne?

Cologne: With an ascent of 27,145 ft, Kölner Weg (Fernwanderweg) has the most elevation gain of all of the trails in the area. The next highest ascent trail is Rodenkirchen RTF Eifel Marathon with 13,097 ft of elevation gain.

What is the most popular and difficult trail in Cologne?

The most popular and difficult trail in Cologne is Königsforst Loop with a 4.5-star rating from 109 reviews.

Are there camping trails available in Cologne?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 17 camping trails in Cologne and the most popular is Cologne Trail Stage 11: Zündorf - Rodenkirchen with an average 4.3 star rating from 16 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Cologne?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 8 running trails in Cologne and the most popular is Cologne Green Belt with an average 4.7 star rating from 49 community reviews.

Are there biking trails available in Cologne?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 45 biking trails in Cologne and the most popular is Cologne Green Belt with an average 4.7 star rating from 49 community reviews.

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Cologne?

Are there any trails with waterfalls in Cologne?

Yes, there are 2 trails with waterfalls in Cologne, including Kölnpfad Stage 1: Rodenkirchener Bridge - Klettenberg and Kölnpfad Stage 2: Klettenberg - Bocklemünd.

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Cologne?

Are there any trails with ponds in Cologne?

Are there any trails with historical ruins in Cologne?

Are there any trails with historical monuments in Cologne?

Yes, there are 3 trails with historical monuments in Cologne, including City Tour Cologne: Old Town City Walk, Cologne Half Marathon (2019), and Cologne Marathon.

Are there any trails with archaeological sites in Cologne?

Are there any trails with wilderness hides or viewing shelters in Cologne?

Yes, there are 2 trails with wilderness hides or viewing shelters in Cologne, including Dünnwald Wildlife Park and Höhenfelder See Loop and Dünnwald - Odenthal - Scheuren.

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