Best forest trails in Cologne
4.0(720 reviews)
Explore the most popular forest 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·12 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrPopular 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...
- 4.7 (44)·Moderate·5.5 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrFamily-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
- 4.3 (30)·Easy·2.2 mi·Est. 0.5–1 hrFamily-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...
- 4.4 (47)·Moderate·8.3 mi·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
- 4.7 (6)·Moderate·13 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrPopular running event in Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. This is the course of the Cologne Half Marathon. The route runs through several parks and crosses the Rhine once. More details about the event can be found on the organizers' website (see link under "Tips"). Attention: The route may only be safe to complete due to roadblocks during the event. Highlights of the route: - Rhine - Cologne cathedral - Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park - August Sander Park
- 4.4 (34)·Moderate·3.7 mi·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 parking lot. 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: - Höhenfelder See - Dünnwald...
- 4.5 (22)·Moderate·6.7 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrCharming and promising excursion through Cologne, North Rhine-Westphalia. Short and varied walk through the city of Cologne. A special highlight is the accompaniment of the Rhine. Also nice for someone with an interest in bridges. Highlights of the tour: - Beautiful prospects in Cologne - Walk along the Rhine - Interesting bridges
- 4.0 (20)·Moderate·5.2 mi·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...
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Frequently asked questions
What is the longest forest trail in Cologne?
According to AllTrails.com, the longest forest trail in Cologne is Kölner Weg (Fernwanderweg). This trail is estimated to be 161.1 mi long.
Which forest 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 forest trails in the area. The next highest ascent for forest trails is Rodenkirchen RTF Eifel Marathon with 13,097 ft of elevation gain.
What is the most popular and difficult forest trail in Cologne?
The most popular and difficult forest trail in Cologne is Königsforst Loop with a 4.5-star rating from 108 reviews.
Top parks around Cologne
Explore forest trails in the Cologne area
More forest trails
- Roderkirchener Bridge- Rhine
- Kölnpfad Stage 1: Rodenkirchener Bridge - Klettenberg
- Decksteiner Weiher und Wildniswald
- Steinbruchsweg (Kölner Eifelverein A1)
- Durch den Stadtwald Lindenthal
- Cologne: Cologne Cathedral - Mediapark - Hiroshima-Nagasaki Park
- Koelnpfad Stage 4: Roggendorf/Thenhoven - Merkenich
- Königsforst - Vom Wildgehege zum Rather Weiher
Activities
Attractions
- Beach trails in Cologne
- City walks in Cologne
- Easy trails in Cologne
- Event trails in Cologne
- Forest trails in Cologne
- Hard trails in Cologne
- Lake trails in Cologne
- Long trails in Cologne
- Moderate trails in Cologne
- River trails in Cologne
- Short trails in Cologne
- Trails with historic sites in Cologne
- Trails with views in Cologne
- Wildflower trails in Cologne
- Wildlife trails in Cologne
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