Attractions and Places To See in Gierather Wald - Top 14
Best attractions and places to see in Gierather Wald include a diverse natural landscape with deciduous forests, natural streams, and significant wetlands. This nature reserve offers a blend of natural beauty and accessible outdoor activities. Visitors can explore historical points of interest, such as remnants of open-cast iron ore mining, alongside extensive networks of trails. The area serves as an important location for local recreation, providing varied experiences close to urban centers.
Best attractions and places to see in Gierather Wald
- The most popular attractions is Small pond in Gierather Wald, a lake that offers a place to relax and enjoy the surroundings. It is directly at a refuge and can be a spot for children to splash around.
- Another must-see spot is Gierather Wood Gravel Path, a trail through a wooded area. This path traverses a landscape crisscrossed by meandering streams and features large wetlands with peat mosses.
- Visitors also love Kölnpfad along Bensberger See, a lake also known as Saaler Mühlenteich. This dammed lake is part of a recreational area with several islands that serve as undisturbed breeding grounds for various bird species.
- Gierather Wald is known for its natural features like lakes and forests, historical sites, and numerous trails. These attractions provide a variety of experiences for exploring the region's natural beauty and past.
- The attractions in Gierather Wald are appreciated by the komoot community, with 77 upvotes and 65 photos shared by visitors.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Kölnpfad along Bensberger See
Highlight (Segment) • Lake
The Bensberg lake is a former brown coal open pit. Recently the pit Consolidation Alfred was in operation here.
The former town of Bensberg has bought the entire area around the Saaler mill around 1966. In the following years, a recreational area with an indoor pool and sports and leisure facilities was built here. Then you have piled up a dam at the outflow of the running water and dammed the lake as a rainwater retention basin
Source: Wikipedia
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Gierather Forest Nature Reserve
Highlight • Forest
In the middle of the 19th century, opencast iron mining was carried out in the Gierather Forest. These were the Emma mine, Franconia mine, Habsburg mine and the Hohenzollern mine. From the Habsburg mine you can still see the Pingen in the middle of the forest.
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Gierather Wood Gravel Path
Highlight • Trail
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Small pond in Gierather Wald
Highlight • Lake
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Route of the Former Tram Line G
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
St. Lawrence. Canal construction work, the poor condition of the tracks and a decreasing number of passengers meant that the line ended in Thielenbruch from November 1958. Until 1980, rail replacement bus services ran from there to Bergisch Gladbach.
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Tips from the Community
The Gierather Wäldchen with its gravel path is a small natural gem for anyone seeking a quiet, nature-close break – perfect for relaxing walks in the green. 🌿👣🍃
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The 189-hectare "Gierather Wald" nature reserve forms the largest part of the Schluchter Heide between Dellbrück and Bergisch Gladbach. The Gierather Wald is a wooded area crisscrossed by meandering streams, featuring large wetlands with peat mosses. Remains of alder swamp forests can also be found here. Like many other wooded areas in the region, it is also crisscrossed by drainage ditches, which are scheduled to be closed in the coming years to restore the original moorland.
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"The Saaler Mühle recreation area offers space for numerous recreational activities. The centerpiece of the complex is a large lake with several islands where various bird species can nest undisturbed. The friendly geese are happy to be fed with a few breadcrumbs. A walk around the lake is leisurely and can be completed in a short time, as the paths are flat. At the Saaler Mühle, there is a large children's playground with a variety of equipment for both older and younger children. There is also a barbecue hut." https://www.bergisches-wanderland.de/poi/saaler-muehle
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Probably a former fish pond with overflow.
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The Gierather Forest is home to many different animals, especially amphibians, reptiles, birds and insect species.
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The Gierather Forest is a forest area crossed by meandering streams and has large wetlands with peat moss. In accordance with the natural conditions, this forest area is mainly composed of beech and oak trees. In the wetter areas, remains of alder and swamp forest, as well as remains of sphagnum moss, can be found. With its natural nature, the Gierrath Forest offers a habitat for various animals, especially amphibians, reptiles, birds and insects. In the middle of the 19th century, opencast iron mining was carried out in the Gierather Forest. These were the Emma mine, Franconia mine, Habsburg mine and the Hohenzollern mine. From the Habsburg mine you can still see the Pingen in the middle of the forest.
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Climate change: Dry out for the first time(?) in 2022.
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Slightly gravelled and slowly rideable with a racing bike. The G tram line, which once connected Cologne-Mülheim with the Bergisch-Gladbach city center, was partially shut down in 1957 and finally in 1958.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What natural features can I explore in Gierather Wald?
Gierather Wald is characterized by its diverse natural landscape, including typical deciduous forests, natural streams, and significant peat and moss-rich wetlands. You can also find birch and alder carrs. A notable feature is the Kölnpfad along Bensberger See, also known as Saaler Mühlenteich, a dammed lake with islands that serve as undisturbed breeding grounds for various bird species. The Small pond in Gierather Wald also offers a tranquil spot.
Are there historical sites to visit in Gierather Wald?
Yes, Gierather Wald offers glimpses into the region's past. You can explore the "Pingen" of Grube Habsburg, which are remnants of open-cast iron ore mining from the mid-19th century. Another historical point of interest is the Brandroster Historic Half-Timbered House, which has a rich history related to charcoal burning. Additionally, the Route of the Former Tram Line G traces the path of an old electric suburban train line.
Is Gierather Wald suitable for families with children?
Absolutely! Gierather Wald is very family-friendly. The area around Bensberger See (Saaler Mühlenteich) features a large children's playground with various equipment and a barbecue hut, making it a popular spot for family outings. The Small pond in Gierather Wald is also a nice place for children to splash around, though it can dry up in summer.
What kind of hiking trails can I find in Gierather Wald?
Gierather Wald boasts numerous attractive walking and hiking paths suitable for various fitness levels. You can find trails like the Gierather Wood Gravel Path, which traverses a wooded area with meandering streams and wetlands. Popular routes include the "Bensberger See (Westufer) – Naturschutzgebiet Gierather Wald Runde" and "Zwischen Golfplatz und Naturparadies (Bergisch Gladbach)", allowing you to explore the forest's natural beauty.
Are there any specific trails recommended for easy walks?
Yes, Gierather Wald offers several easy hiking options. The paths around Bensberger See (Saaler Mühlenteich) are flat and easily accessible, perfect for leisurely strolls. For more easy hikes, you can explore routes like the "Lake Bensberg (west bank) – Bensberg Lake loop from Gierather Wald" or the "Stream in Gierather Forest – Gierather Forest Nature Reserve loop from Gierather Wald". You can find more details on easy hikes in the region on our Easy hikes in Gierather Wald guide.
Can I go cycling or gravel biking in Gierather Wald?
Yes, Gierather Wald and its surroundings offer opportunities for cycling and gravel biking. The Route of the Former Tram Line G is a slightly gravelled path that can be ridden with a racing bike. For dedicated gravel biking routes, you can check out our Gravel biking in Gierather Wald guide, which includes routes like the "Emperor's Oak in Königsforst – Königs Forest loop from Gierather Wald".
What is the best time of year to visit Gierather Wald?
Gierather Wald is beautiful year-round, with each season offering a different experience. The deciduous forests are particularly vibrant in spring with new growth and in autumn with colorful foliage. Summer is ideal for enjoying the recreational areas around Bensberger See, while winter can offer peaceful, crisp walks, though some smaller ponds might freeze or dry up.
Is Gierather Wald dog-friendly?
Gierather Wald is generally dog-friendly, offering many trails for walks with your canine companion. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors. Please be mindful of any specific signage regarding dog access in certain areas.
Are there any accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers?
Yes, the area around Bensberger See (Saaler Mühlenteich) features flat, easily accessible paths, making it suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. These paths allow visitors to enjoy leisurely walks around the lake and access the recreational facilities.
Where can I find places to relax or have a picnic?
The area around Bensberger See (Saaler Mühlenteich) is an excellent spot for relaxation, featuring benches around the lake and a barbecue hut. The Small pond in Gierather Wald also provides a very nice place to relax and take a short break amidst beautiful surroundings.
What kind of wildlife can be spotted in Gierather Wald?
Gierather Wald's diverse natural landscape, including forests, streams, and wetlands, provides a rich habitat for various animal species. You might spot amphibians, reptiles, and a variety of birds, especially around the islands of Bensberger See (Saaler Mühlenteich), which serve as undisturbed breeding grounds. Insects also thrive in the peat and moss-rich areas.
Where can I park when visiting Gierather Wald?
While specific parking lots are not detailed, Gierather Wald is an important area for local recreation, implying accessible parking options. Visitors typically find public parking in the vicinity of popular entry points or near attractions like Bensberger See. It is advisable to look for designated parking areas when planning your visit.
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Most popular attractions in Gierather Wald
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