4.5
(12594)
56,399
hikers
29
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Nsg Koellnischer Wald traverse a diverse landscape characterized by open deciduous forests and several small streams, including the Spechtbach and Boye river system. This region, part of the Hohe Mark Nature Park, is recognized as the largest contiguous and near-natural deciduous mixed forest in the Westphalian lowlands. The terrain features gentle elevations and paths winding through areas shaped by historical mining activities, which have influenced groundwater levels and created unique environments. Hikers can explore a…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
4.5
(107)
385
hikers
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.9
(25)
98
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.1
(7)
59
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(4)
18
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(98)
56
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Beautiful route along the slag heap. I highly recommend it. It's a great place to unwind ✌️
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The shelter was built by various craftsmen from Kirchhellen at the end of 2025 as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Kolping Family Kirchhellen.
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The headframe symbolizes the "old Ruhr region" today and has, in my opinion, an interesting shape. Due to the fact that this mine was the last in the Ruhr region to cease operations, it even has a unique selling point.
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If you know what to look for, you can spot the tetrahedron.
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Hello Daniel, the dump was open for use for a few months. It seems it's been closed again for some time now.
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Beautiful place on the slag heap
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Great view of the Ruhr area and the Tetrahedron
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Unfortunately, the point is a construction site. The totems have been dismantled, and the interior is cordoned off with a construction fence. I hope the renovation doesn't take too long.
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Nsg Köllnischer Wald offers a wide selection of family-friendly hiking trails, with over 25 routes specifically curated for families. Most of these are rated as easy, making them suitable for all ages.
The trails in Nsg Köllnischer Wald primarily feature an open deciduous forest with minimal undergrowth and numerous small paths. You'll find gentle elevations, especially around features like the Schöttelheide Spoil Heap, offering varied but generally easy walking surfaces suitable for families.
Yes, many of the family-friendly trails in Nsg Köllnischer Wald are circular, perfect for a relaxed day out. An excellent option is the Schöttelheide Spoil Heap – Schöttelhalde loop from Köllnischer Wald - FFH, which is an easy 6.2 km route.
The region is rich in natural beauty. You can explore the diverse Köllnischer Wald itself, with its near-natural deciduous mixed forests and small streams like the Spechtbach. Don't miss the Schöttelheide Spoil Heap for panoramic views, or the tranquil Spechtbach Trail.
For families with toddlers, we recommend shorter, easy routes with minimal elevation. The Fr. Hanul-Tiedlung Mining Cart Path loop from Grafenwald is a great choice at just under 4 km, offering a gentle and engaging walk.
The Nsg Köllnischer Wald is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn are particularly enchanting for family hikes. In spring, the deciduous forest bursts into green, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer provides pleasant shade, and even winter walks can be magical, especially on crisp, clear days.
Parking is generally available at various entry points to the forest. For example, the Hohe Buchen Trailhead Parking – Flooded Pond at Rabenbroksweg loop from Halde Haniel route starts from a designated parking area, making access convenient for families.
While the guide focuses on family-friendly routes, many trails in Nsg Köllnischer Wald are dog-friendly. However, it's always best to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, natural mixed deciduous forests, the well-maintained paths, and the sense of tranquility that makes it ideal for family outings.
Absolutely! The Schöttelheide Spoil Heap (also known as the Haniel-Nord heap) provides excellent panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, offering a unique perspective over the forested areas and beyond. It's a great spot for a family photo.
For a shorter, easy walk, consider the Gladbecker Forest – Boye Creek Bed loop from Grafenwald. This route is just over 3.7 km and features minimal elevation, making it perfect for a relaxed stroll with young children.


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