The best hikes from bus stations around NSG Brachter Wald und Heidemoore

Here the path leads between old and new river arms of the Schwalm.

A beautiful riverside path along the Schwalm.

The Konik horses ensure that the heath does not become overgrown again.

"Due to German protective tariffs, Dutchmen established brickworks on the German side starting in 1885. Even before 1900, the exploitation of clay deposits along the German-Dutch border began, starting from what is now the road 'Zum Weißen Stein' (At the White Stone). At that time, the Bracht clay pits were located at Icksberg, Schäferstrauch, Führsteinsberg, and Dassenberg. In Brüggen, clay was mined, among other places, in the Holter Heide, at Benzenklef, and in the Diergardt Forest in the Kahlbergsche Heide. ... Two smaller mining areas still exist today in this part of the Bracht Forest, the so-called Ravensheide. The long-exhausted pits of bygone eras are clearly visible as deep, wide pits in the forest; elevations like the Icksberg have been completely leveled." https://www.niederrhein-tourismus.de/attraktion/kahlbergsche-heide-icksberg-b92dffdcf4

https://www.wa-wa-we.eu/de/leichte-wander-welt/leichte-wander-welt-details/brachter-wald-pfad.html "The heathlands in the Brachter Wald forest are part of a long chain of heathlands stretching from Kaldenkirchen to Niederkrüchten, mostly interspersed with pine forest. The transitions between open heath strips, pine forests, and splinter protection walls are a special feature of the area. The Brachter Wald Trail is a circular hiking route. It leads along marked paths for 5.2 km through a multifaceted and unique nature reserve. Special features: From 1948 to 1996, the approximately 12 km² area was a munitions depot of the British Army of the Rhine. The site contained around 200 halls and approximately 300 storage areas for up to 45,000 tons of conventional munitions. Behind the approximately 18 km long fence, there was an 88 km network of barriers." The area includes 15 km of railway tracks and four loading stations. Behind the fence, a unique heathland developed on extremely nutrient-poor and dry, sandy soils, nestled within a light pine forest. In 1998, large parts of the site were purchased by the NRW Foundation, after the Viersen district had designated the area as the Brachter Wald provisional nature reserve in 1988. Enjoy the fantastic view from the approximately 8-meter-high viewing platform. You might be lucky enough to spot fallow deer or one of the Konik horses grazing here. These animals were bred back from very primitive Polish domestic horses similar to the Tarpan. They are very undemanding and can graze on the heath plants. From spring to autumn, a shepherd also moves his flock of sheep and goats through the area, helping to maintain the heath. The flora and fauna: The nature reserve is home to many plants and animals threatened throughout Europe. For example, the former depot is the only known location of grey heath in all of Germany. The European nightjar, A nocturnal heath bird has its largest breeding population in North Rhine-Westphalia here. But woodlarks and whinchats also have enormous numbers of breeding pairs here. With a bit of luck, you might also spot natterjack toads and sand lizards.

This is almost a regular feature here in the Lower Rhine region: running between the waterways. Here we are between Lake Venekoten (left) and the Schwalm River (right).

Concrete paths in places. Wild horses can be found there. Unfortunately, some seemingly beautiful sections are closed. Former military site. Light, simple equipment is required. Cyclists are also there. Good for a relaxing Sunday stroll.

The Schwalmbruch trail takes you through one of the most beautiful and diverse areas of the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park. The area is known for its wet heathlands, peaty grasslands, small streams, and rare plants and animals. Especially in spring and summer, you'll encounter flowering heath orchids and countless dragonflies. The landscape is constantly changing: from tranquil forests to open peatlands and along waterways where, with a bit of luck, you might spot kingfishers or even beaver tracks. The well-marked trails offer both short circular walks and longer hikes.