The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Baesweiler

🌉 Schwebesteg – the Suspension Bridge in Carl-Alexander Park The Schwebesteg is one of the most characteristic features of the hiking trail in Carl-Alexander Park near Baesweiler, Germany. The name Schwebesteg means "suspended" or "floating" pedestrian bridge, and that's precisely what you'll find here: a bridge that forms a path above ground level through the trees and forms part of the ascent to the viewing platform on the Bergehalde Carl-Alexander. The Schwebesteg is a suspension bridge, approximately 25 meters long, that begins shortly after leaving the Bergfoyer and then transitions into the Himmelsstiege and the stairs leading to the summit plateau of the large slag heap. The bridge allows you to walk above the forest and the slope halfway up the ascent, creating an experience that is visually and physically different from a regular hiking trail.

🏞️ Carl-AlexanderPark – landscape history and transformation. Carl-AlexanderPark is located on the site of the former Grube Carl Alexander coal mine in Baesweiler, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. The mine began extracting coal in 1921 and ceased operations in 1975, with the last mine in the area closing in 1992. The remaining structures, particularly the high bergehalde (mine stone deposits), still dominate the landscape. Between 2002 and 2008, the area was redeveloped as a public park with a landscape architectural design that combines nature, recreation, heritage, and viewpoints. This project was part of the EuRegionale 2008 and has also won regional architecture awards. The park is open and free to enter, combining nature experiences with reminders of the region's industrial history. The route to the top is a hike suitable for most hikers in terms of length and difficulty, yet still offers a sense of adventure. You begin at the striking Bergfoyer (the park's central information and starting point) and walk across a suspension bridge between the treetops, then enter the Himmelsstiege, which takes you over 80 meters of elevation to the viewing platform. The path runs partially above ground through the trees, providing a rewarding climb over the surrounding landscape. The steps are steep but manageable, and there are places along the way to rest and take in the scenery. Once you reach the top, a spectacular panorama of the surrounding Meuse-Rhine Euregio unfolds. On clear days, the view extends across fields, forests, and villages to the horizon. This view emphasizes the contrast between the region's industrial past and its reclaimed natural value as a recreational and natural environment. The plateau is a popular spot for photography, tranquility, and experiencing the spatial scale of the landscape. The climb and the view make the Himmelsstiege one of the biggest attractions of CarlAlexanderPark for hikers and nature lovers.

CarlAlexanderPark is a large recreation and out-of-the-way area in the German town of Baesweiler (North Rhine-Westphalia), near the border with the Netherlands. It is best known for its landscape park, which was created on the site of a former coal mine, and its Bergfoyer (Bergfoyer) as a central starting point for visitors. CarlAlexanderPark is a redeveloped former mining site (Grube Carl Alexander) that now serves as a large-scale nature walking and recreation area. The old coal deposits (heaps/halde) have been transformed into a park with hiking trails, viewpoints, and recreational facilities. The park has several paths and a steep route to an 80-meter-high mountain plateau with views over the Meuse-Rhine Euregion. The halde and surrounding areas have been restored as a nature reserve with unique flora and fauna, and information signs along the path. There are also playgrounds, open spaces, and a youth campsite in the Bergpark at the foot of the halde.

The old railway line where the coal was once loaded.

Because it is beautiful here and there are many things to discover, especially for children!

A wonderful panoramic view! And unlike other slag heaps in the area, there is a path here that you can actually ride all the way up on a touring bike (even if it is strenuous). On the last upper section of the ascent path, slabs have even been laid instead of gravel to give the bike tires a better grip.

The site of today's Carl-Alexander Park in Baesweiler was part of the Carl-Alexander pit, a hard coal mine in Baesweiler and belonged to the Aachen hard coal district. Coal mining stopped in 1975 and the Carl Alexander Park was created here as part of the EuRegionale 2008. The most important design elements of the park are: a landscape artery connecting the park with Beeckfliess and Wurmtal, a mountain foyer with restaurants, the ascent to the heap with a suspension footbridge and suspension bridge, the mountain plateau with a viewing platform and a mountain park at the foot of the heap. The CAP also includes a technology and commercial area and a youth camp with play and sports facilities.

You can't miss the bright red mountain foyer. It is the information center for the CarlAlexanderPark and also offers a restaurant. You can find more information at https://www.baesweiler.de/carlalexanderpark.html.