Nature Reserves in Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf
Nature Reserves in Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf
Nature Reserve Guide
Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf is home to more than 20 nature reserves, providing protected habitats within one of Germany's most densely populated regions. These areas encompass a variety of landscapes, from the Rhine floodplain ecosystems with their oxbow lakes and wet meadows to expansive heathlands and ancient forests. The well-maintained trail networks make these reserves suitable for activities such as hiking, cycling, and jogging.
Across the various nature reserves in Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf, komoot aggregates more than 4,000 routes for hiking, cycling, and running. Data from more than 142,000 visitors shows an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for these protected areas. Among the top nature reserves in Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf is the Bislicher Insel, a significant Lower Rhine wetland with more than 60 designated hiking routes. The Üfter-, Rüster- Und Emmelkämper Mark offers more than 70 hiking trails through its diverse forests and heathlands. In the Rheinaue Zwischen Büderich Und Perrich, visitors can find dozens of cycling routes exploring its riparian forests. These reserves are managed to conserve biodiversity while providing opportunities for low-impact outdoor recreation.
4131
Routes
4.5
(25998)
Average rating
143K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.5
(2699)
14,181
hikers
Rheinaue Zwischen Büderich Und Perrich is a nature reserve offering diverse routes for cycling, hiking, and mountain biking across its Rhine floodplains and riparian forests.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(2594)
10,688
hikers
Üfter-, Rüster- Und Emmelkämper Mark is a 1,000-hectare nature reserve with diverse forests, heathlands, and ancient dunes, offering extensive routes for hiking and cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.4
(1260)
9,056
hikers
Nsg Dueffel - Kellener Altrhein Und Flussmarschen is an EU bird sanctuary with meadowlands and the Kellener Altrhein, offering routes for cycling and hiking.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(1179)
8,068
hikers
Salmorth is a nature reserve in Germany's Kleve district, offering diverse routes for cycling and hiking across grasslands, dikes, and the Rhine floodplains.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(1214)
7,389
hikers
Bislicher Insel is a Lower Rhine nature reserve with diverse wetlands and flat paths, ideal for hiking, cycling, and wildlife observation.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.7
(1578)
7,237
hikers
Grenzdyck is a nature reserve in Germany with wet meadows and woodlands, offering diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(888)
7,174
hikers
Rheinaue Bislich-Vahnum is a floodplain nature reserve offering diverse routes for jogging, cycling, and hiking across flat terrain and former gravel pits.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(1150)
5,735
hikers
Isselniederung is a nature reserve in North Rhine-Westphalia featuring diverse wet meadows, woodlands, and the Issel River, offering numerous routes for cycling and hiking.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.7
(1000)
5,624
hikers
Abgrabungsseen Lohrwardt Und Reckerfeld is a 194-hectare nature reserve featuring two former gravel lakes, woodlands, and open pastures. It offers diverse routes for hiking, jogging, and cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.7
(1373)
5,484
hikers
Nördlichertüschenwald is a nature reserve with interconnected ponds, hills, and forests, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(1003)
5,369
hikers
Dornicksche Ward is a nature reserve with diverse landscapes, offering paths and trails for cycling, gravel biking, and hiking. It features varied terrain for different activity levels.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.4
(777)
4,933
hikers
Momm-Niederung is a nature reserve in Voerde, Germany, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking through Rhine-shaped landscapes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.4
(802)
4,920
hikers
Hasenfeld Und Rheinvorland Zwischen Eversael Und Ossenberg is a nature reserve with diverse ecosystems, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(1002)
4,475
hikers
Staatsforst Rheurdt/Littard is a nature reserve in the Lower Rhine region, offering tranquil mixed woodlands and lakes for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling on flat terrain.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.7
(648)
4,376
hikers
Haffensche Landwehr is a diverse nature reserve in Rees, Germany, offering extensive wetlands, excavation lakes, and waterways for hiking and cycling routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(665)
4,273
hikers
Deichvorland Bei Grieth Mit Kalflack is a 505-hectare nature reserve on the Rhine, offering diverse routes for road cycling, hiking, and gravel biking across its grasslands and dikes.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.3
(940)
4,114
hikers
Nsg Geldenberg is a nature reserve in Klever Reichswald with diverse forests and varied terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. It offers over 100 routes, including challenging climbs.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(838)
3,988
hikers
Dingdener Heide is a nature reserve within Hohe Mark Nature Park, offering varied landscapes and over 50 routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(638)
3,806
hikers
Rheinvorland Zwischen Mehrum Und Emmelsum is a nature reserve in the Rhine floodplain with dikes and meadows, offering routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(464)
3,739
hikers
Emmericher Ward is a significant floodplain nature reserve along the Rhine, offering diverse habitats and routes for road cycling, hiking, and gravel biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
The nature reserves (Naturschutzgebiete) in Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf are protected areas that conserve a variety of landscapes, including Rhine floodplains, forests, and heathlands. While the administrative district contains 391 reserves, this page aggregates over 25 of them, showcasing their trail networks. These areas protect biodiversity while offering routes for hiking, cycling, and running.
The primary activities are human-powered outdoor sports. Across the reserves, there are more than 4,000 routes available for hiking, cycling, and running. Specific guides are available for Hiking in the Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf and Cycling in the Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf.
Based on visitor activity, some of the most significant reserves include Rheinaue Zwischen Büderich Und Perrich and Üfter-, Rüster- Und Emmelkämper Mark. The Bislicher Insel is also notable as one of Germany's few remaining natural floodplain landscapes and a wintering ground for thousands of geese.
There are over 70 hiking trails in Üfter-, Rüster- Und Emmelkämper Mark and over 60 in Bislicher Insel. The terrain is generally flat, especially in the Rhine floodplain reserves, making them suitable for a wide range of fitness levels. The trails pass through varied scenery, including woodlands, meadows, and along riverbanks.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity with many designated routes. For example, Isselniederung and Salmorth both offer numerous cycling routes through wet meadows and along the Rhine. The flat terrain of the floodplain areas is particularly well-suited for touring bicycles and road bikes.
Bislicher Insel is a Lower Rhine wetland area ideal for low-impact recreation. It offers over 60 hiking trails and more than 25 road cycling routes across its flat landscape. The reserve is a significant habitat for birds, making it a prime location for wildlife observation, especially during the winter when Arctic geese are present.
This large nature reserve is characterized by a mix of diverse forests, open heathlands, and ancient inland dunes. It provides a different landscape compared to the region's many floodplain reserves. Visitors can explore this varied terrain on more than 70 hiking trails and over 30 road cycling routes.
Many reserves are well-suited for families due to their generally flat terrain and well-maintained paths. Areas like the Rhine floodplains offer easy walking and cycling. A dedicated guide to Family-friendly hikes in the Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf provides a selection of suitable routes.
Dogs are generally permitted in many of the nature reserves, but they must be kept on a leash to protect wildlife and the sensitive environment. It is important to adhere to the specific regulations posted at each reserve entrance. A collection of Dog-friendly hikes in the Regierungsbezirk Düsseldorf highlights appropriate trails.
The terrain in reserves such as Rheinaue Zwischen Büderich Und Perrich and Himmelgeister Rheinbogen is predominantly flat. These areas are characterized by meadows, riparian forests, and old river channels. The lack of significant elevation makes them accessible for gentle hikes and cycling.
Yes, mountain biking is possible in some of the reserves. For instance, Nördlichertüschenwald offers routes through its forests and hills. While much of the region is flat, some areas provide trails with varied terrain suitable for mountain biking.

