Nature Reserves in Bergisches Land
Nature Reserves in Bergisches Land
Nature Reserve Guide
Bergisches Land is home to 6 nature reserves, designated as protected areas to conserve their significant biodiversity and geological features. These reserves are characterized by a mix of rolling hills, extensive forests, and deep river valleys carved by streams like the Wupper, Dhünn, and Eifgenbach. The landscapes range from the large, contiguous woodlands of the Königsforst to the rare heathlands and wetlands of the Wahner Heide. This varied terrain provides an extensive network of routes for hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and cycling.
Across the best nature reserves in Bergisches Land, komoot aggregates more than 900 routes for activities such as hiking, cycling, and running. More than 87,000 visitors have shared their experiences, giving these areas an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars. Notable protected areas include the Tal- Und Hangbereiche Der Wupper Mit Seitenbächen, which features steep, wooded slopes and offers dozens of hiking trails. The Eifgenbachtal Und Seitentäler provides a more intimate, ravine-like valley setting with numerous routes for hiking and mountain biking. In the Dhünntal Und Linnefetal Mit Seitentälern, trails follow the river through floodplain forests and meadows. These nature reserves protect vital habitats for rare species, offering a chance to experience the region's near-natural landscapes.
981
Routes
4.5
(18572)
Average rating
88K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.5
(5277)
23,886
hikers
Tal- Und Hangbereiche Der Wupper Mit Seitenbächen is a large nature reserve in Germany offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking through its valleys, forests, and steep slopes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(5044)
22,238
hikers
Eifgenbachtal Und Seitentäler is a nature reserve in Bergisches Land, offering diverse terrain with wooded slopes and grasslands for hiking, cycling, and jogging routes.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(3018)
13,545
hikers
Dhünntal Und Linnefetal Mit Seitentälern is a nature reserve offering diverse terrain for hiking, mountain biking, and road cycling routes along its rivers and forests.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(2421)
13,386
hikers
Hardt is a German nature reserve with diverse landscapes, offering extensive routes for hiking, cycling, jogging, and mountain biking through forests, gorges, and valleys.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(2241)
13,169
hikers
Gierather Wald is a nature reserve with picturesque forests, streams, and wetlands, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and running. Its varied terrain caters to all skill levels.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.7
(571)
2,527
hikers
Naafbachtal is a nature reserve featuring a meandering stream, diverse forests, and wet meadows, offering numerous routes for hiking, gravel biking, and road cycling.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
The nature reserves in Bergisches Land are protected areas recognized for their biodiversity and geological features, encompassing forests, river valleys, and heathlands. This page aggregates 6 of these reserves, including the Tal- Und Hangbereiche Der Wupper Mit Seitenbächen and the Naafbachtal. While the broader Bergisches Land region contains over sixty designated reserves, this collection highlights areas with extensive route networks.
The primary activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with nearly 1,000 routes available across the aggregated reserves. The varied terrain supports numerous outdoor sports. Specific guides are available for activities such as Hiking in Bergisches Land and Cycling in Bergisches Land.
Key nature reserves in Bergisches Land with extensive trail networks include the Wupper valley, the Dhünn and Eifgenbach valleys, and the Naafbachtal. The Tal- Und Hangbereiche Der Wupper Mit Seitenbächen is known for its steep, wooded slopes. The Eifgenbachtal Und Seitentäler offers a ravine-like setting, while the Dhünntal Und Linnefetal Mit Seitentälern features routes through floodplain forests.
There are hundreds of hiking trails available, ranging from easy walks to challenging routes with steep ascents. The landscapes include wide forest paths, narrow riverside trails, and routes across open heathland. For example, the Tal- Und Hangbereiche Der Wupper Mit Seitenbächen alone offers over 60 hiking routes.
Yes, many of the nature reserves offer routes suitable for families and beginners. These trails are typically shorter, with less elevation gain, and follow well-maintained paths. A dedicated collection of Family-friendly hikes in Bergisches Land is available.
The nature reserves provide a wide range of cycling options, including road cycling, touring, and gravel biking. The Gierather Wald offers over 30 road cycling routes and more than 30 touring cycling routes. The varied terrain includes rolling hills and flat river valleys.
Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity in the region's nature reserves. There are numerous designated trails that cross forests and valleys. For instance, the Dhünntal Und Linnefetal Mit Seitentälern has around 20 mountain bike trails through its diverse landscape.
The nature reserve encompassing the Wupper valley and its slopes features a dramatic landscape of steep, wooded hillsides and the winding Wupper river. The area is known for its well-preserved beech forests and rugged crags. It offers challenging hiking with significant elevation changes and rewarding views.
These valleys are defined by their near-natural stream and river courses. The Eifgenbachtal is a more intimate, ravine-like valley, while the Dhünntal features wider floodplain forests and meadows. Both offer numerous routes for hiking and cycling along the water.
Regulations regarding dogs can vary by specific reserve, but hiking with dogs is generally possible on designated trails. It is standard practice to keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife and respect local rules. A collection of Dog-friendly hikes in Bergisches Land highlights suitable routes.
Yes, many trailheads in the Bergisches Land nature reserves are accessible via public transportation. This provides an alternative to arriving by private vehicle. A specific guide highlights Hikes from bus stations in Bergisches Land.
The nature reserves can be visited year-round, with each season offering a different experience. Spring brings blooming wildflowers in the valleys, while late summer is when the heathlands of areas like the Wahner Heide turn violet. Autumn provides colorful foliage in the extensive deciduous forests.

