[Translate to English:] Frau schaut von einem Steg auf einen größeren Teich im Wald© Dominik Ketz

Enjoyment of nature

Enjoy your natural surroundings

Relaxation- letting your spirit run free

Wide green mountain ranges alternate with meadows, fields and mixed forest in the Bergisches Land Nature Park. Dotted in between are idyllic valleys with murmuring streams. A number of lakes and reservoirs as well as small villages and hamlets are nestled in amongst the natural greenery. 

 

Particularly impressive are the wide panoramic views that are offered again and again from the long mountain ranges. It is not unusual to see as far as the River Rhine or the Siebengebirge hills. 

 

The work of our many farmers and foresters ensures that the landscape will continue to be rich in species and diversity well into the future. For instance, they grow regional products in accordance with strict quality standards. Orchard meadows are maintained or created anew, while goats and sheep graze in heath and moorland areas and keep them free of bushes and trees. Birds find shelter and food in the hedgerows. Ancient species of animals that are in danger of extinction are protected and supported. 

 

The Bergisches Land owes its lush green nature to its abundance of water. Numerous birds and animals such as kingfishers, salamanders, toads and fish use the habitats around the dams, rivers and lakes for their own purposes. 

 

Enjoy and explore nature 

 

Just walking into the forest or roaming across the meadows, pausing and drawing breath - that alone is a little time out from everyday life.  

Take the opportunity to discover nature's secrets, whether it be on your own, on a guided hike or at one of our special natural history events. 

© Dominik Ketz

Reservoirs and lakes 

© Dominik Ketz
© Maren Pussak / Das Bergische

Forests 

© Maren Pussak / Das Bergische
© Guido Wagner

Wild Experiences 

© Guido Wagner
© Klaus Stange, www.avttention.de

Caves 

© Klaus Stange, www.avttention.de
© Dominik Ketz

Nature trails 

© Dominik Ketz

Bergisches Land Nature Park

Kopf einer Kuh in Großaufnahme, Sonne scheint zwischen Ohr und Horn hindurch© Sabine König Photodesign

Covering an area of 2,027 km², the Bergisches Land Nature Park is one of the largest nature parks in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its distinctive feature is a characteristic low mountain range landscape that rises from the Cologne Bight to elevations of 500m in its eastern reaches. It is renowned for its varied cultural landscape with 17 dams, a number of forges and mills from the early days of steel production, as well as numerous castles and palaces. 

 

The Nature Park is committed to the development of the region in a variety of ways. It is committed to preserving and maintaining the natural and cultural landscapes, offers attractive experiences in nature and recreational opportunities, supports regional initiatives, provides information about the region and promotes awareness of the region and its culture. Work in the Nature Park revolves around four pillars: sustainable tourism and recreation, conservation of nature and the landscape, environmental education and regional development. www.naturparkbergischesland.de 

 

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