© Uwe Völkner / FOX photo agency

Take a deep breath and enjoy

Get out into nature

Get out into nature – breathe deeply, marvel, enjoy! Forests, caves, gardens and nature trails are waiting to be discovered by you.

Immerse yourself in our forests: Sunbeams filter through the canopy, moss and roots form miniature works of art. Whether a leisurely stroll or an extended hike – here you will find peace and rejuvenation.

Looking for adventure? Mysterious caves open up fascinating underground worlds. Dark, silent, and full of stories – perfect for curious minds who want to experience nature in a different way.

Things are a bit more manicured in the gardens and parks. Flowering beds, shady avenues, and small ponds, as well as large playgrounds and mini-golf courses, invite visitors to linger. During the "Bergische Gartentour" (Bergisch Garden Tour), even private paradises open their gates – inspiration guaranteed!

And for those who want to discover nature with all their senses, the nature trails offer just the right thing: playful learning, wonder, and hands-on exploration. Whether it's the sounds of the forest, exciting stations, or a glimpse of rare plants and animals – every tour here becomes an adventure.

So: Put on your hiking boots, pack your curiosity and sense of adventure – nature in all its diversity awaits you out in the Bergisches Land!

caves

The Bergisches Land - Maren Pussak, Maren Pussak | CC BY SA

Forests

The Bergisches Land / Maren Pussak, Maren Pussak / The Bergisches Land | CC BY SA

Nature trails

The Bergisches Land / Maren Pussak, Maren Pussak | CC BY SA

Gardens and parks

Holger Hage for Das Bergische | CC BY SA

Hiking in nature

Discover nature on foot - from short walks to half-day hikes and more ambitious day trips, there is something suitable for every need and fitness level. 

Ballooning

Reichshof Ballooning Club - our partner for balloon rides

The team from the Reichshof Ballooning Club will take you up into the air. You'll then glide silently through the skies. For people with mobility impairments, rides in an accessible basket are also possible. Please feel free to ask for more information.

© Photo agency Wolf, Schümann & Schellenberger GbR, Julia Schümann

The Bergisches Land Nature Park

The Bergisches Land Nature Park, with an area of ​​2.027 km², is one of the largest nature parks in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is characterized by a typical low mountain range landscape, rising from the Cologne Lowland to elevations of 500 m in the east. It features a diverse cultural landscape with 17 reservoirs, numerous hammer mills and mills dating back to the early days of steel production, as well as many castles and palaces.

The Bergisches Land Nature Park Association is committed to the development of the region in a variety of ways. It advocates for the preservation and care of natural and cultural landscapes, offers attractive nature-based experiences and recreational opportunities, supports regional initiatives, provides information about the region, and promotes awareness of local heritage and culture. The nature park's work rests on four pillars: sustainable tourism and recreation, nature and landscape conservation, environmental education, and regional development.

The tourism region “Das Bergische” lies entirely within the Bergisches Land Nature Park.

Holger Hage for Das Bergische | CC BY SA

Impressions of the Bergisches Land countryside