We start at the fish ponds and hike through the Pfengstbach valley, then climb up to Bömerich and follow the Bömerich stream to its confluence with the Dhünn river. We continue along the Dhünn to the Schöllerhof farm, then along the Eifgenbach stream, past the Märchenwald (Fairytale Forest) to Altenberg Cathedral. The themes of our hike include the diverse floodplain vegetation, the sustainable use of resources by the Cistercians, who practiced water management and agriculture around the monastery complex, and the history of the Helenenthal valley, where we will encounter relics of the former gunpowder production.

Tour type: guided hike
Target group: Adults and families with children aged 10 and over
Route length: 12 km, ascent and descent: 120 m elevation difference
Duration: 5 hours
Meeting point: Hiking parking lot Fischteiche, 51519 Odenthal-Altenberg, Bülsberger Weg
Tour guide: Karin Wedde-Mühlhausen, IG Wir Bergischen
Price: free of charge as part of the aqualon tour program 2026
Registration required: yes, by May 5, 2026, minimum 10, maximum 20 people
Food: Bring your own packed lunch; optional stop for refreshments at the end of the hike in Altenberg
Equipment: Sturdy hiking boots, weather-appropriate clothing, water and picnic
Additional information: Sure-footedness is required along the Eifgenbach stream. Mostly well-maintained forest paths.

Contact and registration:

tourenprogramm@aqualon-verein.de, Tel. 02293-901527 (Mon.-Fri. 9-16:00)

General Information