Aggertal Route

From the hiking parking lot at Aueler Hof, we first cross Wahlscheider Straße heading east and follow the Steinweg path. After a few junctions, following the signs, we leave Wahlscheid and continue through the forest on a good path to Neuhonrath. There, we cross the Agger river, passing the Naafshäuschen with its beer garden, until we reach Honrath train station (which is also a good starting point for train travelers).

The route continues uphill, along the increasingly steep road (we may have to push our bikes for a short stretch, about 400 meters). On our left, we see the Protestant church and Honrath Castle. The castle's origins date back to the 12th century – although only the cellar vaults remain. The rest of the castle, as well as the Romanesque church tower, date from the 16th century. The church is a small acoustic marvel, often used for CD and radio recordings. Several times a year, classical concerts are held here, which are well worth attending.

The route continues uphill, following Rösrather Straße for about 100 meters, then turns right onto Honrather Straße, which – almost at the top – becomes Hoffnungsthaler Straße. This section, not yet fully developed, ends at Schlehecker Straße (L84). Here, we turn left for 50 meters and then right again towards Wickuhl. Now we're finally at the top. Between Schlehecken and Wickuhl, we're rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view across the Rhine plain to the Eifel region. The descent continues. Beyond Wickuhl, we reach the K49 district road towards Rösrath. We cross this by turning right for 50 meters, then left towards Dachskuhl. Passing the Schiefelbusch farm shop with its new café and various farm animals, the route is initially level, then descends steeply in sharp curves to the valley floor. Here, we turn right behind the fish ponds into the Gammersbach Valley. We cycle through the forest, shady and cool, on a rather bumpy path, cross the K39 district road, and reach the Gammersbach Mill with its working waterwheel and rest area. The path that follows is only easily passable after a prolonged dry spell! Otherwise, it's a case of: take a running start and keep going! Once we reach the "Hippenalm," we've made it.

Following the signs through the industrial area, the next landmark is Sülz Castle, a former farm and one of Lohmar's oldest documented settlements (a moated castle dating back to the 11th century), now used as a commercial area. Those interested in antiques or Italian food should take a detour to the courtyard. Otherwise, we cross the Sülztalstraße (L 288) and continue on the well-maintained cycle path along the Sülz River (beware of traffic!) to Heppenberg. At the end of the Agger bridge, we turn right, go under the road, and follow the Agger into Donrath. We turn left onto Dornheckenweg, and shortly before a sharp right-hand bend, we turn left into the forest. After a wooden bridge over the Agger, we turn right through a high forest towards Reelsiefen. At the end of the path, we cross the road to the right and turn left into the access road to the campsite. The route leads through forest and meadowland, past Hitzhof and Brückerhof, to the beautiful Aggerschlösschen, which invites visitors to stop in with its idyllically situated beer garden under old trees.
We cross the Agger River on a wooden bridge and turn left into the "Aggerbogen" landscape garden. Here you'll find various information panels and some exhibits about insects, bees, the Benjes hedge, and the ecosystem. After safely passing under the B484 highway, we arrive back at our starting point at the Aueler Hof farm.