Hikes in Cologne

The Kölnpfad long-distance hiking trail leads on 11 stages through the larger outskirts of the city around Köln. The path is excellently marked and leads past meadows and fields and through dense forests and idyllic parks. Among the most beautiful sights along the way are the lakes in the north of the city, the Königsforst in the east and the Rhine meadows in the south. You can easily reach each of the stages by public transport and enjoy them individually or over several days in a row.

• Kölsche Riviera: stretch of beach on the banks of the Rhine in Rodenkirchen
• Römerkanal: old, Roman water pipeline from the Eifel to Cologne
• Escher See: nature reserve with viewing platforms and Sundown Beach Club
• Worringer Bruch: floodplain landscape with various woods, orchards and pastures
• Bridge at Niehler Harbour: the footbridge across the Rhine
• Stammheim Castle Park: old knight's seat with sculptures
• Optical telegraph: old telegraph pole on the Berlin - Koblenz line from the first half of the 20th century
• Wildpark Dünnwald: various enclosures for wild animals with automatic feeders
• Bensberg Castle: the former hunting lodge is now a 5-star hotel

As you walk around the lake, numerous bars and picnic areas invite you to relax and enjoy nature. The circular route leads through a forest to a beautiful rock garden. The end of the tour is marked by the mighty fortress Fort VI in Cologne, which is integrated into the grounds. Even somewhat larger rounds are possible in the green belt of Cologne. The Lindenthaler Tierpark in the Stadtwald and the Adenauerweiher are other places worth seeing.

The Rheinsteig is one of the most popular hiking trails outside the gates of Cologne and runs along the Rhine. The 320-kilometre-long trail runs between Bonn, Koblenz and Wiesbaden on mostly narrow paths and challenging climbs uphill and downhill. The second stage from Königswinter to Bad Honnef takes you over the famous Drachenfels mountain. This stage is more suitable for more experienced hikers, as the ascent requires some physical fitness. Each stage can be reached from Cologne by public transport and passes through forests, vineyards and spectacular views.

The Wahner Heide is a beautiful area for hiking in the south-east of Cologne. The varied heathland and forest landscape with its ponds and streams has its own special charm in every season. In summer, you can hike across green meadows, in autumn you can walk through the colourful forests.

The mostly easy to moderately difficult tours can often be extended or shortened by a few kilometres to suit your own physical condition. In between, hikers can watch the planes approaching Cologne airport.