Portal Wahner Heide

The Portal Wahner Heide in Troisdorf is the central information centre for one of the most species-rich nature reserves in North Rhine-Westphalia. Located on the ground floor of the new building at Burg Wissem, it forms the ideal starting point for exploring the Wahner Heide and the adjacent Königsforst. With more than 700 threatened plant and animal species and an area of over 2,800 hectares, the Wahner Heide ranks among the most important protected areas in the region and is designated as National Natural Heritage. The interactive permanent exhibition clearly explains the origin of the heath landscape, its military past as a training ground and its present importance for nature conservation. Visitors gain an overview of habitats, biodiversity and the history of the landscape. Numerous walking and cycling routes into the heath begin from here. Admission is free and the portal is ideal for families, nature lovers and anyone seeking solid information before a trip into the Wahner Heide. Its location within the Burg Wissem museum complex makes the visit particularly convenient.

History of Portal Wahner Heide

The Portal Wahner Heide opened in May 2012 as part of the Regionale 2010 programme. It was created on the ground floor of the new building at Burg Wissem, designed by the Cologne architects Schneider & Hillbrandt. The aim was to bring several facilities together in one place and facilitate access to the Wahner Heide. The Wahner Heide itself owes its unique character to more than 200 years of military use that began in 1817 as a review ground and later became an artillery and tank training area. Thanks to nature protection measures in place since 1931 and the military presence, the old cultural landscape on the Bergische Heideterrasse was largely preserved. After the withdrawal of the armed forces large parts were designated as National Natural Heritage. The portal tells this story and explains how nutrient-poor sandy soils and the dynamics of climate and water created an extraordinary diversity of habitats. The permanent exhibition “Nature tells stories” has been updated several times and expanded with modules on National Natural Heritage. Today the portal serves as a starting point for exploring the heath and as an educational centre for nature conservation.

Highlights of Portal Wahner Heide

The highlights of the Portal Wahner Heide are the interactive permanent exhibition and the large aerial photograph of the Wahner Heide on the floor. Visitors can explore the roughly 50 square kilometres virtually and examine archaeological finds spanning almost 2,000 years. Multimedia stations and touchscreens explain the habitats – from open heathland and bogs to ponds and forests. A new module on National Natural Heritage allows a visual and acoustic journey through different biotopes at the push of a button. The exhibition covers the military past, its effects on the landscape and current conservation strategies. Photo exhibitions on the Wahner Heide are held regularly, for example with works by Stefan Pütz-Cordes. In a side room visitors can listen to legends and stories about the heath. The portal provides information on walking trails, cycle routes and guided heath walks that take place on the first Sunday of every month. The exhibition is accessible and invites visitors to linger and plan their own outing. A visit typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes and is the perfect start to a nature experience.

Opening Hours, Tickets & How to Get to Portal Wahner Heide

The Portal Wahner Heide is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:30 to 16:30 and on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00. It is closed on Mondays. Admission is free. The address is Burgallee 3, 53840 Troisdorf. By car take the A 59 to the Troisdorf exit, then follow signs for the centre and the Burg Wissem museums. Parking is available in Burgallee (parking disc required) and at Römerplatz. By public transport travel to Troisdorf station and take bus lines 501, 503 or 508 to Ursulaplatz or line 506 to Römerplatz. The walk takes only a few minutes. The portal is in the same building as MUSIT and the Tourist Information office. Direct paths into the Wahner Heide start from here. The best time to visit is before a walk or cycle tour into the heath, especially in late summer when the heather is in bloom. Groups and school classes can request guided tours and programmes.

Attractions Near Portal Wahner Heide

Immediately next to the Portal Wahner Heide are the MUSIT – Museum of Urban and Industrial History and the Picture Book Museum in the manor house of Burg Wissem. The castle park with deer enclosure, adventure playground and sensory path invites visitors to linger. The Wahner Heide itself begins directly behind the site and offers extensive walking and cycling trails. Troisdorf’s pedestrian zone is only a few minutes’ walk away. The Siegaue wetlands and the cable ferry at Bergheim are quickly reachable by bike or car. Bonn and Cologne are a short distance away. In this way a visit to the portal can easily be extended into a half-day or full-day outing in Troisdorf and the surrounding nature.