Wahner Heide

The Wahner Heide is the second-largest and most species-rich nature reserve in North Rhine-Westphalia and lies between Troisdorf, Cologne and Rösrath. On around 50 square kilometres dry and wet biotopes alternate and provide a home for about 700 endangered animal and plant species. Sandy dunes, flowering heather, bogs, floodplain forests and swamp forests characterise the unique landscape. The heath belongs to the European Natura 2000 network of protected areas and is designated as an SAC and SPA. A well-signposted network of paths invites walking and cycling. Because of nature conservation and military areas the marked paths must be strictly followed. The heath is an important local recreation area and a highlight for nature lovers in the Troisdorf region.

History of Wahner Heide

The history of the Wahner Heide is closely linked to military use. From 1817 Prussian troops first exercised in the heath; in 1818 the purchase of land for an artillery firing range began. By 1918 the area had been gradually expanded to about 3,700 hectares. After the First World War the heath was temporarily without military use and was partially placed under nature protection in 1931. From 1936 the Wehrmacht used the terrain and expanded it to about 5,200 hectares. After 1945 American and British troops followed, and from 1953 Belgian forces exercised here until 2004. The military closure prevented intensive civilian use and helped the nature to develop undisturbed. At the same time tank tracks created open sand areas and ponds as valuable habitats. Since the withdrawal of the Belgians the heath has been largely accessible to the public. Since the 1990s a biotope management concept with clearing and grazing has been implemented to preserve the heathland.

Highlights of Wahner Heide

The highlights of the Wahner Heide lie in the exceptional diversity of habitats and species. Sand heaths, inland dunes, heath bogs, swamp forests, ponds and near-natural streams shape the scenery. Around 700 endangered species find refuge here, including rare birds, amphibians, dragonflies and plants. Goats and cattle graze in the summer months and keep the heath areas open. Marked walking trails lead through the landscape; the Telegraphenberg tour of 10.7 kilometres offers views from the 134-metre-high Telegraphenberg. The Wahner Heide Portal at Burg Wissem in Troisdorf provides interactive information on nature and history. Further portals exist at Turmhof in Rösrath and at Gut Leidenhausen. The former tank wash facility and other military relics are silent witnesses to the past. The Heidekönig on the southern edge offers refreshment opportunities. The combination of nature, history and well-developed paths makes the heath a special experience.

Opening Hours, Tickets & How to Get to Wahner Heide

The Wahner Heide is accessible year-round and free of charge. The marked paths may be used; the core zone and military restricted areas are closed. The Wahner Heide Portal at Burg Wissem is open Tuesday to Friday from 11:00 to 17:00 and at weekends and on public holidays from 10:00 to 18:00, closed on Mondays. Admission to the portal is free. By car reach Troisdorf via the A 59 and follow the signs to Burg Wissem or to the walking car parks such as Fliegenberg and Camp Spich. By public transport travel to Troisdorf or Spich station and use bus lines to the access points. Parking is limited; at weekends arrival by bus and train is recommended. Rules of conduct and path markings must be observed to ensure nature conservation.

Attractions Near Wahner Heide

In the immediate vicinity of the Wahner Heide are the portal at Burg Wissem, the Picture Book Museum, MUSIT and the town of Troisdorf with its churches and pedestrian zone. Altenrath with the Romanesque church of St Georg and the information centre lies on the edge of the heath. The Rotter See and the Siegaue offer further nature experiences. Bonn and Cologne are easily reachable. In this way a visit to the heath can easily be combined with a museum visit, a town exploration and further outings in the region.