© Dominik Ketz

Tour finder 

Hiking and walking in the Bergisches Land

Gentle, rolling hills, green meadows, beautiful mixed woodlands and remote valleys with rippling streams and reservoirs are typical of the Bergisches Land Nature Park. Small villages with idyllic alleyways, timber-framed and slate houses complete this picturesque image. A huge number of local and industrial history museums, castles, fortresses and churches bring the history and culture of the region to life. What could be more lovely than to explore this landscape on foot?  

 

 

Quality Hiking Trails - the "Bergische Wanderland” (Bergisch Hiking Country)

Pärchen sitzt auf einer Wiese auf einer Anhöhe mit Ausblick ins Siegtal© Das Bergische / Maren Pussak

 

Under the brand "Bergische Wanderland” (Bergisch Hiking Country), the "Bergische Weg" (Bergisch Trail) and the "Bergische Panoramasteig" (Bergisch Panorama Trail) offer two quality long-distance hiking trails accredited by the German Hiking Association through the region’s varied and open cultural landscape: As a loop trail, the Bergische Panoramasteig (Bergisch Panorama Trail) offers a great many impressive views over the Bergisches Land Nature Park along its 244 kilometres, some extending as far as the Siebengebirge Mountains, the Sauerland and the Rhine. The Bergische Weg (Bergisch Trail) runs for approx. 260 kilometres from Essen in the Ruhr Region through the Bergisches Land to Königswinter in the Siebengebirge Mountains. The combination of natural and cultural landscapes on the one hand and the opportunity to experience industrial culture and local history on the other is particularly attractive.  

For full-day and half-day tours, there is also the Bergische Streifzüge (Bergisch Scout Trails), loop trails of various lengths (4-16 km) which enable those interested in culture and history as well as families to experience historical, natural history, technical and literary themes. For example, the Tuchermacherweg (Clothmakers’ Trail), the Overath Pilgerweg (Overath Pilgrims’ Trail), the Bierweg (Beer Trail) or the Baumweg (Tree Trail) offer very different hiking experiences.  

 

Hiking trail network

Wegemarkierung auf Holzpfosten© Sabine König Photodesign

There are also many beautiful hiking trails away from the official hiking trails of the Bergisches Wanderland. In total, there are more than 4,000 kilometres of signposted hiking trails in the Bergisches Land, which make it very easy to explore and discover the region on foot. 

Whether you just want to take a short walk after work, a relaxing hike at the weekend or a challenging day hike with plenty of altitude metres, here in the Bergisches Land you have a wide choice of signposted hiking trails. From short hikes to day tours, there is something to suit every hiker and walker. 

Here you can enjoy fantastic views, unwind, get closer to nature and discover a lot of new things along the way. Simply take a look at our tour list - you are sure to find a suitable hike here! 

 

Time for a break

Kellnerin serviert freundlich lächelnd Essen im Biergarten© Dominik Ketz

A number of catering establishments serve refreshments for you along the trails. From traditional mountain specialities to fresh cakes and waffles to Michelin-starred cuisine, the menus cater for every taste. 

Interested in spending a few days in the Bergisches Land with hikes, delicious food and other wonderful activities? Have a browse through our package deals. Our “Wanderbares Deutschland” approved hosts offer a wide range of services that include lots of creature comforts for you hikers. 

And if your feet are aching come evening, you can recharge your batteries in one of the region's wellness oases. Welcome to the Bergisches Land! 

Hiking trails by category 

To make the choice a little easier, we have divided the hiking trails into different categories based on their length, for example, or by specific target groups.This will help you find what you're looking for quickly-and you can start hiking straight away

All hiking trails 

With more than 4,000 kilometres of signposted hiking trails, there are numerous opportunities to discover the Bergisches Land on your own. There is a wide range of routes to suit every taste. Get away from it all and catch your breath!

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