Gorge-like valleys, densely forested peaks, rugged cliffs and a fantastic view of the Rhine - the Siebengebirge region has already inspired composer Ludwig van Beethoven and poets such as Heinrich Heine and Lord Byron. Stenzelberg, Petersberg or Drachenfels - a total of seven mountain peaks stand out in the region due to their heights, but there are more than forty peaks that you can climb in the nature park. And the best thing about mountaineering is the break at the summit cross with a fantastic view.
Once a quarry, now a natural paradise
While today the Siebengebirge is primarily a wilderness area and can call itself the first nature park in North Rhine-Westphalia, it was exploited for two millennia. The region's diverse rock was quarried to build churches and castles, such as the Unesco World Heritage Sites of Augustusburg and Falkenlust. Today, nature has reclaimed the former quarries. Animals and plants feel particularly at home here. Even the rare ones. Black woodpecker or rock bunting, for example. A true natural paradise.
The Stenzelberg offers a special nature experience with far-reaching views across the Rhine to Bonn. The Saxon Switzerland of the Siebengebirge, so to speak. Numerous hiking routes - from walks to day tours - lead up the mountain through diverse mixed forests. A former quarry rises up here as an unusual rock formation. A unique natural landscape.
On the trail of the composer
Uphill and downhill - always following the "B". Which, by the way, stands for Beethoven. The 15-kilometre circular trail makes it clear why Beethoven found inspiration for his work in the natural surroundings of the Siebengebirge. It goes through the Nachtigallental, past Drachenburg Castle, up to the Drachenfels. Over the Geisberg, Stenzelberg and Weilberg to the Petersberg. The views vary - but are all impressively beautiful: Sometimes of the mountain range, sometimes of the Rhine or the castle ruins. A bit of fitness is required. But it's worth it. A highlight: a break in the beer garden of the Grand Hotel on the Petersberg - with a great view of the Rhine. The Queen and Bill Clinton have even stayed at this five-star residence.
Lecker-Ländchen pleasure tour
Hiking makes you hungry. Hence the idea: first hike, then enjoy the regional delicacies of the region. Because the Siebengebirge Nature Park not only impresses with its views, but also with its regional products. And these can be found above all in the Lauterbach Valley. Past fields, pastures and meadows, you can get to know the Pleiser Ländchen - the so-called fruit and vegetable chamber of the nature park. On the 6.5-kilometre Lecker-Ländchen gourmet tour, seven stations provide background information on local agriculture and the products that the region produces. QR codes provide information on farm stores, bakeries and markets in the region.
Treasure hunts & time travel
Where do the huge holes come from? Why do whole mountains disappear? The Himberger See nature trail leads you on the trail of a special building block. At seven adventure stations, it's all about discovering, tackling and exploring. And explore the question: What do we humans extract such large quantities of material from the ground for? And what are the paths to an environmentally friendly future?
Fancy a journey through time? The Zeitsprung discovery trail provides insights into the past: How did people live here in the past? What impact did this have on nature? How do we live today? How important is environmental protection and nature conservation? 10 adventure stations offer a playful approach to important topics of our time. For fantastic prospects of an environmentally friendly future.
