In North Rhine-Westphalia, city and nature are often very close to each other - and sometimes there are real natural oases in the middle of busy cities and large metropolises that invite you to relax and unwind, go for a walk or a picnic, watch wildlife or take photos. Follow us into the countryside - the nearest natural oasis is often just a stone's throw away.
Tip 1Trees from all over the world
In Wuppertal, you can't see the wood for the trees: the Burgholz arboretum is the largest area of exotic tree species in Germany - there are silver firs, giant sequoias and almost 100 species of deciduous and coniferous trees. Three easy hiking trails lead to trees from North America, Europe and Asia - hikers can recognise the trails by their markings: a sequoia tree, the leaf of the sweet chestnut and the leaf of the cake tree.
If you fancy a slightly longer tour, you can follow the pine cone trail markings and hike through the forests of the world.
www.wald-und-holz.nrw.de
Tip 2Aachen's local mountain
Climbing in the middle of Aachen - the Lousberg is 264 metres high, making it the highest of Aachen's three local mountains. There's a holiday feeling here: hammocks on the northern slope invite you to simply switch off and enjoy the magnificent view over the Soers, a wetland area with a torrent that flows into the Wurm, and Aachen.
If you fancy a stroll through the city after so much greenery, you should pay a visit to Aachen's old town, stroll through romantic alleyways, browse in small shops and take a break in pretty cafés.
www.aachen-tourismus.de/lousberg
Tip 3From green to green by tram
From the Emscher valley to the Ruhr valley, the nature line 105 runs for around 20 kilometres right through Essen. Along the route you will find idyllic green valleys with small streams, green housing estates, forests and nature reserves. You simply decide for yourself which green oasis you want to get off at: The Nature Line 105 runs as a normal service. At each stop, you will find signs with information on nature walks, walking direction and distance. So please: All aboard!
www.naturlinie105.de
Tip 4Düsseldorf's thick bush
Huge rhododendron plants give the "Dicken Busch" near Heltorf Castle in the northern part of Angermund its name. It is considered one of the most beautiful forest parks on the Lower Rhine in the English landscape style and the rhododendron planting is the second oldest in Germany. It is in full bloom from the beginning of April to the end of June and is the ideal photo motif with its fantastic colours.
www.forst-graf-spee.de
Tip 5Cologne's green oasis
Right next to the metropolis of Cologne, with its busy streets and numerous highlights such as Cologne Cathedral, lies an oasis of peace and a habitat for wild animals and plants: The Wahner Heide is the most species-rich nature reserve in North Rhine-Westphalia and an ideal retreat for anyone who needs a break from the big city. Here, herds of sheep and goats roam through hilly dune landscapes, enchanted paths lead through heather landscapes and from the Telegraphenberg and Fliegenberg, walkers and hikers have a great view over the heathland and in some places as far as the Siebengebirge.
And if you do miss the hustle and bustle of the big city, you'll soon be back in Cologne and can experience the sights of the city on the Rhine.
www.turmhof.net
