Lohmar Between the Naafbach Valley, Hiking Trails and History

Lohmar combines hiking trails through valleys, floodplains and hilly landscapes with nature experiences and historic sites. The hiking network, which is around 170 kilometres long, runs through meadows, floodplains and fields, across the hills of the Bergisches Land, through forests and along streams and rivers. While planning your stay, you can consider whether you would rather include routes through the Agger floodplains or hilly trails in your days. Suggested hikes include leisurely routes through the Agger floodplains for families and older people, as well as hilly trails for ambitious hikers. These differences give you a concrete point of reference when looking for a holiday apartment in Lohmar for a more leisurely or active hiking holiday.

Hiking in the Naafbach Valley and the Agger Floodplains

In the Naafbach Valley in Lohmar-Wahlscheid, a hiking trail begins in the village of Kreuznaaf, below the ruins of Castell Steineck Castle. It initially follows the valley trail to Ingersauel. Possible extensions lead as far as Blindenaaf or Fischermühle and on to the source area of the Kleine and Große Naafbach streams. This means the route can serve as a starting point for planning different hikes, without requiring any particular extension.

The landscape of the Naafbach Valley is also varied: deciduous mixed forests grow on the slopes, while remnants of floodplain forest and some grassland can be found on the valley floor. These habitats contribute to the diversity of local environments and the variety of native flora and fauna. Hikers who pay particular attention to woodland, the valley floor or open green spaces will find different landscape features within the Naafbach Valley.

Experience Nature at Aggerbogen

The Aggerbogen Nature School in Lohmar-Wahlscheid is a nature centre. It primarily works with school groups and also offers individual events for children, young people and adults. Its programme for individual visitors covers topics throughout the year such as flora and fauna, gardening and compost, honey production and traditional crafts. This makes nature activities a distinct option in Lohmar’s range of outings, alongside hiking.

The Nature School’s grounds cover around 16 hectares and were ecologically enhanced through extensive measures after the area had previously been used intensively. From Lohmar, you can reach the Nature School via the B484 towards Wahlscheid. Shortly before crossing the Agger, a white sign points to the turn-off for the river.

The Wahner Heide is also nearby, between Cologne, Rösrath, Troisdorf and Lohmar. It has been a nature reserve since 1931, is included in the Natura 2000 network and is recognised as a bird sanctuary. In 2004, it was opened for recreation every day of the week, with access restricted to the marked trail network.

Cycling the “In the Footsteps of the Millers” Route

Another way to explore Lohmar and its surroundings is the regional circular route “In the Footsteps of the Millers”. It is 38.90 kilometres long, rated as moderate and runs along natural-surface cycling paths. The route starts and ends at Honrath station (P+R) on Grünaggerstraße in 53797 Lohmar. Along the way, you pass manor houses and mills and cycle through the Naafbach Valley, by e-bike or bicycle. If you would rather travel on foot, you can choose the hiking trails as a separate option; the cycling route and hiking trails are different ways to explore the landscape.

Castle History and Churches

Lohmar’s historic sites also offer concrete starting points for a cultural walk. Lohmar Castle was built as a fortified moated castle in the 14th century. The year 1717 can be seen on its arched gate, which belongs to the three-winged outer bailey. The building thus brings together the castle’s origins and a later architectural feature whose date is clearly visible.

The Catholic parish church of St John stands in the so-called church village, among half-timbered houses. For a long time, this area was considered the oldest part of Lohmar. The choir of the Romanesque church, dating from the 12th century, has survived; the church also contains an early Hohenstaufen baptismal font made of andesite. In Lohmar-Wahlscheid, the Protestant Church of St Bartholomew showcases a different combination of stylistic elements, ranging from its Romanesque baptismal font to modern stained-glass windows. These sites add a distinctive historical touch to your stay, alongside nature and outdoor activities.

If you would like to broaden your search to include other places, you can also consider Meckenheim, Adendorf, Alfter, Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, Much, Bornheim and Bad Honnef on the Rhine. For more information about Lohmar-Wahlscheid, see Wahlscheid.

For the main travel overview: Rhein-Sieg District.