Discover Solingen: heathland, trails and Schloss Burg

There are many ways to discover Solingen: among the open heathland and bog forests of the Ohligser Heide, along the long Klingenpfad trail around the city, or on a car-free route for pedestrians and cyclists. Schloss Burg is another option: almost all of its rooms are open to visitors. Deciding which of these experiences you want to focus on is a good starting point for planning your trip and searching for a holiday apartment in Solingen.

Heathland and bog forests

The Ohligser Heide nature reserve is located in Solingen and covers 147.24 hectares. Its landscape is diverse: open areas include species-rich wet and dry heathland. Bog and birch forests also shape the area. Waterlogging and, in some places, flowing water create its distinctive conditions. As a result, open heathland and wet woodland come together within the protected area.

The Ohligser Heide is one of the last remaining heath bog areas on the right bank of the Rhine’s heath terrace. Its importance also lies in the many plant communities and species of heath bogs, bog forests and nutrient-poor waters that are endangered across the state. Anyone interested in nature and varied landscapes will find a clear focus for their stay here. The heath offers a different way to experience Solingen from the longer routes through forests, valleys and uplands.

Hiking the Klingenpfad

The Klingenpfad is a 75-kilometre hiking trail that circles the Solingen municipal area. It passes through forests and valleys and over uplands, and takes in historically significant sites. The route brings together a variety of landscapes and places of historical importance. This makes it especially appealing to anyone who wants to experience not just one type of landscape while hiking, but also a range of different sites.

The Klingenpfad is divided into nine sections, signposted in both directions. This division gives the long trail a clear structure, and the signs apply in either direction. When planning, you can choose between tackling the entire circular route and exploring individual sections. The stated 75 kilometres refers to the Klingenpfad as a whole, not to each section.

On foot or by bike along the Korkenziehertrasse

Another route option is the Korkenziehertrasse: this 11-kilometre path for pedestrians and cyclists runs from the Haan city boundary through Gräfrath, Wald and Mitte to Südpark. It is car-free and almost entirely flat. If you are looking for a route with little elevation gain, you can take this into account when choosing among Solingen’s trails. The route is therefore an alternative to the longer hiking trail, which passes through forests, valleys and uplands.

The Korkenziehertrasse and the branch route, Bergbahntrasse, connect Solingen to the Bergischer Panorama-Radweg. This gives you a specific cycling route with a named connection to a regional trail to factor into your travel plans. If cycling is a focus of your stay, you can consider this connection as well as the Korkenziehertrasse’s car-free, nearly flat route.

Schloss Burg and choosing the focus of your trip

Schloss Burg offers another way to discover Solingen: almost all of its rooms are open to visitors. A visit to the castle complements the nature and trails. If you want to include different interests in your trip, you can treat the heath, a hike, the Korkenziehertrasse and Schloss Burg as separate highlights instead of focusing your stay on just one activity.

More destinations

Bonn, Bochum, Dortmund, Essen, Herne, Remscheid, Mülheim an der Ruhr, Bottrop

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