Reichshof: Juniper Heathlands and Forest Trails
Accommodation in Reichshof
Juniper heathlands, forest trails and a historic connection to a mill give your stay in Reichshof different points of interest. When planning, you can consider whether you are mainly interested in nature and hiking or in the region’s history.
Juniper Heathlands and Mill History
The old watermill in Nespen was first mentioned in 1749. It is located above the Wiehl Dam. The date points to the mill’s long history; it is also a historical point of interest in its own right alongside the municipality’s nature attractions.
There are juniper areas in Branscheid, Wildberg and Hespert. Hikers can explore the juniper heathlands in Reichshof. Free guided hikes with information about the juniper heathland are offered several times a year. You can find the dates in the current brochure on guided hikes; check it in advance if you would like to plan around a particular date.
Forest Nature Trail and Guided Hikes
The forest nature trail is a 4.5-kilometre circular route through the forest. Its features include information boards, benches and shelters; both the start and finish are in Reichshof. Its length, circular route and available facilities give you a sense of what to expect. The forest and its information boards define this offering, while the guided hikes provide information about the juniper heathland.
The two hiking options therefore have different focuses: the forest nature trail is described as a circular route with information boards, while the guided hikes focus on the juniper heathland. If you would like to join a guided hike, check the published dates. For the forest nature trail, its length and the facilities mentioned are useful details for planning your own visit.
More Things to Do in the Oberbergischer Kreis
The wider Oberbergischer Kreis destination has a total of 13 official bathing spots at the Aggertalsperre, Bevertalsperre, Bruchertalsperre and Lingesetalsperre dams. A notice from the district dated 19 May 2026 gives this figure. Water quality meets the requirements of the EU Bathing Water Directive and is regularly monitored throughout the season. As this is seasonal information, check the current status of the bathing spots before visiting.
For hiking in the Oberbergischer Kreis, five hiking maps of the Bergisches Land show the complete current hiking network of the Rheinisch-Bergischer and Oberbergischer districts. The maps help with route planning. Check which edition is current before buying.
The Höhenroute takes its name from the beautiful landscape and unique views from the ridgelines. Its starting point is the Nümbrecht Kurpark hiking car park. The route is signposted throughout; GPS navigation is also available via Outdooractive. As route information can change, it is a good idea to check the latest guidance before setting out.
The Klangpfad is also in the Oberbergischer Kreis: in the Homburger Ländchen, visitors can enjoy peaceful quiet and the sounds of nature. The municipality of Nümbrecht developed the original Klangpfad together with the Oberberg Biological Station. This connects the trail’s nature experience with the story of its creation.
For cyclists, the Wasserquintett cycle route offers a different focus. It starts and ends at Marienheide station. Many sections follow disused railway lines, have gentle gradients and are suitable for e-bikes and touring bikes. Route conditions and signage can change, so check the latest route information before setting off.
The Talsperrenroute runs through the area around Marienheide, WipperfĂĽrth and HĂĽckeswagen and passes four dams. Three audio features provide information about flora, fauna and the habitats of animals around the dams. Together with the hiking maps and cycle route, it offers another way to explore the Oberbergischer Kreis.
When planning your stay in Reichshof, you can first decide whether you are more interested in juniper heathlands and forest trails or in the mill’s historical connections. If you look beyond Reichshof to the Oberbergischer Kreis, the options described here offer further variety: they include hiking maps, a ridge route, a sound trail, a cycle route and the Talsperrenroute.
Discover more destinations: WildbergerhĂĽtte, Eckenhagen, Engelskirchen, Radevormwald, WipperfĂĽrth, Bergneustadt, Gummersbach.
Back to the main travel overview: Oberbergischer Kreis.
