Lohmar: Hiking, the Naafbach Valley and Historic Sites

Hiking trails through floodplains and rolling hills, a nature center in Wahlscheid, and churches and a castle with historic architectural details give Lohmar a range of distinct highlights. If you are looking for a hotel in Lohmar, you can plan your trip around whether you want to focus mainly on hiking, exploring nature or discovering architectural history.

Hiking in the Naafbach Valley and along the Agger

Lohmar has a well-developed network of hiking trails about 170 kilometers long. The trails lead through meadows, floodplains and fields, across the rolling hills of the Bergisches Land, through forests and along streams and rivers. Suggested hikes include easygoing tours for families and older people through the Agger floodplains, as well as hilly routes for more ambitious hikers. This gives you the choice of walking through floodplains or more hilly terrain.

One specific route runs through the Naafbach Valley in Lohmar-Wahlscheid. It starts in the village of Kreuznaaf below the ruins of Castell Steineck Castle and initially follows the valley path to Ingersauel. Possible extensions lead to Blindenaaf or Fischermühle and onward to the source area of the Kleine and Große Naafbach streams. The sequence of places provides a guide for planning your hike; check the route conditions before setting out.

Natural surroundings and a nature school in Wahlscheid

Mixed deciduous forests grow on the slopes of the Naafbach Valley. The valley floor is home to remnants of floodplain forest and some grassland; these habitats contribute to the diversity of local sites and the richness of native flora and fauna. You can therefore explore nature here not only along a hiking route, but also by observing the contrast between the wooded slopes and the valley floor.

The Aggerbogen Nature School is a nature center in Lohmar-Wahlscheid, set within a landscape covering about 16 hectares. The site was ecologically enhanced through extensive measures after previously being used intensively. The center primarily works with school classes and also offers individual events for children, young people and adults. Its year-round program for individual visitors covers topics such as flora and fauna, gardening and composting, honey production and traditional crafts. Topics and dates may change; check the current program before visiting.

For directions, take the B484 from Lohmar toward Wahlscheid. Shortly before crossing the Agger, a white sign points to the turnoff for the river.

Churches and a castle: architectural history in Lohmar

The Catholic parish church of St. John stands in the so-called Kirchdorf (church village), among half-timbered houses. For a long time, this was considered the oldest part of Lohmar. The choir of the Romanesque church, dating from the 12th century, has been preserved; the church also houses an early Staufen-era baptismal font made of andesite. These details connect the documented history of the town center with specific features of the church’s architecture.

Lohmar Castle was built in the 14th century as a fortified moated castle. The date 1717 can still be seen on an arched gateway in its three-winged outer bailey. The castle is privately owned. In Lohmar-Wahlscheid, the Protestant Church of St. Bartholomew also offers its own architectural highlight: a Romanesque baptismal font and modern church windows represent different styles that come together in harmony.

Cycling “In the Footsteps of the Miller”

If you would like to plan a bike ride as well as a hike, “In the Footsteps of the Miller” is a circular route starting and ending at Honrath station (P+R) on Grünaggerstraße in 53797 Lohmar. This regional route is 38.90 kilometers long, moderately difficult and runs on natural-surface cycle paths. Whether you take an e-bike or a regular bicycle, the route passes manor houses and mills and goes through the Naafbach Valley. Its starting point, length and difficulty give this bike ride a different character from the hiking routes described above.

The Wahner Heide nearby

The Wahner Heide lies near Lohmar, between Cologne, Rösrath, Troisdorf and Lohmar. It has been a nature reserve since 1931, is included in the Natura 2000 network and is designated as a bird sanctuary. In the Rhein-Sieg district, it is also a local recreation area and a popular excursion destination. As the area is a nature reserve, please stay on marked trails when visiting.

Discover more destinations: Wahlscheid, Bornheim, Swisttal, Much, Wachtberg, Neunkirchen-Seelscheid, Sankt Augustin, Troisdorf.

For the wider travel overview: Rhein-Sieg district.