Neunkirchen-Seelscheid: Nature Trails, Reservoir and History

Neunkirchen-Seelscheid can be explored through a range of interests: water and protected landscapes, longer circular trails, knowledge about medicinal plants, and historic paintings each offer a distinct focus. If you are planning a stay, it helps to first decide between outdoor activities, nature-related topics and culture. The places and trails mentioned here provide specific points of reference; their lengths and content vary, so you can plan your day around the focus you wish to pursue.

Water and protected landscapes

The Wahnbach Reservoir has a surface area of 225 hectares and shapes the landscape in the southern part of the municipality. The Naafbach Valley has been extensively designated as a nature reserve. For orientation, it is worth distinguishing between these two landscapes: the reservoir’s water surface and the southern part of the municipality are the focus at the reservoir, while the Naafbach Valley is notable for its extensive designation as a nature reserve. This gives you different starting points when choosing whether to plan your stay around the landscape or a particular trail.

Circular trails with different focuses

The trails can be compared by length, route and theme. The challenging circular trail around the Wahnbach Reservoir is about 23 kilometres long. The Herb Trail is 16.5 kilometres long and follows a circular route starting in the district of Seelscheid. Twelve information boards share facts about medicinal plants. The Herb Trail is considered moderately difficult and requires a high level of fitness. When choosing a route, you are therefore looking at more than just different lengths: the themes and demands also vary. Current trail conditions can change, so take this into account when planning.

Another route description leads from Neunkirchen into the wooded Wendbach Valley and up to the high ground of Niederwennerscheid: this is the “Auf Försters Fährten” (“On the Forester’s Tracks”) trail. One of its highlights is the Three Crowns Lime Tree near Pohlhausen. This adds a different route to the circular trails, linking woodland with the ascent to the high ground. You can choose between the two circular trails with their stated lengths and this route, depending on what you would like your tour to focus on.

Mill shop and historic paintings

You can also include a visit with a different focus in your plans. The Horbach Mill’s little mill shop sells flour, meal, baking tins and other products on site, and advice is also available there. If you plan to stop, check the opening hours before your visit, as they may change. The products on offer make the shop a way to learn about local goods, but this does not mean that tastings are offered.

The historic Church of St. Margaret contains ceiling and wall paintings dating back to the 12th century. This adds a historical aspect alongside the landscape and trails. The paintings provide a specific cultural point of interest, while the Herb Trail’s information boards focus on medicinal plants: the two have different focuses in terms of both location and subject matter.

Within the wider travel destination of the Rhein-Sieg district

For a broader tourism overview, the Rhein-Sieg district identifies four relevant regions: the Siebengebirge, the Siegtal, the Bergisches Land and the Rhein-Voreifel region. The district also lists the quality hiking trails Natursteig Sieg, Bergischer Weg and Rheinsteig. In addition, it offers tourist cycling routes through varied natural and cultural landscapes, aimed at leisure cyclists, sporty cyclists and e-bike riders. This context broadens the view beyond Neunkirchen-Seelscheid to the wider Rhein-Sieg district. During your stay, you can distinguish local attractions such as the reservoir, circular trails and church paintings from the offerings available across the district.

For the wider travel overview: Rhein-Sieg district.