Wahlscheid: Nature, Hiking Trails and History

Wahlscheid can be explored through a range of highlights: the Naafbachtal nature reserve, hiking trails, historic sites and the activities offered by the Aggerbogen Nature School. If you are looking for a hotel in Wahlscheid, these interests can help determine which topics to consider when planning your trip.

Nature and Hiking

The Naafbachtal in Lohmar-Wahlscheid is designated as a nature reserve. The hiking trail into the valley starts in Kreuznaaf and initially follows the valley as far as Ingersauel. This makes Kreuznaaf the starting point and Ingersauel the endpoint of the first section described. Since trail conditions may change, it is best to check them before setting out.

The Aggerbogen Nature School is a nature centre in the Aggerbogen Landscape Garden in Wahlscheid. Its main focus is working with school classes, and it also offers individual events for children, young people and adults. Its programme includes children's groups; birthday parties for children aged five to twelve, usually with two-hour activities, mostly at weekends; outdoor events for the whole family; and holiday activities during all school holidays at Aggerbogen. For more than 20 years, the Nature School has also offered courses and guided tours, as well as adventure and creative activities for children and young people, adults and senior citizens.

Exploring Wahlscheid's History on Foot

The DenkMal walking tour passes through and around Wahlscheid, taking in several sights: the Evangelical St. Bartholomew's Church—Church on the Hill, the Old Femelinde Lime Tree, the former Münchhof mayor's office, the Pilot Mine, Dorp Manor House, the local history museum in Schönenberg and the Evangelical parsonage. The stops connect different aspects of local history, from religious buildings to former administrative and everyday places.

The Evangelical St. Bartholomew's Church houses a baptismal font dating from the 12th century. A range of styles can be seen there, from the Romanesque baptismal font to modern church windows. The Old Femelinde Lime Tree stands next to the Evangelical St. Bartholomew's Church. It is about 450 years old and is considered the oldest lime tree in the Rhein-Sieg district. The former Münchhof mayor's office represents a different period in history: the former Wahlscheid mayor's office was built in the Münchhof district at the end of the 19th century.

Traditions and Baking Day

The ecumenical Moritat service traditionally takes place every year on the last weekend in August, before the Wahlscheid fair. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the specific event date. A baking day is held once a month in the bakehouse of the Oberdörster Local History Museum.

Hiking Options in the Lohmar Destination

The Lohmar destination also offers more hiking options. Its network of trails covers around 170 kilometres and leads through meadows, floodplains and fields, across the hilly landscape of the Bergisches Land, through forests, and alongside streams and rivers. Suggested routes include leisurely hikes for families and older people through the Agger floodplains, as well as hilly trails for ambitious hikers.

Mixed deciduous forests grow on the slopes of the Naafbachtal; remnants of floodplain forest and some grassland can be found on the valley floor. These habitats contribute to the variety of local landscapes and the rich diversity of native flora and fauna. Possible extensions to the hiking trail in the Naafbachtal lead as far as Blindenaaf or Fischermühle, and onward to the source area of the Kleiner and Großer Naafbach streams. This lets you distinguish between the initially described valley section to Ingersauel and the route options that continue beyond it.

For the broader travel overview: Lohmar.