Upon the Ennert’s slopes a forgotten story sleeps. The Ennert a hill range in Bonn’s Beuel district. It’s mostly wooded especially on its western side. From Godesburg you can see its northern part. The southern part includes the Rabenlay and Kuckstein peaks. The Ennert isn’t part of the Siebengebirge. It belongs to the Pleiser Hügelland. Yet almost all its hills are within the Siebengebirge Nature Reserve. It’s fascinating how it slopes northwards from the Siebengebirge. It frames the Godesberger Rhine valley.
The Ennert has an interesting history. Basalt mining left its mark. See the cliffs rising steeply from the ground. These are remnants of quarries. Long ago the area was mostly farmland. It wasn’t as heavily wooded. There was a wonderful view of Cologne Cathedral. Other cities were also visible.
Then came brown coal mining. It transformed the landscape. The resulting mine filled with water. This created the Holzlarer See. Human intervention influenced nature. Thankfully the area was later reclaimed. The scars of mining seem healed. The flora and fauna are exciting. Rare animals live here. There are fire salamanders smooth snakes and slow worms. Look for the mountain stonecrop and the two-leaved blue star. These are special plants.
The Ennert is worth a visit. Start at the Oberkasseler Straße parking lot. Explore the nature trails. Enjoy beautiful views. The Ennert has more than just nature. There are burial mounds. The Dornheckensee and the Blauer See are there. There are even plans for an Ennerttunnel. This would connect the A562 and A3 motorways. It’s controversial. The Ennert offers nature history and culture. Discover its beauty.