Ever wondered where deer, wild boar, and mouflon roam freely in a vast forest? Welcome to Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal. It is a sprawling private game reserve nestled in the heart of the Bergisches Land. Sometimes, it is called Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal.
Founded around 1969, this 1448-hectare area is owned by Prinz Karl-Heinrich zu Sayn-Wittgenstein. However, only a portion of it is accessible to visitors like you.
Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal is home to about 150 animals across three species. You will find majestic fallow deer, agile mouflons, and elusive wild boars. The animals roam freely within this extensive area.
As you wander through the woods, keep your eyes peeled. The wild boars are often the easiest to spot. Especially, they are known to approach visitors. The deer are more likely to be seen in the early morning or late evening. They graze in the large enclosures of the Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal.
The Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal aims to maintain a balance between wildlife and woodland. Here, you can witness responsible game management and forestry. The deer and wild boars are also used for meat production.
Please note that the trails within Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal are not always well-marked. Forestry work can sometimes damage the roads. Therefore, it is advised to bring a detailed and updated hiking map.
Historically, there were three settlements within the area of the game park. These were Burgwinkel, Klauberg, and Unterhortenbach. Today, they have disappeared. If you walk through the Hortenbach valley, you will notice deserted areas. This is where the spruce forest once stood.
Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal is open from April to September from 7 AM to 7 PM. From October to March, it is open from 8 AM to 5 PM. However, be aware that the park is closed during the deer rutting and hunting season. This usually occurs in September and October. Best of all, admission to Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal is free.
To reach Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal, take the A1 to the Burscheid exit. Then follow the B51 via Blecher to Altenberg. Parking is available at Am Rösberg.
As you leave Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal, remember the experience of walking among free-roaming wildlife. The forest offers a glimpse into a world where animals and nature coexist. A visit to Natur-Wildgehege Odenthal is more than just a walk in the woods. It is a journey into a unique ecosystem.