Was einst eine Braunkohlengrube war ist heute der Gotteshülfe-Teich. This transformation speaks volumes about Hürth’s journey. The Gotteshülfe-Teich lies southwest of Cologne in Hürth. This recreational area is nestled between the Hürth districts of Gleuel and Berrenrath.
Around 1955 the Gotteshülfe-Teich emerged west of Gleuel. This transformation occurred during brown coal mining operations. The narrow elongated pit is bordered by a wide bank area. Groundwater and surface water feed the Gotteshülfe-Teich. The outflow in the northeast feeds the Gleueler Bach.
The Gotteshülfe-Teich is named after the former Gotteshülfe mine. The direct surroundings of the Gotteshülfe-Teich are designated as a landscape protection area. A moist forest area lies on the southwestern shore. The terrain is swampy. It offers a habitat for moisture-loving species. Black and grey alders were planted as part of the recultivation process.
The Gotteshülfe-Teich has a stable population of tongue buttercup. This plant is highly endangered in North Rhine-Westphalia. Its occurrence in the Lower Rhine Bay was considered extinct. The slope forests surrounding the Gotteshülfe-Teich were mainly planted with poplars. These are mixed with native trees. Some forest areas contain stocks of the large twayblade.
A control survey in 1997 revealed a chance sighting of the endangered woodcock. The Gotteshülfe-Teich and its surrounding forests provide habitat for various bird species. These include water rail moorhen coot little grebe blackcap and chiffchaff.
The Gotteshülfe-Teich sits at the northern end of the Ville lake plateau. The Gotteshülfe-Teich’s narrow elongated shape is regulated by an overflow. This overflow is on the northeastern shore. Groundwater and surface water replenish the Gotteshülfe-Teich.
Several hiking trails surround the Gotteshülfe-Teich. You can reach this recreational area from the hiking car park on Wendelinusstrasse. Another access point is Burg Schallmauer. Burg Schallmauer is located on the southern shore.
The Gotteshülfe-Teich illustrates Hürth’s successful restructuring. After coal mining ended in 1988 Hürth transitioned to chemical industries services and mass media. Today it’s a place where nature thrives. Recreation is possible for everyone. Remember the Gotteshülfe-Teich as a symbol of Hürth’s adaptability. It shows Hürth’s commitment to a greener future.