What if I told you that Cologne is home to a nature reserve with species that have disappeared elsewhere? This is the story of Dellbrücker Heide. It is not just a place. It is a sanctuary.
Dellbrücker Heide is a nature reserve. It is also one of the most ecologically valuable areas in the Rhineland. You might not expect such a haven to exist so close to a major city.
Butterflies and grasshoppers thrive here. They have become extinct in other areas of the Bergische Heideterrasse. This includes even the Wahner Heide. The Heide offers a refuge. It protects these fragile creatures.
You can also spot other open habitat species. Keep an eye out for the natterjack toad and the red-backed shrike. These animals find a home within the Heide.
A shepherd plays a vital role. The shepherd keeps goats and sheep. These animals help to maintain the open habitat. This helps preserve the species that depend on it.
Consider the dedication it takes. It takes dedication to maintain such a delicate balance. The shepherd’s work ensures the Heide remains a haven for wildlife.
Dellbrücker Heide offers free guided tours. Consider joining one of these tours. The tours offer a chance to learn more. They teach about the reserve’s ecology and inhabitants.
Next to Dellbrücker Heide lies the Höhenfelder See. This is a large quarry lake. It is not a nature reserve. It serves recreational purposes. People come here for barbecues, sunbathing, and jogging.
Further north, in Köln Dünnwald, you will find more attractions. There is a wildlife park, an arboretum, and an open-air swimming pool. The pool is called Waldbad Dünnwald. Spring is an especially beautiful time to visit. The brooms and rhododendrons are in bloom. You can see the sand lizards sunbathing.
Dellbrücker Heide is easily accessible. It is an 11-minute walk from Köln-Dellbrück station. The station is a 14-minute train ride from Cologne Central Station.
The Impact Café offers a cozy retreat. It is a place where you can enjoy pastries. Try their cinnamon rolls or not-too-sweet hot chocolate. Homemade iced teas and coffee are also available.
Köscki in Cologne is another gem. Charlotte has transformed this kiosk. It is something special. You might find yourself wanting to buy something every time you visit.
“Büdchen am Nikolausplatz” is a unique kiosk. It sells sweets, ice cream, and coffee. Manufactum Warenhaus Cologne is an aesthetic design shop. It is popular among designers, architects, lawyers, and teachers.
“Bona’me” is a Kurdish restaurant in Cologne. It means “our house”. It feels like that. It has a delicious self-service concept with many dishes. “Bei Oma Kleinmann” is another favorite restaurant. Go there when you are really hungry. Their Schnitzels are huge.
“Nextbike/KVB-Rad” offers a bike-sharing system in Cologne. It is integrated with KVB. It only costs 1€ per hour. The RheinEnergieStadion is the home stadium for FC Köln. Going there for games with friends and enjoying a bratwurst and a Kolsch is a special experience.
“Music Store” Cologne is the biggest in Europe. It even has a bistro. You will want to stay a long time here. “Wo ist Tom?” is more than just a great cafe in Cologne. Its food menu is extensive. It also does social work.
So, as you leave Dellbrücker Heide, consider its hidden treasures. It is a reminder that even in a bustling city, nature can thrive. It will give you a deeper appreciation.