The “Monte Troodelöh” – Cologne’s highest hill. It’s hard to believe, right? A hill in the middle of a city! But that’s the charm of Rath/Heumar, a district that blends urban life with a touch of rural tranquility, all thanks to a little bit of nature and a long history.
Rath/Heumar is situated on the eastern edge of Cologne, nestled near the Königsforst, one of the largest contiguous forests in the Rhineland. It’s a reminder of the landscape that once dominated this area. The name “Heumar” originates from the words “humilis” (small, low) and “mar” (marsh), which speaks to the area’s marshy origins. Rath probably gets its name from a clearing in the Königsforst, as “Rod” in German means “clearing.” The two places that once existed as independent villages, eventually blended together and were united as one district in 1975.
The “Monte Troodelöh” is a small hill but with a big name, standing at a humble 118.04 meters – a little piece of wilderness within the city. It isn’t just the highest hill in Cologne, but it also marks the boundary between Rath and Heumar. You can see it from many places in the neighborhood, and its humble presence reminds you that the city always has a way of surprising you.
But there’s much more to discover in Rath/Heumar. For those with a taste for history, there’s the “Old Tower” of a Romanesque church built in 1147. It’s a testament to the long history of the area and serves as a reminder of the past that still lives on today. Although the church itself is no longer standing, the tower remains, a silent sentinel against the changing times. A baroque chapel, built in 1741, on Lützerathstrasse, is another reminder of the area’s rich past. And then there’s the Schloss Röttgen, a romantic manor house with a long story to tell. In 1924, the horse breeder Peter Mühlens established a stud farm there that has become one of the most respected and well-known in Germany. The old courtyards with their half-timbered houses, the surrounding green areas, and the forests are testaments to the history of farming, cattle breeding, and forestry that took place for over 1000 years in the area.
St. Cornelius Church, built in the 19th century, and the church “To the Divine Redeemer,” built in the 1950s, stand proud as testaments to faith and community. They serve their communities and offer a peaceful moment of reflection amidst the city’s hustle and bustle.
This mix of urban development and natural beauty makes Rath/Heumar a unique place to visit in Cologne. A walk through its streets, a stroll through the surrounding woods, a stop at a local café, or a visit to a nearby church will give you a sense of the rich history and heritage that continue to influence the area. It’s a place where the past and present converge, creating an environment that is both captivating and peaceful, full of unexpected surprises.