Bergisches Land

The Bergisches Land, situated between the Cologne Bay, Ruhr area and Sauerland, is an ancient cultural landscape and today the largest nature park in North Rhine-Westphalia. The scenic beauty and the numerous natural and cultural monuments make the region an attractive hiking area. The Rother hiking guide "Bergisches Land" presents 50 of the most beautiful tours.
Water is the defining element of the Bergisches Land, countless streams and rivers have shaped its hills and valleys. A typical Bergisch hiking trail runs in constant ups and downs over panoramic heights, through idyllic stream valleys and pretty villages of half-timbered houses and slate. The paths are well developed but not overcrowded. Early industrial culture has left its mark throughout the area and offers additional attractions such as old quarries, water mills and water-powered forge hammers.
Sabine Keller and Benno F. Zimmermann have put together mainly easy hikes and walks and provide numerous tips on places of interest, viewpoints and places to stop for refreshments. Almost all of the tour suggestions can be reached by public transport and include a short information sheet with all the important details, precise directions, a map section with the route marked and an informative altitude profile. GPS tracks are available for download.