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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Ruhr Region
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Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide

The best hikes from bus stations in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide

4.5

(14095)

59,634

hikers

958

hikes

Bus station hiking trails in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide traverse a diverse landscape of dense forests, open meadows, and significant moorlands and heathlands. The area is characterized by unique natural features such as swamp forests and subsidence lakes, which formed due to coal mining and often feature dead trees. Streams like the Rotbach and Schwarzbach wind through the region, contributing to its varied ecological habitats. This protected natural area offers around 100 km of marked trails suitable for various fitness levels.

Last updated: July 9, 2026

4.8

(78)

211

hikers

#1.

View of Heidesee (East Shore) – View of Heidesee loop from Grafenmühle

9.27km

02:22

30m

30m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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Moderate

Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.

Hard
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Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.

Moderate

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy

Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

Easy
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Popular around Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide

Top Hikes in Autumn - Ruhr Area and around Düsseldorf

Other adventures in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide

Top Hikes in Autumn - Ruhr Area and around Düsseldorf

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Tips from the Community

Stephan aus GE🚶‍♂️🌳⚒🚲⛰
March 21, 2026, Grafenmühle Leisure Center

It is a popular destination in the Ruhr area, especially appreciated for its mix of leisure activities, gastronomy, and the well-known motorcycle meeting point. It is nestled in the green belt of the Grafenwald and serves as an ideal starting point for hikes or bike tours.

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Always worthwhile and always different. Great local recreation in every season! My last visit at the end of 2025 left me amazed and in awe!

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Asteben
December 21, 2025, Halde Schöttelheide

The shelter was built by various craftsmen from Kirchhellen at the end of 2025 as part of the 125th anniversary celebrations of the Kolping Family Kirchhellen.

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Always something going on, with plenty of options for food, drinks, and snacks at reasonable prices. A good place for a break.

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Hello Daniel, the dump was open for use for a few months. It seems it's been closed again for some time now.

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Very pretty stream, nice that it is still accessible and can be experienced.

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Beautiful path through the forest

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Beautiful place on the slag heap

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many bus station hiking trails are available in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide?

There are over 945 hiking trails accessible from bus stations in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide. This includes a wide variety of routes suitable for different fitness levels.

Are there easy bus-accessible hikes for beginners in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide?

Yes, Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide offers a great selection of easy bus-accessible hikes. With over 690 easy routes, beginners can comfortably explore the diverse landscapes. An example of an easy route is the Grafenmühle Fishing Park – Path Along Halde Schöttelheide loop, which is just over 4 km long.

What kind of landscapes can I expect on bus-accessible trails in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide?

The bus-accessible trails in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide offer a surprisingly varied landscape. You'll encounter dense forests of pine, oak, and birch, open meadows, and significant moorlands and heathlands. Look out for rare habitats like swamp forests and unique 'Bergsenkungsseen' (subsidence lakes) with their distinctive dead trees.

Are there circular routes accessible by bus in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide?

Absolutely. Many of the bus-accessible trails are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end your hike at the same bus stop without retracing your steps. For example, consider the Heath lake – Pfingstsee (Whitsun Lake) loop, which offers a comprehensive tour of the area's natural beauty.

What do other hikers say about the bus-accessible trails in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide?

The bus-accessible trails in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.46 stars from over 1790 ratings. Hikers often praise the quiet woodlands, well-maintained paths, and the surprising diversity of the landscape, especially the unique lakes and heathlands.

Can I see any lakes on bus-accessible hikes in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide?

Yes, several bus-accessible routes will take you past picturesque lakes. The Heidesee, a large former gravel pit, is a popular spot for lakeside walks and bird-watching. You might also encounter the unique subsidence lakes like the Senkungssee Elsbach (Pfingstsee), known for its mystical appearance with dead trees in the water.

Are there viewpoints along bus-accessible trails in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide?

While the Kirchheller Heide itself is relatively flat, some routes offer elevated perspectives. The nearby Halde Haniel, though a bit further, provides impressive panoramic views. Within the Heide, you'll find scenic spots like the View of the Heidesee, offering beautiful vistas over the water and surrounding nature.

Are the bus-accessible trails suitable for families with children?

Many bus-accessible trails in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide are family-friendly, especially the easier and moderate routes. The diverse landscape keeps children engaged, and the Waldkompetenzzentrum Heidhof, often a starting point for trails, features a playground and kiosk, making it a great base for family outings.

Can I bring my dog on bus-accessible hikes in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide?

Yes, Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide is generally dog-friendly. Most trails are suitable for dogs, but always keep them on a leash, especially in protected areas and near wildlife. Be mindful of other hikers and cyclists. Remember to check specific bus company rules regarding pet transport.

What wildlife can I spot on these trails?

Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide is a haven for wildlife. Keep an eye out for black woodpeckers, silver herons, and kingfishers near the water bodies. You might also spot various waterfowl. The protected heathlands are home to unique plants, and if you're lucky, you might even glimpse a moor frog or a viper.

What is the best time of year to hike from bus stations in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide?

Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide is beautiful year-round. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers stunning foliage. Summer is ideal for longer hikes, and even winter can be magical with frosty landscapes. The well-maintained trails are generally accessible in all seasons, but always check local weather conditions before heading out.

Are there places to eat or drink near bus-accessible trailheads?

Yes, you'll find options for refreshments near some bus-accessible trailheads. The Waldkompetenzzentrum Heidhof, a popular starting point, has a kiosk. Additionally, there are often local eateries and pubs in the villages surrounding the Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide, easily reachable from bus stops.

Most popular routes in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide

Dog-friendly hikes in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide

Most popular attractions in Naturschutzgebiet Kirchheller Heide

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