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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Ruhr Region
Dortmund

Dellwiger Wald

Attractions and Places To See around Dellwiger Wald - Top 10

Best attractions and places to see around Dellwiger Wald are centered around the extensive Naturschutzgebiet Dellwiger Bachtal in western Dortmund. This area combines natural landscapes with significant industrial heritage. Visitors can explore diverse ecosystems and historical landmarks, offering a blend of natural beauty and cultural insights. The region provides recreational opportunities, particularly for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

Best attractions and places to see around Dellwiger Wald

  • The most popular attractions is Dellwiger Bach in the Dellwiger Bachtal Nature Reserve, a river that is the core feature of a 112.1-hectare nature reserve. This renatured stream winds through diverse landscapes and is a vital habitat for various wildlife, known for its firefly displays in early summer.
  • Another must-see spot is Bövinghausen People's Park, a forest and public garden. This park serves as the source of the Dellwiger Bach and features both paved main paths and natural beaten trails.
  • Visitors also love Old railway remains on Halde Zollern II/IV, an other man-made feature. This former mining spoil tip showcases nature reclaiming industrial land, offering a unique perspective on the area's transformation.
  • Dellwiger Wald is known for its nature reserves, industrial heritage sites, and public parks. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, catering to both nature lovers and those interested in local history.
  • The attractions around Dellwiger Wald are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 1100 upvotes and over 80 photos shared.

Last updated: June 24, 2026

Dellwiger Bach in the Dellwiger Bachtal Nature Reserve

Highlight (Segment) • River

This nature reserve was groundbreaking for the development of approaches to renaturation in the Emscher system. Due to a large diversity of amphibians and birds, you can see here - provided the season is right - quite rare animals such as fire salamander to face. In early summer, this area attracts many strollers at dusk, who do not want to miss the firefly spectacle.

Furthermore, here at several points the transition from industrial use to nature reserve can be well understood. The most noticeable is certainly the stockpile of the Zeche Zollern, which is recaptured by nature at high speed.

I can recommend a trip here!

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Old railway remains on Halde Zollern II/IV

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"... The tailings that accumulated during coal mining, the tailings, were transported via a cable car to a heap lying 500 meters south of the Zollern II / IV mine, which has been preserved in a slimmed-down form today. At its greatest extent, the body of the heap was almost 6 hectares in size and covered the Dellwiger Bach, which ran under it in a pipe. Around the 1970s, the stream was uncovered and a large valley in the form of a long notch was dug across the heap. Today, the water ripples openly, but still is channeled between two separate heap bodies.The curved southern edge of the heap was and still is bounded by the Emscher Valley Railway, which runs directly past the heap.The trains between Dortmund and Dorsten run on it.
Where the Dellwiger Bach flows out of the heap area, there is a beautiful information board about the heap and the industrial nature. All around, ferns grow on the ground, and the whole heap is overgrown with birch trees. This is very typical of Halden nature, because birch trees are so-called pioneer plants. It grows very quickly and is undemanding to site conditions. Extensive views of the landscape are not possible, even regardless of the dense vegetation, since the heap mainly fills the valley and hardly rises above the surrounding area. The highest point is at about 121.7 meters, the stream leaves the Kerbtal at 95.7 meters - almost exactly 26 meters lower. At about the highest point you can see the rails of the Emschertalbahn.
The heap is heavily forested and, with its typical softwood species such as poplar, robinia and plane tree, is also home to woodpeckers, especially the green woodpecker. The conspicuously blue-flowered viper's bugloss grows on the warm train tracks. The birch mushroom can be found under the birches along the damp stream. ..."
ruhrgebiet-industriekultur.de/zeche-zollern.html


de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halde_Zollern

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From Dellwiger Bachtal we climb steeply over wooden steps up to the Zollern heap, over which a beautiful, natural path stretches.

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Haus Dellwig

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Heimatmuseum Haus Dellwig

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Am Nocken Ascent

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nice little climb, pretty good bike path, lurking on the road speed bumps

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Popular around Dellwiger Wald

Railway cycling and industrial heritage in the Ruhr area – RevierRouten

The RevierRouten in the radrevier.ruhr

Cycling around Dellwiger Wald

Hiking around Dellwiger Wald

Running Trails around Dellwiger Wald

Road Cycling Routes around Dellwiger Wald

MTB Trails around Dellwiger Wald

Gravel biking around Dellwiger Wald

Other adventures around Dellwiger Wald

Railway cycling and industrial heritage in the Ruhr area – RevierRouten

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Reiseland Deutschland

Tips from the Community

Christopher
April 7, 2025, Am Nocken Ascent

Relax and let it run on the separate cycle path

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Pretty wild up there. The old rail remains are interesting. Still very muddy now in March!

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I didn't like it at the top, but the stairs are great!

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Hannes
September 27, 2023, Haus Dellwig

Haus Dellwig is worth seeing. Contrary to the title, neither the Rhenish donkey nor Phoenix-West can be found here.

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Very narrow trails lead to the heap. But these paths are registered paths from the Sauerland Mountain Club.

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Stairs made of tree trunks and when you get to the top you think you can't go any further. But you can see a very narrow trail.

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Good ramp to warm up.

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Very nice route through the forest.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore around Dellwiger Wald?

The primary natural feature is the extensive Naturschutzgebiet Dellwiger Bachtal, a 112.1-hectare nature reserve. Its core is the renatured Dellwiger Bach, which flows through diverse landscapes including deciduous forests, small streams, and swampy areas. You can also visit Bövinghausen People's Park, which serves as the source of the Dellwiger Bach and features both paved and natural trails, along with a duck pond.

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in the Dellwiger Bachtal Nature Reserve?

The Dellwiger Bachtal Nature Reserve is a vital habitat for a wide array of wildlife. You might spot various bird species like the buzzard, tawny owl, water rail, whitethroat, lesser spotted woodpecker, and stock dove. Amphibians such as the fire salamander, smooth newt, common frog, natterjack toad, and sand lizard also thrive here. In early summer evenings, the reserve is particularly known for its enchanting glowworm displays.

Are there any historical or industrial heritage sites to visit?

Yes, the region is rich in industrial heritage. The LWL-Industriemuseum Zeche Zollern, often called the 'Castle of Labor,' is a significant industrial museum showcasing the social and cultural history of Ruhr mining with impressive Art Nouveau architecture. Nearby, you can explore the Kolonie Landwehr, a historic mining settlement designed as a 'garden city' for colliery workers, offering a glimpse into the region's social history. Additionally, the Old railway remains on Halde Zollern II/IV provide a unique perspective on nature reclaiming industrial land.

Are there good hiking and cycling opportunities around Dellwiger Wald?

Dellwiger Wald and the Dellwiger Bachtal are very popular for outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Numerous well-maintained trails cater to various fitness levels, many passing through the Dellwiger Bachtal Nature Reserve, the Zollern Colliery spoil tip, and the Kolonie Landwehr. Cyclists can also access the area via paths connected to the Emscher-Park-Radweg. For specific routes, you can explore Running Trails around Dellwiger Wald or MTB Trails around Dellwiger Wald.

Is Dellwiger Wald suitable for families with children?

Yes, Dellwiger Wald offers several family-friendly attractions. The Dellwiger Bach in the Dellwiger Bachtal Nature Reserve is great for nature exploration, and Bövinghausen People's Park features a large playground with climbing opportunities. The LWL-Industriemuseum Zeche Zollern also provides engaging experiences for children, including guided tours and an 'underground adventure room'.

When is the best time to visit Dellwiger Wald?

The Dellwiger Wald is enjoyable year-round, but spring and summer are particularly appealing for nature observation, especially to witness the glowworm displays in the Dellwiger Bachtal Nature Reserve during early summer evenings. Autumn offers beautiful foliage, while winter walks can be serene. The renatured Dellwiger Bach and its surrounding forests provide a pleasant experience in any season.

Can I bring my dog to Dellwiger Wald?

Yes, many areas within Dellwiger Wald, including the Dellwiger Bach in the Dellwiger Bachtal Nature Reserve, are dog-friendly. It's a great place for extended walks with your canine companion. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash where required and that you clean up after them to preserve the natural environment.

Are there any accessible paths for wheelchairs or strollers?

While many trails in the Dellwiger Wald are natural beaten paths, Bövinghausen People's Park, which is the source of the Dellwiger Bach, features some large main paths that are paved, making them more accessible for strollers and potentially wheelchairs. It's advisable to check specific route details for accessibility before your visit.

What are some popular walking routes in the area?

Popular walks often include routes through the Dellwiger Bachtal Nature Reserve, exploring the renatured Dellwiger Bach, and ascending the Wooden Steps to Halde Zollern for a rustic forest experience. Many trails connect these natural and historical points of interest. You can find various options, including easy and moderate routes, in the Running Trails around Dellwiger Wald guide.

How can I get to Dellwiger Wald using public transport?

Dellwiger Wald is located in the western part of Dortmund, Germany. While specific public transport details can vary, the area is generally accessible via local bus and train services connecting to Dortmund. The Volksgarten Bövinghausen, a common starting point for explorations, is often reachable by public transport. It's recommended to check local transport schedules for the most current information on routes and stops.

What do visitors enjoy most about Dellwiger Wald?

Visitors particularly appreciate the blend of natural beauty and industrial heritage. The renatured Dellwiger Bach and the diverse ecosystems of the Dellwiger Bachtal Nature Reserve are highly valued for their tranquility and wildlife. The unique transformation of industrial sites like the Halde Zollern into natural landscapes, along with the historical insights offered by the Zeche Zollern museum, also receive high praise from the komoot community.

Are there any specific viewpoints or scenic spots?

While the Halde der Zeche Zollern (Zollern Colliery Spoil Tip) doesn't offer extensive panoramic views due to dense vegetation, it provides a unique perspective on nature reclaiming industrial land. The Bövinghausen People's Park also offers pleasant natural settings and viewpoints within its public garden landscape.

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