Protected Areas in Düsseldorf District
Protected Areas in Düsseldorf District
Protected Area Guide
The Düsseldorf District is home to 3 designated protected areas, offering a variety of natural landscapes for outdoor recreation. These zones range from the marsh and fen landscapes of the Lower Rhine plain to surprisingly hilly terrain with mixed forests and stream valleys further inland. The landscapes are characterized by features such as alluvial forests, wetlands, and unique hollow ways shaped by historical land use. A network of trails supports activities including hiking, jogging, mountain biking, and various forms of…
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Last updated: April 23, 2026

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Lsg-Ratinger Stadtwald Süd-West is a 105-hectare protected area with mixed forests and stream valleys, offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountaineering
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

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Kerkener Bruch is a protected area in Germany known for its marsh and fen landscapes, offering diverse routes for cycling, hiking, and jogging through forests and open fields.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

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Schaephuysener Höhen is a protected area offering surprisingly hilly terrain for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking routes through forests and unique hollow ways.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
Protected areas in the Düsseldorf District are designated zones that conserve significant local ecosystems, ranging from marsh and fen landscapes to forested hills. This page aggregates several such areas, including Lsg-Ratinger Stadtwald Süd-West and Kerkener Bruch. These areas provide accessible natural spaces for outdoor recreation with hundreds of established routes.
The primary activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with more than 400 routes available across the aggregated protected areas. The landscapes support a variety of sports, from road cycling on paved paths to hiking through mixed forests and mountain biking on hilly terrain. Specific areas like Schaephuysener Höhen are noted for their varied terrain suitable for multiple activities.
The administrative district of Düsseldorf contains 383 designated nature reserves. This page specifically features a selection of 3 protected areas, providing detailed route information for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor sports within them. These include areas with distinct landscapes like mixed forests, fens, and hills.
There are over 150 designated hiking trails across the protected areas featured on this page. The Kerkener Bruch offers flat trails through marsh and fen landscapes, while the Lsg-Ratinger Stadtwald Süd-West provides routes through mixed forests and stream valleys. These trails cater to various fitness levels.
Yes, there are numerous routes for both road cycling and touring cycling. The Schaephuysener Höhen is particularly suitable for road cyclists, offering over 30 routes through its hilly terrain. The flatter landscapes of Kerkener Bruch also provide many options for touring cyclists and road cyclists alike.
Lsg-Ratinger Stadtwald Süd-West is a 105-hectare protected area characterized by mixed forests and stream valleys. This environment provides a diverse habitat for local wildlife and offers a classic woodland setting for outdoor activities. It contains over 160 routes for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking.
Schaephuysener Höhen is known for its surprisingly hilly terrain within the generally flat Lower Rhine region. The landscape features forests and unique hollow ways, which are sunken paths formed over time. This topography makes it a popular destination for road cycling and mountain biking, with dozens of routes available for each.
Yes, many of the protected areas offer routes suitable for beginners and families. For example, the flat terrain in Kerkener Bruch is ideal for leisurely walks and cycling. The well-developed trail networks in all featured areas allow for choosing routes of varying length and difficulty.
Yes, mountain biking is a popular activity in several of the protected areas. The hilly landscape of Schaephuysener Höhen offers dedicated mountain bike trails through its forests and hollow ways. Lsg-Ratinger Stadtwald Süd-West also features around 20 mountain bike routes through its woodland terrain.
While both are established for conservation, 'Nature Reserves' (Naturschutzgebiete) often have stricter protections focused on preserving specific habitats and species with more regulated access. 'Protected Areas' (Landschaftsschutzgebiete) typically cover larger areas, protecting the overall character of a landscape while allowing for a broader range of recreational uses. For more details, see the page on Nature Reserves in Düsseldorf District.

