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Bergischer Weg: The most beautiful hiking trail 2024

Active & relaxed hiking: The Bergischer Weg is one of the most traditional long-distance hiking trails in Germany and was voted the most beautiful hiking trail in the country in 2024. The route and region in western Germany has a long history and offers hikers the opportunity to experience the varied nature, culture and history of the Bergisches Land with all their senses.

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Pärchen auf einer Wanderung mit Wanderkarte

Route & stages

The Bergischer Weg stretches for around 262 kilometres from the city of Essen in the north to Königswinter on the Rhine, south of Bonn. It leads through picturesque landscapes, dense forests, rolling hills, river valleys and past historic towns and sights. The trail is divided into 14 stages, each between 10 and 25 kilometres long and clearly marked with a white B on a black background. This makes it suitable for day hikes as well as tours lasting several days and offers beginners and advanced hikers numerous options.

Diepentalsperre

Nature & landscape

The Bergisches Land region is known for its diverse and green nature. The Bergisch Trail takes you through deep forests, wide meadows and hilly landscapes. The numerous stream valleys and reservoirs along the way are particularly beautiful, including the Agger and Brucher reservoirs and the Diepental dam, which you reach at the end of stage 4. The hike always offers great views of the surrounding countryside, especially in the southern section as you approach the Siebengebirge and the Rhine.

Schloss Burg Solingen

Sights & culture

In addition to the beautiful green countryside, the Bergisch Trail also offers cultural and historical highlights. Along the way, you will pass picturesque half-timbered villages and towns such as Solingen, Wuppertal and Remscheid, all of which have an interesting industrial past. The region is known for its forging and metalworking culture, especially in Solingen, which is known as the ‘city of blades’. Castles and palaces also line the route, such as the impressive Burg Castle near Solingen.

Restaurant Altenberger Hof

Hotel tips directly on the route: Romantik® Hotel-Restaurant Altenberger Hof

At the end of stage 5, you will reach Odenthal-Altenberg, which is known for its beautiful historic cathedral with cathedral garden and the Märchenwald amusement park. The Romantik® Hotel-Restaurant Altenberger Hof is the perfect place to round off the day's hiking and start the 6th stage from Altenberg to Bergisch Gladbach Bensberg feeling refreshed.

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Waldhotel Mangold, umgeben von grünen Bäumen

Romantik® Waldhotel Mangold

The Romantik® Waldhotel Mangold is located right on the beautiful edge of the forest in Bensberg and is the perfect accommodation for your next hike on the Bergischer Weg. Enjoy the peace and quiet and relax your strained muscles in the nearby Mediterana Therme. From the Waldhotel, you can set off directly on the 7th stage of the route, which leads from Bergisch Gladbach Bensberg to Overath Rösrath.

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FAQ's Frequently Asked Questions & Answers:

The best time for a hike on the Bergischer Weg is between spring and autumn. The months of April to October in particular offer pleasant weather for the route. Spring and autumn are ideal for experiencing the varied landscape in all its colourful glory. In winter, some sections can be more difficult to walk due to snow or wet conditions. However, the winter splendour in the forests is also beautiful to behold and is ideal for short mulled wine or coffee breaks against a wintry backdrop.

When hiking, the right clothing and equipment are crucial for comfort and safety. Ideally, you should wear sturdy, waterproof hiking boots with a good tread. We also recommend functional clothing in several layers, which can be adjusted depending on the temperature and activity. Rain and weather protection, such as a light rain jacket and sun protection (hat or cap, sun cream and sunglasses) are also an advantage. A lightweight, ergonomic rucksack is ideal for day hikes. Ideally, it should have padded shoulder straps and a hip belt to distribute the weight evenly. Also make sure you have enough water and a small first aid kit if necessary. A printed hiking map of the region is always useful, even if you are using a GPS device or a hiking app. Reception could be interrupted or the battery could run out. However, you can also rely on the signposts.

Yes, the Bergischer Weg is well signposted throughout. The markings consist of a white ‘B’ on a black background, which can be found along the entire route on trees, posts and signs. This ensures good orientation, even without maps.

Hotels on the Bergischer Weg

Germany

Romantik Waldhotel
Mangold

Germany
DE - Bergisches Land

Romantik Hotel-Restaurant
Altenberger Hof

Germany
DE - Bergisches Land

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