The best cycling routes around Hildener Stadtwald
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Touring cycling around Hildener Stadtwald offers a diverse landscape for outdoor activities. The region encompasses approximately 430 hectares of city forest and the surrounding Hilden Heath, characterized by natural features such as the Sandbach-Krebsbach area with its meandering sand streams and the Upper Sandbach Valley. Cyclists can find routes that pass by lakes like Menzelsee and Elbsee, and through areas like the Kesselsweier Nature Reserve. The terrain provides a mix of paved and unpaved paths suitable for various fitness levels.
Best touring cycling routes around Hildener Stadtwald
- The most popular touring cycling route is Rest area at Unterbacher See – View of Unterbacher Lake loop from Sandberg, a 12.8 miles (20.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 28 minutes to complete. This easy route offers views of Unterbacher Lake.
- Another top favourite among local touring cyclists is View of the Elbsee – View of the Menzelsee loop from Schlackenhalde / Bruchhauser Feuchtwiesen in Erkrath, an easy 16.1 miles (26.0 km) path. This route provides views of both Elbsee and Menzelsee.
- Local touring cyclists also love the Lake at Waldbad Hilden – Along the Itter near Kalstert loop from Hildener Stadtwald-Bereich Biesenbach, a 13.3 miles (21.3 km) trail leading through areas near the Itter stream, often completed in about 1 hour 18 minutes.
- Touring cycling around Hildener Stadtwald is defined by its city forest, meandering sand streams, and lake views. The network offers options for different ability levels, from easy paths to more challenging routes.
- The routes in Hildener Stadtwald are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 12,000 reviews. More than 63,000 touring cyclists have used komoot to explore Hildener Stadtwald's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 8, 2026
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2.4
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hackhausen House, also known as Hackhausen Castle or Villa, is an impressive building with a castle-like setting. It is one of four historic buildings bearing the name Hackhausen: Hackhausen Water Castle, Hackhausen Forest Estate, Hackhausen Manor, and this beautiful Hackhausen House, located directly opposite Hackhausen Water Castle. Hackhausen House is not open to the public, but it is absolutely stunning.
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New local on Schäl Sick with good music
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You can sit on the stone terraces and enjoy the view over the lake.
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For me one of the best restaurants in town!
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Lake Menzel is a disused gravel pit in the south of Düsseldorf, created during gravel mining in the 1970s and 1980s. After industrial use ceased, the area was gradually returned to nature and developed into an important refuge for animals and plants. Today, Lake Menzel is part of a designated nature reserve and is one of the most ecologically valuable bodies of still water in the region. The lake covers an area of approximately 18 hectares and is up to 15 meters deep. Due to its secluded location, the surrounding forests, and extensive land use, a largely undisturbed habitat has developed here. Bird species such as great crested grebes, little grebes, grey herons, and various duck species find breeding and resting sites here. Amphibians, dragonflies, bats, and rare insects also benefit from the natural structures and largely untouched shoreline. Technically speaking, Lake Menzel is a residual body of water from gravel mining. After mining ceased, the pit was not completely filled but flooded. The groundwater level naturally filled the basin. Due to the lack of tourist or recreational development, the lake remained largely untouched – a rarity in urban areas. There are no paved shores, no bathing infrastructure, and no access roads to the water. The shore is largely covered with reeds, rushes, bushes, and trees – ideal conditions for breeding birds and shy wildlife. Access to the lake is deliberately restricted. A circular path leads around the area at a respectful distance, allowing for nature observation without disturbing the wildlife. In some places, there are observation points or benches from which, with a little patience and binoculars, rare bird species can be observed. Lake Menzel is an excellent example of successful reuse of former mining areas. It demonstrates how the deliberate withdrawal of human use can create a high-quality biotope that is not only ecologically valuable but also scenically attractive. The lake is a worthwhile destination for nature-loving walkers, hikers, and ornithologists – especially in the morning hours or during migration in spring and autumn.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many touring cycling routes are available in Hildener Stadtwald?
There are over 900 touring cycling routes in and around Hildener Stadtwald, offering a wide variety of options for different preferences and fitness levels.
What is the overall difficulty level of touring cycling routes in Hildener Stadtwald?
The majority of touring cycling routes in Hildener Stadtwald are considered easy, with over 500 such trails. There are also more than 260 moderate routes and around 140 difficult routes for those seeking a greater challenge.
What kind of landscapes can I expect to see while cycling in Hildener Stadtwald?
You can expect diverse natural features, including the Sandbach-Krebsbach area with its natural, meandering sand streams and the beautiful Upper Sandbach Valley. The region also offers picturesque views of lakes like Menzelsee and Elbsee, and areas of Hilden Heath.
Are there routes that pass by lakes in Hildener Stadtwald?
Yes, several routes offer romantic lake views. For example, the route View of the Elbsee – View of the Menzelsee loop from Schlackenhalde / Bruchhauser Feuchtwiesen in Erkrath provides views of both Elbsee and Menzelsee. You can also find more information about the region's lakes on the Lakes around Hildener Stadtwald guide, which includes highlights like the Hoxbach Flood Retention Basin / Stadtwald Pond.
Are there any nature reserves or special natural areas to explore by bike?
Absolutely. The Kesselsweier Nature Reserve, a former gliding airfield, is now a protected area managed to create habitats for rare animals and plants. While cycling through the Stadtwald, you might pass by or near this significant natural monument. You can find more details on the Natural Monuments around Hildener Stadtwald guide, which includes the Former glider airfield Haan/Hilden.
Are there family-friendly touring cycling routes in Hildener Stadtwald?
Yes, many of the easy routes are suitable for families. The terrain often includes a good mix of paved and unpaved paths that are generally well-maintained. The Rest area at Unterbacher See – View of Unterbacher Lake loop from Sandberg is an easy 12.8-mile route that offers pleasant views and is popular among cyclists.
Can I find circular touring cycling routes in the Hildener Stadtwald area?
Yes, many of the touring cycling routes in Hildener Stadtwald are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Lake at Waldbad Hilden – Along the Itter near Kalstert loop from Hildener Stadtwald-Bereich Biesenbach and the Lake at Waldschwimmbad Hilden – Itter Bridge loop from Hildener Stadtwald-Bereich Biesenbach.
What are some interesting landmarks or points of interest I can visit along the touring cycling routes?
Beyond the natural beauty, you can discover several points of interest. The Wilhelm Ferdinand Lieven Memorial and the Lieveneiche (Wilhelm Ferdinand Lieven Oak Tree) are notable natural monuments. You might also encounter viewpoints like the Nice little bridge over the highway, offering unique perspectives of the landscape.
Is it possible to combine cycling with exploring local towns or historical sites?
Yes, the proximity of Hildener Stadtwald to Hilden town center allows for this. After a ride, you can explore local amenities, including restaurants, or visit historical sites such as the 13th-century Reformation Church in Hilden.
What are the options for parking when visiting Hildener Stadtwald for a bike tour?
While specific parking locations are not detailed, the area is well-equipped for visitors. Given its popularity, you can typically find designated parking areas near trailheads or access points to the city forest. Many routes, like the Richrather Lake — South Side – Weeger Farm Shop loop from Hildener Stadtwald-Bereich Biesenbach, start from areas that usually have parking facilities.
What do other touring cyclists say about the routes in Hildener Stadtwald?
The touring cycling routes in Hildener Stadtwald are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 12,000 reviews. More than 63,000 touring cyclists have explored the varied terrain, often praising the scenic countryside, well-maintained paths, and diverse natural features.
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