Top 8 Natural Monuments in Urdenbacher Kämpe
Best natural monuments in Urdenbacher Kämpe include Düsseldorf's largest nature reserve, spanning 316 hectares. This area is recognized for its undiked floodplain landscape, regularly shaped by the Rhine River, and is part of the European Natura 2000 protection system. Key features include ancient meander bends of the Urdenbacher Altrhein, alluvial forests, wetlands, and extensive orchards. This dynamic ecosystem supports a rich variety of plant and animal life, offering a unique opportunity to experience a natural Rhine floodplain.
Best natural monuments in Urdenbacher Kämpe
- The most popular natural monuments is Urdenbacher Kämpe – At the Ausleger, a natural area known for its diverse biotopes. This section offers views towards the ferry to Zons and provides an experience of varied natural surroundings.
- Another must-see spot is Lowland waterbody at the former summer dike (Urdenbacher Kämpe), a lowland waterbody and wetland area. This location features a meadow landscape where the Urdenbach Old Rhine has reclaimed nature, offering opportunities to observe various bird species.
- Visitors also love Urdenbacher Altrhein at Stümpeweg, a river that flows through the Garath and Urdenbach districts. This area was renatured to allow Rhine floodwaters to form a near-natural lake, swamp, and wetland.
- Urdenbacher Kämpe is known for its old Rhine oxbows, alluvial forests, and wetlands. The area offers a variety of natural monuments to see and explore, including diverse habitats and landscapes influenced by the Rhine.
- The natural monuments in Urdenbacher Kämpe are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 3800 upvotes and over 1100 photos shared across 8 highlights.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
Urdenbacher Kämpe – At the Ausleger
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Lowland waterbody at the former summer dike (Urdenbacher Kämpe)
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You will be accompanied here by a never-ending symphony of bird songs: swans, rust geese, gray herons, orioles and kingfishers have found a home in the Urdenbacher Kämpe and can be seen or heard from the various viewing points along the route. You can quickly forget that just a few kilometers away the center of North Rhine-Westphalia's second largest city with the longest bar in the world is waiting for visitors!
The fact that you can hike in the middle of nature in the Kämpe is thanks to a flood: the Rhine used to flow towards the Netherlands at this point. However, after a flood in 1374, it shifted its bed a few kilometers to the west, leaving only a small trickle that has marked the border of the Urdenbacher Kämpe ever since.
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Urdenbacher Altrhein at Stümpeweg
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The Urdenbacher Altrhein is the lower reaches of the Garather Mühlenbach, which flows into an old river bed of the Rhine at Hellerhof and from there uses its course. It flows into what is now the Rhine at Urdenbach.
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Pond on the Garather Mühlenbach in the Urdenbacher Kämpe
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Ancient Trees With Giant Roots in Urdenbacher Kämpe
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In spring, the loud frog concert is free and the bird concert is free all year round! In May 2024, the stork couple successfully bred three young after more than a hundred years. Beavers are doing well and have also had offspring. The kingfisher can be seen from time to time
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Frogs are not only fascinating animals, but also important members of their ecosystems. They feed mainly on insects and other small invertebrates, helping to regulate pests. At the same time, they themselves serve as a food source for many predators, and their life cycle as an egg, tadpole and adult frog contributes to nutrient cycling in wetlands. Unfortunately, many frogs are now threatened or on the verge of extinction, mainly due to habitat loss, pollution and diseases such as the dreaded chytrid fungus disease. Protecting and conserving frog habitats is therefore crucial to the survival of these fascinating animals and maintaining ecological balance.
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Frogs are fascinating amphibians found in a variety of habitats around the world. They are known for their jumping abilities and their distinctive croaking during mating season. These little creatures have an impressive variety of colors and patterns that help them camouflage themselves in their environment and ward off potential predators. Many species of frogs also have the ability to change their skin color to adapt to different temperatures and lighting conditions.
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With an area of 316 hectares, the Urdenbacher Kämpe is the largest nature reserve in Düsseldorf. It is a typical piece of old Lower Rhine cultural landscape with pollarded willows, fruit trees and valuable wet meadows.
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The trees just look mesmerizing... even a little spooky.
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The meandering course of the Old Rhine roughly corresponds to the course that the Rhine had up to the middle of the 14th century. Due to a flood event, probably in 1374, the Rhine broke through the arch and thus created its current bed.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are some of the most popular natural monuments to visit in Urdenbacher Kämpe?
Visitors frequently enjoy exploring the diverse biotopes at Urdenbacher Kämpe – At the Ausleger, which offers views towards the Zons ferry. Another highly rated spot is the Lowland waterbody at the former summer dike, where the Urdenbach Old Rhine has reclaimed nature, providing excellent birdwatching opportunities. The View of the Old Rhine at Urdenbacher Kämpe is also a favorite for its scenic vistas of the river and floodplain, with Haus Bürgel visible in the distance.
What kind of natural landscapes can I expect to see in Urdenbacher Kämpe?
The Urdenbacher Kämpe is characterized by its rare and intact floodplain landscape, shaped by the Rhine River. You will encounter ancient meander bends of the Urdenbacher Altrhein, extensive alluvial forests, and numerous wetlands. The area also features vast orchards with old varieties of pear and apple trees, along with head willows, creating a diverse and dynamic ecosystem.
Are there hiking trails suitable for exploring the natural monuments?
Yes, the Urdenbacher Kämpe offers a well-developed network of hiking trails, including the "AuenBlicke" routes, which range from 2 to 10 kilometers and are marked with different colors. These trails provide fascinating insights into the local flora and fauna. You can find various hiking options, including easy walks, in the Hiking in Urdenbacher Kämpe guide.
What outdoor activities are available near the natural monuments in Urdenbacher Kämpe?
Beyond exploring the natural monuments, the area is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy easy hikes, such as the "Old Willow Trees by the Rhine loop" or the "Urdenbacher Altrhein Wetlands loop." There are also running trails available, including longer routes like the "Urdenbach–Zons Ferry loop." For more details, refer to the Easy hikes in Urdenbacher Kämpe and Running Trails in Urdenbacher Kämpe guides.
What kind of wildlife can be observed in the Urdenbacher Kämpe?
The Urdenbacher Kämpe is a haven for wildlife due to its diverse habitats. Birdwatchers can spot kingfishers, orioles, black kites, swans, rust geese, and gray herons. The orchards and head willows provide homes for rare birds like the Little Owl, Green Woodpeckers, and Common Redstarts, as well as weasels, polecats, and hedgehogs. The wetlands are also home to various frog species.
Can I visit historical sites within the Urdenbacher Kämpe?
Yes, within the Urdenbacher Kämpe, you can visit Haus Bürgel. This site is built on the remains of a Roman fort and now houses a biological station and an archaeological museum, offering insights into the region's natural and historical significance, dating back to the fourth century.
When is the best time of year to visit the natural monuments in Urdenbacher Kämpe?
The Urdenbacher Kämpe is worth visiting year-round, as each season offers a different picturesque scene. Spring is particularly beautiful when the extensive orchards are in bloom. Autumn brings vibrant colors to the meadows and trees. The regular flooding by the Rhine also creates a dynamic landscape that changes throughout the year.
Is the Urdenbacher Kämpe accessible by public transport?
Yes, the Urdenbacher Kämpe is generally accessible by public transport. Specific bus lines serve the surrounding districts of Düsseldorf, such as Urdenbach and Garath, from where you can reach various entry points to the nature reserve. For detailed public transport information, it is advisable to check local transport schedules.
Are there options for parking when visiting the natural monuments?
Yes, there are parking options available. For instance, near the Urdenbacher Altrhein at Stümpeweg, you can find a free hiking car park with an information board about the Kämpe and various circular hiking trails.
Are dogs allowed on the trails in Urdenbacher Kämpe?
Dogs are generally allowed on the trails in Urdenbacher Kämpe, but it is important to keep them on a leash, especially in a nature reserve with sensitive wildlife and agricultural areas. Always follow local signage and regulations to protect the environment and ensure a pleasant experience for all visitors.
Where can I find refreshments or cafes near the natural monuments?
While the Urdenbacher Kämpe is primarily a natural reserve, you can find refreshments in the surrounding districts. Haus Bürgel, located within the Kämpe, sometimes offers facilities. Additionally, the nearby areas of Urdenbach and Benrath provide cafes and restaurants. For more information on local amenities, you might consult the Visit Düsseldorf website.
What is the significance of the Urdenbacher Altrhein?
The Urdenbacher Altrhein is a former meander bend of the Rhine River, which shifted its main course in the 14th century. This old riverbed is now a crucial part of the nature reserve, having been renatured to allow Rhine floodwaters to create a near-natural lake, swamp, and wetland area. It is vital for the region's biodiversity and ecological balance.
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