Audio-Tour Burg Wissem im Naturerbe Wahner Heide

On a whim, we headed to the Wahner Heide – the weather was absolutely perfect. Even though I'm not usually a fan of hiking near a Bundeswehr training area, the sunshine lured us out. Our path first led us past Burg Wissem, the landmark of Troisdorf. The history of the former noble estate of Wisheim/Wiesheim/Wyssem/Weißheimb dates back to the Merovingian period (c. 500–700 AD). It was a moated castle and fortification, and the ancestral seat of the Lords of Troisdorf (Truhtesdorf). Here, there's finally a café again, promising a delightful experience. Passing the wildlife enclosure, we continued towards the forest cemetery along wide, natural forest paths to the Leyenweiher pond – a beautiful sight, framed by the colorful autumn foliage. After about 2.8 kilometers, we reached the first signpost of the Sieg Nature Region at the Taubengasse parking lot – “first pasture, then heath.” And that's exactly how it was: large pastures near the Agger River offered magnificent panoramic views. The first climb followed at Güldenberg, along the Goldenbach stream. More gentle inclines were to follow as we continued along the increasingly narrow paths toward the Wahner Heide heath. The Wahner Heide heathland is characterized by blooming heathland alongside swamps, fens, and riparian forests, open dune landscapes adjacent to ponds, pools, and near-natural streams. Today, it displayed vibrant greens, oranges, yellows, and reds – a magnificent display of autumn colors. Unfortunately, the Ministry of Defense has placed the renaturalized barracks area “Camp Altenrath” in the center of the Wahner Heide on its list of potential military sites. For us, the numerous signs indicating “red zones” were already taking some getting used to. The Wahner Heide heathland is a landscape of blooming heathland alongside swamps, fens, and riparian forests, open dune landscapes adjacent to ponds, pools, and near-natural streams. For those who don't mind crowds of walkers, families, and dogs, a tour through the heath is still highly recommended. From Telegraphenberg, we enjoyed a beautiful view across the heath all the way to the airport. The return route took us along the Mauspfad (Mouse Path), past the shooting range and the bird enclosure with its adjacent duck pond. However, this route isn't ideal for relaxation and finding peace and quiet – it's simply too crowded, and air traffic and the occasional military vehicle are also part of the scene.

Since I couldn't participate last Sunday, I followed in the footsteps of Herbert and Monika, who were leading a hike with the Eifelverein Brühl. I was surprised by how interesting and varied the route is. It runs partly through military areas, so you shouldn't go there during training periods.

Today, time was short, and the weather was semi-good... But no matter, my feet need to be moved... Just get out there again. So I looked for a short hike nearby, in the Wahner Heide. I set off 🥾🥾 from the hiking car park, through the woods, and through the heather that was actually still in its last stages of bloom 😍 Past Wissem Castle, where an ancient market was taking place. A nice little walk 😉

Nice round trip through the Wahner Heide from Troisdorf, Waldfriedhof 🙂

Short after-work lap, just in time for the thunderstorm 😊

Moderately signposted, better between Fly Mountain and Leyenweiher. Without the app (tour imported from Outdoor Active to Komoot) I would not have found the round. I was happy when a sign came up.

https://www.wahnerheide.net/wanderweg.php?wanderweg_id=14&alter_startwert_wege=0 "Fliegenberg Tour - In the Red Sea of the Heather... Starting from Wissem Castle with its information portal and Quattro Passi restaurant, the trail passes the deer enclosure and reaches the Wahner Heide nature reserve. At Fliegenberg, you can marvel at the largest contiguous Calluna heaths – a special experience not only in August during the heather bloom. Other highlights of the Fliegenberg Tour include the 250-year-old beech forest on Güldenberg, the Hermitage, the Quarzitsteinsee lake, and the Leyenweiher pond. The Fliegenberg slope offers a magnificent view of the Sieg Valley and the abbey on Michaelsberg. 🐻****************************************🐻 Arrival and departure by 🚌 public transport 🚃 on this tour: + (H) Troisdorf Bf, Troisdorf 🚂

Information about the tour and more can be found here. https://www.wahnerheide.net/wanderwege.php