Wolfgang-Kolbe-Weg (Burgholz)

The SGV-Wolfgang-Kolbe-Weg is about four kilometers long and leads you through the Burgholz state forest. The route is not entirely flat, but it is feasible for everyone who is fit. Apart from sturdy footwear, you do not need any additional hiking equipment for the relatively short track. Depending on your fitness level, you should allow for about 1 to 1.5 hours of pure hiking time.

The starting point for the loop is Wolfshahn, a part of Wuppertal-Elberfeld. This is located in the southwesternmost part of the largest city in the Bergisches Land region. It ranks 17th in size. You can arrive by car as well as by public transport. Several bus stops are located in the immediate vicinity. The starting point is at Zimmerplatz, directly in the Burgholz state forest. Here you will also find the nationally unique arboretum, where forestry studies are conducted.

On your loop, you will first walk in a southerly direction, below the highest elevation, the Burggrafenberg, which is 282 meters above sea level. Then, the Wolfgang-Kolbe-Weg undulates down to 220 meters above sea level. You will cross the small stream Langensiepen and follow your route up to just before the L74. In a long curve, it goes northwards. At the large crossroads, turn right and hike back up the partially steep path to the Burggrafenberg. This time, you will go along the northern side of the mountain. Enjoy the magnificent flora with almost 30 tree species during your walk. Here, mainly beeches and oaks in the upper layer have stood since the Middle Ages. The accompanying flora includes blackberries, wood sorrel, wall lettuce, but also balsam and various ferns. As for animals, you will only find the usual red deer, roe deer, and wild boar here. Additionally, there are small mammals such as hares, badgers, and martens. In the last section, you will walk through the arboretum with its exotic trees again. After almost 1.5 hours, you will have reached your starting point, Zimmerplatz, again.