Lohmar between the Naafbach Valley and the Agger floodplains

Lohmar can be explored in a variety of ways: hiking trails lead through floodplains, forests and the hilly landscape of the Bergisches Land, while churches and the castle complex offer insights into the town’s history. Between quiet valley paths and a longer circular cycling tour, you’ll find nature experiences that can be tailored to your interests.

Hiking between valley paths and hilltops

In the Naafbach Valley in Lohmar-Wahlscheid, the hiking trail begins in Kreuznaaf, below the ruins of Castell Steineck castle. From there, it initially follows the valley path to Ingersauel. Possible extensions lead to Blindenaaf or Fischermühle and onward to the headwaters of the Kleine and Große Naafbach streams. The route’s combination of valley paths and optional longer sections offers different ways to shape your hike. Check trail conditions before setting out.

The wider network of hiking trails is also varied: it covers around 170 kilometres and leads through meadows, floodplains and fields, across the hilly landscape of the Bergisches Land, through forests, and along streams and rivers. Suggested hikes include easy-going routes for families and older people through the Agger floodplains, as well as hilly trails for ambitious hikers. This lets you choose between a more leisurely walk and more challenging terrain, as the trails do not all have the same character.

Nature around Aggerbogen and the Wahner Heide

Mixed deciduous forests grow on the slopes of the Naafbach Valley, while remnants of floodplain forest and some grassland remain on the valley floor. These different habitats contribute to the diversity of the area’s natural conditions, flora and fauna. The Aggerbogen Nature School in Lohmar-Wahlscheid offers another perspective on the landscape. Its roughly 16-hectare area was ecologically enhanced through extensive measures, transforming land that had previously been used intensively.

The nature school primarily works with school classes and also offers individual events for children, teenagers and adults. Topics throughout the year range from flora and fauna to gardening, composting and honey production, as well as traditional crafts. As the programme and dates may change, it is advisable to check them before visiting. From Lohmar, take the B484 towards Wahlscheid; shortly before crossing the Agger, a white sign points to the turn-off for the river.

The Wahner Heide lies nearby, between Cologne, Rösrath, Troisdorf and Lohmar. It has been a nature reserve since 1931, is included in the Natura 2000 network and is designated as a bird sanctuary. In the Rhein-Sieg district, it is also considered a local recreation area and a popular excursion destination. Visitors are asked to stay on the marked paths.

Historic buildings and distinctive details

The Catholic parish church of St John stands in the so-called church village, among attractive half-timbered houses. For a long time, this area was considered the oldest part of Lohmar. The choir of the Romanesque church, dating from the 12th century, has been preserved; inside, there is also an early Hohenstaufen baptismal font made of andesite. The Protestant Church of St Bartholomew in Lohmar-Wahlscheid brings together different styles, ranging from a Romanesque baptismal font to modern church windows.

Lohmar Castle is also part of the town’s history. It was built in the 14th century as a fortified moated castle. The year 1717 is still visible on the arched gateway of its three-winged outer bailey. The castle is privately owned. Its architectural history adds another facet to the town’s story alongside its religious buildings.

A longer circular cycling tour and planning your trip

For a longer tour by bicycle or e-bike, “In the Footsteps of Müller” is a 38.90-kilometre, moderate regional circular route along scenic cycle paths. It starts and ends at Honrath station (P+R) on Grünaggerstraße. Along the way, it passes manor houses and mills and runs through the Naafbach Valley. Starting and ending at the station makes it different in terms of navigation from the hiking trails, which explore individual sections of the valley and hilly landscape.

When looking for accommodation in Lohmar, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your trip: leisurely paths through the Agger floodplains, hikes in the Naafbach Valley, a longer cycling tour or historic buildings.

Discover Wahlscheid too.

Discover more destinations: Eitorf, Niederkassel, Troisdorf, Much, Adendorf, Königswinter, Siegburg.

Back to the regional travel overview: Rhein-Sieg district.