Wahlscheid between the Naafbach Valley and local history

Wahlscheid can be explored through two distinctive themes: the Naafbach Valley, designated as a nature reserve, and local history, encountered at several stops along the DenkMal hike. The Aggerbogen Nature School adds activities for different age groups. You can plan your trip around nature experiences, culture or activities to enjoy together.

The Naafbach Valley and hiking trails

The Naafbach Valley in Lohmar-Wahlscheid is designated as a nature reserve. In the wider Lohmar travel destination, mixed deciduous forests grow on the slopes of the Naafbach Valley; remnants of floodplain forest and some grassland can be found on the valley floor. These habitats contribute to the variety of natural environments and the diversity of native flora and fauna.

A hike into the Naafbach Valley starts in Kreuznaaf and initially follows the valley trail to Ingersauel. In the wider Lohmar travel destination, possible extensions are described as far as Blindenaaf or Fischermühle, and onward into the source area of the Kleine and Große Naafbach streams. Check trail conditions before setting out. This lets you tailor your plans to the specific hike rather than assuming a particular distance or walking time.

Church, ancient linden tree and DenkMal hike

The DenkMal hike passes through and around Wahlscheid, visiting several sights: the Evangelical Church of St. Bartholomew—Church on the Hill, the Old Femelinde linden tree, the former Münchhof mayor’s office, the Pilot mine, Dorp manor house, the local history museum in Schönenberg and the Evangelical rectory. These stops give the hike its historical and cultural character.

The Old Femelinde stands beside the Evangelical Church of St. Bartholomew. It is about 450 years old and is considered the oldest linden tree in the Rhein-Sieg district. The church contains a baptismal font dating from the 12th century. If you are interested in different traces of local history, you can combine these natural and ecclesiastical landmarks with other stops on the DenkMal hike.

The former Münchhof mayor’s office also tells the story of Wahlscheid’s administrative history: the former mayor’s office was built in the Münchhof district at the end of the 19th century. The bakery at the Oberdörster local history museum holds a baking day once a month. The ecumenical Moritatengottesdienst (ballad service) traditionally begins each year on the last weekend of August, before the Wahlscheid fair. If you would like to plan your trip around this date, check the date of the event in advance.

Activities at the Aggerbogen Nature School

The Aggerbogen Nature School is a nature centre in the Aggerbogen landscape garden in Wahlscheid. It primarily works with school classes and also offers individual events for children, young people and adults. Activities include children’s groups, birthday parties for children aged five to twelve, usually with two-hour activities mainly at weekends, outdoor events for the whole family, and holiday programmes during all school holidays in Aggerbogen.

For more than 20 years, the Nature School has also offered courses and guided tours, as well as adventure and creative activities for children and young people, adults and seniors. Its wide range makes it a topic in its own right when planning your trip, whether you are interested in a single activity or weighing up options for different age groups. Check the individual event for current dates.

Lohmar as a wider setting

The wider Lohmar travel destination has a well-developed network of hiking trails about 170 kilometres long. The trails lead through meadows, floodplains and fields, across the hilly landscape of the Bergisches Land, through forests and alongside streams and rivers. Suggested hikes range from easy-going routes for families and older people through the Agger floodplains to hilly trails for ambitious hikers. This offers a broader comparison of different hiking styles, while the hike into the Naafbach Valley and the DenkMal hike provide specific themes for Wahlscheid.

Search specifically for accommodation in the places and near the activities you would like to shape your stay around.

View the wider travel overview: Lohmar.