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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia
Mettmann

Hildener Heide

Attractions and Places To See around Hildener Heide - Top 9

Best attractions and places to see around Hildener Heide include a partially nature-protected and mostly forested heathland in North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany. This area is known for its rich biodiversity and diverse landscapes, situated on the eastern edge of Hilden. It offers various points of interest for nature lovers and hikers. The region features significant heath areas, natural water bodies, and diverse forests.

Best attractions and places to see around Hildener Heide

  • The most popular attractions is Sandberg in the Hildener Heide, a natural monument that represents the largest continuous heathland area in the Mettmann district. This area is characterized by extremely dry and wet zones, supporting diverse flora and fauna.
  • Another must-see spot is Hilden Heath, an other natural area that forms part of the Hilden city forest. It contains nature reserves vital for rare plant and animal species, including carnivorous sundew and various lizards.
  • Visitors also love Path at Sandberg, a trail within the Sandberg Nature Reserve. This path offers views of the heathland and is part of the Neandertal Steig trail.
  • Hildener Heide is known for its natural monuments, diverse trails, and forested areas. The region offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from heathlands to river paths.
  • The attractions around Hildener Heide are appreciated by the komoot community, with more than 660 upvotes and over 250 photos shared.

Last updated: May 9, 2026

Sandberg in the Hildener Heide

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In the middle of the Hildener Heide

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Along the Itter near Kalstert

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Driving along the stream is almost always nice, especially if you also go through the forest.

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Hilden Heath

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Very nice hiking area in the triangle of the densely populated metropolitan regions of the Bergisch city triangle, Cologne and Düsseldorf. The Hildener Heide merges seamlessly into the Ohligser Heide (towards Solingen), which is also worth hiking and is even larger.

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Hilden Heath

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hilden.de/sv_hilden/More%20erleben/Freizeit/Hildener%20Stadtwald
"The Hilden city forest covers an area of approx. 430 hectares and is a classic mixed forest. It consists of two-thirds deciduous trees and one-third conifers.
The tasks associated with the city forest are nature conservation and forestry in the narrower sense, i.e. sustainable wood production. In addition, the forest is primarily used for the recreation of Hilden's citizens. For this purpose, it offers all visitors and nature lovers around 100 benches, three forest playgrounds, a fitness trail, three jogging routes of different lengths, a dog exercise meadow, a lookout tower on the Jahberg, 12 km of riding trails and 30 km of hiking trails for walking, dog walking, cycling or jogging .
About 20% of the Hilden city forest consists of nature reserves, the entire other forest area is designated as a landscape conservation area. These are in particular the dry heathland on the Sandberg and the heathland moor in the Schönholz area. In these areas there are still many very rare plant species such as the carnivorous sundew, roe ail, bog lily and king fern as well as animal species that have become rare (including some insect species and lizards). Many of these plants and animals are on the "Red List of Threatened Species". The preservation and protection of these areas is therefore of particular importance."

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Jaberg Observation Tower

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On the plateau is the Jaberg Tower, built in 1931 by the Franz Staat construction company, a 13.2 m high observation tower that was later equipped with radio masts.
The stories about the Jaberg go back to the Stone Age. The mountain is said to be the grave of Attila, king of the Huns, who is said to be buried here in his golden armor and in a golden coffin.

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Road Cycling Routes around Hildener Heide

Cycling around Hildener Heide

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Tips from the Community

Joe Outside
August 16, 2025, Hildener Heide

The Hilden Heath is a gently rolling, largely wooded heathland in North Rhine-Westphalia. It is part of the Hilden-Lintorfer Sandterrassen natural area and thus part of the Bergisch Heath Terrace. It is located on the eastern outskirts of Hilden and is partially protected. The area borders the Autobahn 3 motorway to the west, the Autobahn 46 to the north, and the neighboring town of Haan to the east. The Itter River flows south of the site. Federal Highway 228 from Hilden to Haan bisects the area from west to east. The Hilden Forest Swimming Pool is located on this road. See: https://de.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hildener_Heide#:~:text=Die%20Hildener%20Heide%20ist%20ein,und%20steht%20teilweise%20unter%20Naturschutz.

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Simeon B.
December 12, 2024, Hildener Heide

The Hilden Heath is a beautiful place for walkers, joggers and cyclists. Especially in autumn, the leaves change colour and the sunshine comes into its own.

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It is better not to cycle along this narrow stretch of road along the Itter; it is more of a footpath or hiking trail directly along the stream. I think pedestrians and dog owners would welcome it.

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A very beautiful heath landscape

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Signposts to the Neanderlandsteig

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As a dog owner who walks there every day, a tip: please be careful and considerate......

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Quiet and easy to drive section of the route

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https://www.hilden.de/sv_hilden/More%20erleben/Freizeit/Hildener%20Stadtwald/ "The Hilden city forest covers an area of approx. 430 hectares and is a classic mixed forest. It consists of two-thirds deciduous trees and one-third conifers. The tasks associated with the city forest are nature conservation and forestry in the narrower sense, i.e. sustainable wood production. In addition, the forest is primarily used for the recreation of Hilden's citizens. For this purpose, it offers all visitors and nature lovers around 100 benches, three forest playgrounds, a fitness trail, three jogging routes of different lengths, a dog exercise meadow, a lookout tower on the Jahberg, 12 km of riding trails and 30 km of hiking trails for walking, dog walking, cycling or jogging . About 20% of the Hilden city forest consists of nature reserves, the entire other forest area is designated as a landscape conservation area. These are in particular the dry heathland on the Sandberg and the heathland moor in the Schönholz area. In these areas there are still many very rare plant species such as the carnivorous sundew, roe ail, bog lily and king fern as well as animal species that have become rare (including some insect species and lizards). Many of these plants and animals are on the "Red List of Threatened Species". The preservation and protection of these areas is therefore of particular importance."

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Frequently Asked Questions

What natural features can I explore in Hildener Heide?

The Hildener Heide is rich in natural features. You can explore the Sandberg in the Hildener Heide, a natural monument known for its diverse dry and wet zones. Other significant areas include Hilden Heath, which is part of the Hilden city forest and contains vital nature reserves. The region also features streams like the Hoxbach and Sandbach, the scenic Drei-Insel-Teich (Three-Island Pond), and various forests including alder and birch woodlands.

Are there any historical landmarks or viewpoints in the Hildener Heide area?

Yes, the Jaberg Observation Tower is a notable landmark. Located on the Jaberg, the highest point in Hilden, this 13.2-meter-high tower offers panoramic views of the surrounding area. Historically, local legends suggest the Jaberg is the burial site of Attila the Hun.

What kind of wildlife can I observe in Hildener Heide?

Hildener Heide is known for its rich biodiversity. You might spot sand lizards sunbathing on the heather slopes, and rare grasshoppers like the small club grasshopper and blue-winged grasshopper. The area is also home to numerous rare sand bees and tiger beetles. The Drei-Insel-Teich is designated as an amphibian protection zone, offering opportunities to observe amphibians.

Are there family-friendly activities or trails in Hildener Heide?

Yes, several areas within Hildener Heide are suitable for families. The Sandberg in the Hildener Heide and the Path at Sandberg are both categorized as family-friendly. The Hildener Stadtwald, which is the northern part of Hildener Heide, is also popular for recreation and offers marked hiking and running trails suitable for families.

What are the best times of year to visit Hildener Heide?

The Hildener Heide offers beauty throughout the year. Summer is ideal for seeing the heathland in bloom and observing the flock of moorland sheep that graze to maintain the heather. Spring and autumn provide pleasant temperatures for hiking and enjoying the diverse flora and fauna. Even in winter, the forested areas and heathland offer a tranquil experience.

What outdoor activities, like hiking or cycling, are available around Hildener Heide?

The Hildener Heide and its surroundings offer numerous opportunities for outdoor activities. You can find a variety of routes for cycling, running, and hiking. For cycling, explore routes like the 'Rest area at Unterbacher See – View of Unterbacher Lake loop'. Running enthusiasts can try the 'Pond in Hilden City Forest – Hilden City Forest loop'. For hiking, popular options include the 'Hilden Heath – Sandberg in the Hildener Heide loop'. You can find more detailed routes and guides at Cycling around Hildener Heide, Running Trails around Hildener Heide, and Hiking around Hildener Heide.

Are there easy walking routes suitable for all fitness levels?

Yes, Hildener Heide offers easy walking routes. For example, the 'Pond in Hilden City Forest – Sandbach Brook loop' is an easy hiking route, as is the 'Hilden Heath – Hilden Heath loop'. These trails allow visitors of all fitness levels to enjoy the natural beauty of the area. The Path at Sandberg is also generally accessible and family-friendly.

Can I bring my dog to Hildener Heide?

Yes, many areas within Hildener Heide are dog-friendly. The highlight Along the Itter near Kalstert is specifically noted as dog-friendly, with many visitors bringing their dogs. It's always recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in nature reserve areas, to protect wildlife and ensure a pleasant experience for everyone.

What makes Sandberg in the Hildener Heide a significant attraction?

The Sandberg in the Hildener Heide is a natural monument and represents the largest continuous heathland area in the Mettmann district, covering approximately 12 hectares. It's unique for its contrasting extremely dry and wet areas, supporting a wide array of rare flora and fauna. It's also a crucial habitat for species like sand lizards and various rare insects.

Are there any cultural sites near Hildener Heide?

While Hildener Heide itself is primarily a natural area, the nearby city of Hilden offers cultural sites. These include the Wilhelm Fabry Museum, dedicated to a famous citizen of Hilden, and the 13th-century Reformation Church in Hilden's city center, which is one of the few architectural monuments in the city.

What do visitors particularly enjoy about Hildener Heide?

Visitors appreciate the Hildener Heide for its tranquil natural beauty and diverse landscapes. Many enjoy the well-maintained hiking areas, the opportunity to observe rare plant and animal species, and the panoramic views from the Jaberg Tower. The blend of heathlands, forests, and water bodies provides a varied and engaging outdoor experience, often described as charming and a must-visit for nature lovers.

Is there public transport access to Hildener Heide?

Information on specific public transport stops directly within Hildener Heide is not detailed, but Hilden, which borders the Heide, is well-connected. Visitors typically access the area via Hilden's public transport network, which includes bus services. It is advisable to check local transport schedules for the most convenient routes to the edges of the nature area.

Where can I find parking when visiting Hildener Heide?

While specific parking locations are not detailed, visitors generally find parking at the edges of the Hildener Heide, particularly near popular trailheads or access points in Hilden. The Waldschwimmbad Hilden, situated along the Bundesstraße 228, is a known spot in proximity to the natural surroundings and may offer parking options.

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