A hike in the Naafbach Valley begins in the village of Kreuznaaf, below the ruins of Castell Steineck Castle. The path initially follows the valley trail to Ingersauel; possible extensions continue to Blindenaaf or FischermĂĽhle and onward into the source area of the Kleine and GroĂźe Naafbach streams. This lets you choose between the described valley route and additional sections for your hike. Check trail conditions before setting out.
Hiking through valleys, floodplains and hills
Lohmar has a hiking trail network spanning approximately 170 kilometers. The trails lead through meadows, floodplains and fields, across the hilly landscape of the Bergisches Land, through forests and along streams and rivers. The municipal hiking suggestions also vary in difficulty: leisurely routes through the Agger floodplains are suited to families and older people, while hilly routes are intended for ambitious hikers. Lohmar therefore offers a range of landscapes and route profiles, rather than just one type of hiking experience.
The Naafbach Valley has its own distinctive landscape. Mixed deciduous forests grow on the slopes, while remnants of floodplain forest and some grassland remain on the valley floor. These different habitats contribute to the diversity of local sites and the rich variety of native flora and fauna. If you enjoy taking in the scenery while spending time outdoors, you will find not only a variety of trails here, but also a transition between wooded slopes and more open areas.
A bike tour as an alternative
Another way to explore Lohmar and its surroundings is the “Auf Müllers Spuren” (In the Footsteps of Müller) circular tour. It is 38.90 kilometers long, rated as moderately difficult, and follows natural cycling paths. The starting and finishing point is Honrath station (P+R) on Grünaggerstraße. By e-bike or bicycle, the route passes manor houses and mills and goes through the Naafbach Valley. Unlike the extensive network of hiking trails, this is a specifically described circular route with a fixed start and end point. The routes therefore differ not only in the mode of transport, but also in whether you prefer a single circular tour or a choice of different hiking routes.
Discover nature in Wahlscheid
The Aggerbogen Nature School is a nature center in Lohmar-Wahlscheid. It primarily works with school classes and also offers individual events for children, teenagers and adults. Topics for individual visitors are scheduled throughout the year and range from flora and fauna, gardening and composting to honey production and traditional crafts. As topics and dates may change, it is worth checking the current program before planning a visit.
To get there from Lohmar, the directions follow the B484 toward Wahlscheid. Shortly before crossing the Agger, a white sign points to the turnoff for the river. This provides specific guidance for the drive, while the nature school’s program gives you a reason to visit.
Churches and architectural history
The Catholic parish church of St. John stands in the church village among half-timbered houses. This area was long considered the oldest part of Lohmar. The choir of the Romanesque church, dating from the 12th century, has survived; inside, there is also an early Staufen baptismal font made of andesite. The two details offer different insights into the building’s history: the choir points to medieval architecture, while the font adds a surviving example of the church’s fittings.
In Lohmar-Wahlscheid, the Protestant Church of St. Bartholomew displays a different interplay of eras and styles. Different styles come together there to form a harmonious whole, from the Romanesque baptismal font to modern church windows. Lohmar Castle is also part of the area’s architectural history: it was built in the 14th century as a fortified moated castle. The date 1717 can still be seen on the arched gateway of the three-winged outer bailey. The castle is privately owned.
The Wahner Heide in the surrounding area
The Wahner Heide lies close to Lohmar. It has been a nature reserve since 1931, is included in the Natura 2000 catalog and is recognized as a bird sanctuary. It thus complements the hiking areas and landscapes described in Lohmar with a protected area of its own distinctive character. When choosing accommodation, you can consider which of the interests mentioned—hiking, cycling, nature topics or architectural history—is most important for your trip.
Discover more destinations: Wahlscheid, Adendorf, Eitorf, Meckenheim, Hennef, Rheinbach, Bad Honnef Am Rhein, Sankt Augustin.
See the overview of the wider region: Rhein-Sieg District.
