Premium hiking trail Birgeler Urwald - Lots of forest in different forms

With this approximately 13.8 km long circular route, one experiences a premium hiking trail certified by the German Hiking Institute in the Heinsberger Land. It is one of 10 paths in the cross-border nature park Maas-Schwalm-Nette in the Water.Hiking.World. The hiker is offered much forest in very different forms, ranging from beech hall forests to pine and birch stands to moist swamp forests. The path often leads over narrow trails. A small pilgrimage chapel, the "Birgelener Pützchen," and remnants of the Westwall lie along the way.

Trail Description

The trail follows the nature path to a forest edge, crosses the still young Schaagbach. Subsequently, the hikers proceed through the Birgeler Forest to the "Birgelener Pützchen," a small pilgrimage chapel. The journey continues along a Stations of the Cross lined with figures of saints. After that, there are quite steep ascents to overcome, where remnants of the Westwall can be recognized.

Continuing over the old embankment of the decommissioned Jülich-Dalheim line, the trail leads further to the highest point of the hiking trail. Pristine mixed and beech forests alternate. Often, the paths are framed by nearly man-high ferns. Then the hikers reach the romantic Schaagbachtal. The lonely path invites one to enjoy nature. In conclusion, the trail leads back through the swamp landscape around Haus Wildenrath.

Tips and Special Features

This hiking path attracts nature lovers at any time of year with its diversity. Good footwear and hiking clothing are recommended for this natural path. The nature conservation station Haus Wildenrath offers interesting information about the fascinating animal and plant world.

Associated with the pilgrimage chapel "Birgelener Pützchen" is the Willibrordus fountain, whose silicon-containing water is said to have healing properties. Witnesses of history are the remnants of the Westwall: bunker remains and trenches from the world wars.

The Animal and Plant World

The "Birgeler Primeval Forest" in the midst of the swamp landscape provides an ideal habitat for a variety of rare plants and animals. It's best to take time to go on an observation tour at dawn or dusk. Then, one may encounter some crepuscular animals: tawny owls, little owls, badgers, foxes, as well as deer and wild boar are active at that time. During the day, one can find, among others, buzzards, sparrowhawks, red kites, common buzzards, and brown hares. With a little luck, nature enthusiasts can discover coal tits, crested tits, woodpeckers, and nuthatches.

The beaver has returned to being a resident animal here for several years. Its impressive dam, with which it has created a large lake by damming the Schaagbach, can be admired from the bridge over the Schaagbach.

Near water, dragonflies, frogs, amphibians, and other species that require this habitat live. In spring, marsh marigolds, meadow buttercups, or celandines bloom at the Schaagbach.

Getting There by Public Transport

From Mönchengladbach Hbf. take bus 017 to Wegberg Busbf. or the Schwalm-Nette-Bahn (RB 39) to Dalheim-Rödgen Bf., then bus 413 toward Heinsberg until Wildenrath Airport, 5 minutes' walk.

Car and Parking

The Schwalm-Nette Nature Park generally recommends using the nearby parking lots 1-5 (see overview map). The distance from the parking lots to the entrance of the premium path is between 280 – 1700 meters. Please do not park in the "Auf dem Kirchkamp" parking lot (at Haus Wildenrath), as there is only very limited parking space available due to consistently high occupancy! Additionally, you will find another access point to the premium hiking trail "Birgeler Urwald" at the former Hotel-Restaurant Rosenhof, Rosenthaler Str. 84, 41849 Wassenberg.

Additional parking options are available in the area of Birgelen and Rosenthal west of the circular route.

Parking Premium Hiking Trail "Birgeler Urwald" Overview Map

Further information about the Schwalm-Nette Nature Park and the Water.Hiking.World as well as the Heinsberger Land

This hiking trail meets all the requirements for a premium hiking trail and is therefore allowed to advertise with the designation ‘Hiking Seal Premium Trail‘.