Am Hornpottweg Cologne – Nature reserve in Dünnwald

Am Hornpottweg is a small nature reserve that used to be a gravel pit. Today, it is a marsh surrounded by a forest trail. To make sure it stays a marshland, Galloway cattle and two water buffalo graze here. There is also plenty of wildlife to see, including 69 species of birds such as nuthatches, woodpeckers and herons. The Hornpottweg is also a resting place for migratory birds. If you are lucky, you might also spot some common toads or Eurasian tree frogs.

Although the loop trail around the gravel pit only takes about half an hour, you can extend your walk in the surrounding woods. You could even walk to the Von-Diergardt-See beach for a swim (26 minute walk). Also near Am Hornpottweg is the restaurant Waldschenke, which serves German food with a Mediterranean twist and has a lovely beer garden surrounded by trees (beware of the wasps in summer)!

From Appellhofplatz in the city centre, you can reach Am Hornpottweg in 42 minutes by underground line 4.