Hike with BUND on the trail of the European wildcat
Hiking Collection by BUND e.V.
8 routes
18:43 h
65.8 km
1,500 m
Did you know that there are wild cats in Germany? We’re not talking about feral domestic cats either, but rather the real European wildcat. They live hidden and secluded in our forests. Once almost extinct, their populations are slowly increasing again.
In this Collection, we’ve put together the most beautiful hiking Tours through the habitats of the European wildcat where you can get to know this shy forest dweller better. On adventure trails, past interactive stations, on hiking trails in our low mountain ranges or along wild stream valleys – a varied mix of Tours awaits you.
While the chances of encountering these shy animals on a hike are very slim, if it does happen, we congratulate you. However, caution is needed, especially in spring and autumn. Grey tabby kittens are often taken from the forest with good intentions as they’re mistaken for abandoned domestic cats. The wild cat looks very similar to our grey tabby domestic cats. However, the mother is usually only out hunting mice for a short time. Always leave grey tabby kittens in the forest! We provide tips on how to tell the difference between these wild and domestic cats and what to do in an emergency: bund.net/vorsicht-wildkatze (in German)
Have you spotted a wildcat in distress? The BUND emergency hotline in the wild cat village of Hütscheroda is available daily from 10 am to 6 pm by calling 036254865180
If you want to help protect wild cats, you can find hands-on activities here: bund.net/tiere-pflanzen/wildkatze/mitmach-angebote (in German). The ‘Vorsicht Wildkatze’ (Beware Wildcats) project is sponsored by the German Postcode Lottery.
We hope you enjoy our hikes in the footsteps of wildcats.
On The Map
Activities
01:48
6.16km
3.4km/h
170m
170m
EasyEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
On this tour you can discover the habitat of the European wildcat on foot. On the adventure trail you will gain fascinating insights into the world of the wildcat and its habitat in the northern Black Forest. The path takes you along varied paths past ten exciting stations. Here you can find out interesting…
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BUND e.V.
02:26
7.15km
2.9km/h
160m
170m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.This interactive adventure trail takes you into the wild life of the forest. At various stations you can experience little adventures for the whole family. Look out for hidden animals in the treetops and sneak along the barefoot path like a wild cat. You can take a short break at the talking bus stop…
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01:55
8.04km
4.2km/h
350m
60m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.This adventure trail offers you exciting insights into the life of the European wildcat at ten stations. You hike along the wild Riefenbachtal through partly beautiful deciduous forests and forest habitats near Bad Harzburg that are in an exciting state of change. The tour ends at the wildcat enclosure…
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01:33
5.53km
3.6km/h
120m
120m
EasyEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.This hike takes you into the realm of the wildcat. You will also follow in the footsteps of Celts, Romans and knights.
If you would like to go on further wildcat hikes in Rhineland-Palatinate, visit our friends from @BUND_RLP or take a look at their website: bund-rlp.de/themen/tiere-pflanzen/wildkatze/umweltbildung…
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01:21
4.78km
3.5km/h
100m
100m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Great for any fitness level. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.This tour takes you through the Weiskirchen-Rappweiler wildlife and hiking park. You walk past nine information stations and learn about aspects of the wildcat. Game elements entertain you and you can use QR codes to access films and additional information about the wild forest dweller. The varied circular…
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02:18
8.24km
3.6km/h
150m
150m
IntermediateIntermediate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.On this path you hike along beautiful meadows and enjoy the varied landscape of the Hainich National Park. From the “Hainichblick” observation tower you have a wonderful view from the national park to the Thuringian Forest and find out how nature is reclaiming its habitat. At the end of the tour you…
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06:50
23.9km
3.5km/h
450m
700m
ExpertExpert hike. Very good fitness required. Mostly accessible paths. Sure-footedness required.This tour takes you through the habitat of the European wildcat. The Eifel National Park is a core area for this endangered species. However, you will only see this secretive forest dweller very rarely.
But you can enjoy the peace and space of the Eifel National Park on your hike. On the first stage of…
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00:31
2.00km
3.9km/h
10m
10m
EasyEasy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.On the wildcat nature trail in Heyda (Lossa Valley), the circular route takes you past the kitchen pond and the old manor. The path includes seven exciting, interactive stations for young and old. You can access entertaining audio files about the wild forest dweller via QR codes. The proximity to the…
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Collection Stats
- Activities8
- Distance65.8 km
- Duration18:43 h
- Elevation1,500 m
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