NSG Bittermark Forest Trails

The forest area in the south of Dortmund between Kirchhörde and Wichlinghofen plays a role in several respects. Above all, the Bittermark serves as a much-used local recreation area for walking, jogging or cycling. There are many people on the numerous paths between Olpkebach and Bittermarksbach, especially on nice days.Warning signs pointing to mining damage point to the mining past in the Bittermark in the 18th and 19th centuries. Due to coal seams close to the surface, mining used to take place here. Specifically, these were the Gottfriedsbank and Josua collieries. They are reminiscent of some pings in the forest floor and also isolated small heaps in the vicinity of old shafts. Mine water colored by iron oxide still visibly escapes from the Gottfried tunnel near the stream, similar to the Romberg Park. After the Second World War, the small colliery of the city of Dortmund, also known as the Olpketal colliery, was established to cover the urgent need for heating material. Several information boards deal with coal mining in the Bittermark and in the valley of the Olpkebach.ruhrgebiet-industriekultur.de/bittermark-dortmund

Today I would have preferred a mountain bike, as the leaves had covered up the potholes and on the other hand the narrow tires on my bike were not ideal. If you like bumpy roads, this is the place for you.