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Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia

Münster District

Ruhr Region

Aplerbecker Forest Nature Reserve

Discover
Places to see

Natural Monuments

Germany
North Rhine-Westphalia

Münster District

Ruhr Region

Aplerbecker Forest Nature Reserve

Highlight • Forest

Aplerbecker Forest Nature Reserve

Recommended by 149 cyclists out of 150

This Highlight is in a protected area

Please check local regulations for: NSG Aplerbecker Wald

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    Routes here

    Top cycling routes to Aplerbecker Forest Nature Reserve

    4.4

    (40)

    245

    riders

    1. Ruhraue bei Schwerte – View of the Ruhr loop from Dortmund-Aplerbeck Süd

    36.5km

    02:16

    290m

    290m

    Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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    Intermediate

    Intermediate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

    Intermediate

    Expert bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

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    Tips

    September 25, 2023

    The Aplerbeck Forest was only placed under protection in 2005 and, together with the Schwerter Forest, forms an important natural area in the south of Dortmund.

    Translated by Google •

      February 12, 2024

      The Aplerbeck Forest nature reserve, located in the southeast of Dortmund, covers an area of ​​111.4 hectares and is an important ecosystem that has been protected since 2005. This area is a remnant of the once almost complete forest cover of the Ardey Mountains between the Emscher and Ruhr and, together with the Schwerter Forest, forms an important forest area in the south of Dortmund.

      The special importance of the Aplerbeck Forest lies in its rich biodiversity. It is home to more than 100 species of birds, including birds of prey such as buzzards, hawks and sparrowhawks, as well as owl species such as the tawny owl and the long-eared owl. Numerous species of birds use the forest as a breeding ground. The forest also provides a habitat for a variety of reptiles and amphibians, such as the fire salamander, various species of newt and the natterjack toad. The ecological diversity is further promoted by two streams, eight ponds and many pools that serve as spawning grounds. Special protective measures such as the construction of an amphibian tunnel on Aplerbecker Waldstraße contribute to the preservation of this biodiversity.

      The topography of the nature reserve is characterized by its location on an undulating slope zone, which is crossed by the spring streams of Appelbecke and Böckelsiepen. The forest consists mainly of old mixed beech forests, in which common beech and hardwoods such as ash and sycamore also occur. Dense holly bushes and trees are also striking. In addition to biodiversity, the area is also of great importance for recreation close to homes.

      The central nature conservation goal of the Aplerbecker Forest is the preservation of the large, near-natural deciduous forest biotope complex, which is not only valuable for local and regional flora and fauna, but also serves as a link in a deciduous forest biotope network. The forest therefore plays a crucial role in the networking of habitats and supports the preservation of biodiversity in an environment characterized by urban expansion.

      For cyclists and nature lovers, the Aplerbeck Forest offers an idyllic setting and numerous opportunities for relaxation and observation of the local wildlife. The protective measures and the rich biodiversity make the Aplerbeck Forest a unique nature experience in the Dortmund region.

      Translated by Google •

        Wide and easy to navigate paths. But be careful, there are a lot of pedestrians here too. Consideration comes first.

        Translated by Google •

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          Elevation 210 m

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          Saturday 8 November

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          Max wind speed: 5.0 km/h

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          Location: Ruhr Region, Münster District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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          Main Trail Through Aplerbecker Wald Nature Reserve

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