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The Oefter Bach is a 4.8 km long, orographically left tributary of the Ruhr River in North Rhine-Westphalia, flowing along the bottom of a deeply incised valley. The actual floodplain is only between forty and one hundred meters wide. Moisture-loving stands of alder and poplar extend across the valley floor. The rather steep valley slopes are predominantly covered with beech, pedunculate oak, and other tree species, some of which are 120 to 150 years old. Numerous small side valleys with narrow streams feed the Oefter Bach.

The area is considered a valuable part of the lower Ruhr valley and is ideal for quiet walks and nature observation.

The Oefter Tal nature reserve in southern Essen (approximately 87 hectares) is a near-natural, narrow valley formed by the Oefter Bach stream, characterized by riparian forests, steep beech and oak slopes, and high biodiversity. It provides habitat for rare species such as the kingfisher and dipper. The area is a popular hiking destination (e.g., near Kettwig/Werden). Highlights and features: Nature experience: A deeply incised valley with a near-natural, meandering stream that flows into the Ruhr River. Flora & Fauna: Alder-poplar riparian forests, old beech stands (120–150 years old), of high importance for the network of habitats. Hiking: Idyllic circular trails, such as an approximately 7.6 km long tour (Oefter Tal and Alteburg) or loops along the ridge, offer scenic views and nature experiences. Accessibility: Located in the south of Essen, accessible via Heidhausen/Kettwig, near Oefte Castle. Protection status: The area is protected and further developed by the Ruhr Regional Association (RVR) through management plans.

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duisburger_Stadtwald

https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Duisburger_Stadtwald

A great view from the lake.

The hilltop, now called the "Worship Meadow," has been a leveled assembly area since Germanic times, adjacent to the sacred spring of the Holy Well. It is the westernmost and, at approximately 81 meters, one of the highest hilltops in the area. Back then, its treeless location offered an unobstructed view of the Rhine plain and the burial mound field located there, now built over. This clear view across the thousands of burial mounds towards the setting sun must have been phenomenal and of cultic significance. It is likely that, as elsewhere, a circle of wooden posts was placed here to mark the solstices and other astronomically important dates for cultic and agricultural purposes. Unfortunately, no excavations have yet been carried out to confirm this. The site was probably in continuous use, as the Roman temple of Elfrath was oriented towards this location, and baptismal ceremonies held there are documented from early Christian times. Even today, the area is used for open-air worship services.

The "holy spring" is a spring in Duisburg's city forest, south of the intersection of Rundweg and Kammerweg. The spring (also called "Marienquelle"), first mentioned in a city account in 1563 on the "hillgen bornschen Berg" (hilly born mountain), was once attributed with healing powers. The origins of this belief in the water's supposed healing powers remain unclear. In reality, the spring water, which seeps through the gravel and sand of the city forest and emerges above the impermeable clay layers, has no such effect (it is not drinking water). In 1935, the spring and its surroundings were lined with stones. Coal mining was carried out here as early as 1562, but without success. The tunnels were said to have been up to 45 meters deep.