The Niederhofer Holz in Dortmund, located on the southern city limits and embedded in the northern slope of the Ardey Mountains, offers a special natural experience with a height between 110 and 210 meters above sea level. This forest area covers an area of 168 hectares and is characterized by its natural nature and diverse flora and fauna. It is surrounded by the districts of Benninghofen, Loh, Wellinghofen, Wichlinghofen and Höchsten, making it a green jewel in the middle of urban development.
Geologically, the Niederhofer Holz is part of the Lower Sauerland natural area and is characterized by natural beech forests as well as deciduous, pine and larch forests. The soil is characteristically acidic and low in nutrients, which, in combination with the creeks and their headwaters, enables greater biodiversity compared to other forest and forest areas. Particularly noteworthy are the beech stands, which are over 180 years old and form so-called indoor forests, as well as the protected holly, which can be found here at the edge of its natural spread.
Historically, the Niederhofer Holz belonged to Gut Niederhofen, a knight's seat from the 13th century, and served as an ammunition storage facility during the Second World War. After the war, the ammunition bunkers were blown up, the ruins of which still represent evidence of the past and further characterize the forest area. The metal splinters in the wood of the trees caused by the blasting make economic use of the wood almost impossible, which paradoxically contributed to the natural development of the forest.
For hikers and nature lovers, the Niederhofer Holz offers attractive paths that lead through lush forest landscapes and provide insights into the local history and the natural diversity of the region. It is an ideal destination for anyone looking for a break in nature without being far from the city of Dortmund.