Benrath City Forest – A Green Refuge in the South of Düsseldorf
The Benrath City Forest is a valuable local recreation area in the south of Düsseldorf, ideal for hiking, nature observation, and sporting activities. With a well-developed network of approximately 130 kilometers of trails, the forest offers a variety of opportunities for walks, jogging, and cycling. The diverse landscape, ranging from dense deciduous forests to open meadows, is particularly noteworthy.
A special highlight of the Benrath City Forest is the Forest Classroom. This outdoor learning facility imparts knowledge about local flora and fauna in a playful way. Educational panels and carved wooden figures vividly explain topics such as insect hotels, anthills, and pond habitats. The Forest Classroom is particularly popular with families with children and offers an educational introduction to nature observation.
There are numerous opportunities for active sports enthusiasts in the City Forest. In addition to the extensive paths for joggers and cyclists, there are also three fitness trails that train endurance, coordination, and strength. Riding trails complement the offerings for horse lovers. Numerous benches and shelters invite you to relax and linger.
The flora of the Benrath City Forest is diverse. Beech stands between 120 and 250 years old dominate, complemented by oaks, hornbeams, sycamore maples, and wild cherries. These tree species provide habitat for numerous bird species such as nuthatches, wood warblers, and great spotted woodpeckers. Birds of prey such as the hawk also breed in the palace gardens. The park's waters were originally fed by the Itter River and now feed an extensive network of ponds and canals.
The Benrath City Forest is not only a place for recreation but also an important habitat for native animals and plants. Thanks to its natural maintenance, the forest remains a valuable piece of nature in the heart of the city.