View of Dortmund – View of Signal Iduna Park loop from Hörde

Hiking trails & Routes

Germany

North Rhine-Westphalia

Ruhr Region

View of Dortmund – View of Signal Iduna Park loop from Hörde

Moderate

4.0

(1)

hikers

View of Dortmund – View of Signal Iduna Park loop from Hörde

02:18

8.50km

120m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 19, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Niederhofer Holz

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

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1.99 km

Winding Paths in Niederhofer Holz Nature Reserve

Highlight • Forest

2.27 km

Niederhofer Holz Nature Reserve

Highlight • Forest

The Niederhofer Holz, a picturesque forest area in Dortmund, extends over an area of 168 hectares on the northern slope of the Ardey Mountains. This forest is part of the Lower Sauerland natural area and is characterized by its natural beech forests as well as deciduous, pine and larch forests. The soil quality of the forest is acidic and poor in nutrients, which supports unique flora and fauna.

The predominantly natural streams and their springs in the forest are particularly interesting. Along the streams you can find beech, alder and ash forests with a greater diversity of species than in the other, rather species-poor forests and forest areas. The forest has a diverse age structure, with different age classes that are mostly spread out over the area. Particularly noteworthy are the beech stands that are over 180 years old and form so-called indoor forests. The protected holly grows in the eastern area of these old stands.

The Niederhofer Holz once belonged to the Niederhofen estate, a knight's seat from the 13th century, and has an interesting history. During the Second World War there was an ammunition depot here, the remains of which can still be seen today in the form of around 20 bunker ruins. The explosion of the camp caused splinters to spread through the trees, making economic use of the forest difficult. This special situation has contributed to the development of a partially natural forest.

The Niederhofer Holz is considered Dortmund's only primeval forest and offers a unique atmosphere for visitors. Despite its proximity to urban development and its access through various hiking trails, the forest area has retained a natural character.

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2.55 km

Butterfly Trail, Niederhofer Wood Nature Reserve

Highlight • Forest

3.72 km

Former Wehrmacht munitions supply road, NSG Niederhofer Holz

Highlight • Trail

Once upon a time, trucks drove here in WWII and supplied the ammunition bunker and workshop positions. Today a developed hiking trail.

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4.11 km

Niederhofer Holz Nature Reserve Trail

Highlight • Forest

One of the most beautiful forests in Dortmund.

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4.63 km

Forest Path in NSG Niederhofer Holz

Highlight • Forest

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.

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4.89 km