Siebengebirge (Seven Mountains)

The low mountain range on the right bank of the Rhine south of Bonn belongs completely to the Seven Mountains Nature Park, one of the oldest nature parks in Germany. As one of the largest Natura 2000 areas and the largest contiguous protected area in North Rhine-Westphalia, the landscape is well taken care of here. The highest elevation of the low mountain range is the Großer Ölberg with 460 m. The origin of its name is not completely clear, but it could be derived from the seven most striking elevations that run along the Rhine. These are beside the Ölberg the Drachenfels, Petersberg, Wolkenburg, Löwenburg, Nonnenstromberg and Lohrberg.

Characteristic for the natural landscape of the Seven Mountains are the dense deciduous forests and the geological outcrops. In addition to nature, the cultural landscape, which enhances the surroundings with vineyards and orchards, should not be neglected. In the past, the Seven Mountains were crossed by numerous quarries, but since these were very damaging to nature and threatened to completely devastate the landscape, all quarrying activities were stopped.

Hikers will be pleased to find 200 km of signposted trails in the nature park, which will allow them to explore the recreational area. Especially popular is of course the Rheinsteig, which also leads over the most beautiful parts of the Seven Mountains. Cyclists, on the other hand, can only enjoy the nature park to a limited extent. Some signposted paths lead through the protected landscape.

If you are looking for cultural experiences, you can visit numerous castles and palaces as well as monasteries. Some museums also invite you to an informative trip. Especially popular with excursionists is the Dragon's Rock with its castle and the Drachenfelsbahn, spectacular views and of course the legend about the dragon of the Dragon's Rock.