Forest

Baadenberger Senke, Stöckheimer See and Große Laache

since 2007

4.4(341)· Google

A sprawling nature reserve of former gravel pits in Cologne's north-west – now a landscape of lakes, woodland and one of the most important amphibian spawning grounds west of the Rhine.

Chorbusch

since 2004

Around 427 hectares of near-natural woodland on Cologne's north-western edge – a refuge for rare birds such as golden oriole and nightingale.

Forstbotanischer Garten Köln

4.7(2,860)· Google

Botanical garden in Cologne's south showcasing trees and shrubs from around the world — from a rhododendron ravine and Japanese garden to North American giant sequoias.

Kölner Stadtwald

4.7(4,319)· Google

Expansive forest park in the Lindenthal district, laid out from 1895 to plans by Adolf Kowallek — with ponds, a wildlife enclosure and petting zoo.

Monte Troodelöh

4.6(113)· Google

Cologne's highest natural point hides in the Königsforst: a wooded slope with a boulder, a summit plaque and a summit book – a popular hiking destination with a tongue-in-cheek invented name.

Cologne's largest park Naturschutzgebiet Königsforst

Naturschutzgebiet Königsforst

since 2000

4.9(9)· Google

A large, unbroken protected woodland in Cologne's east, with old oak and beech forests, near-natural sandy streams and rare wildlife.