Wiehl Wildlife Park and forest climate trail
How the forest changes with climate change – right behind the hotel.
- Kilometres of circular trail
- approx. 1.8
- Admission to the wildlife park
- €0
- Forest climate trail
- since 2022
Wildlife park
Wiehl wildlife park: wild boar, red and fallow deer right behind the hotel
The Wiehl wildlife park begins just behind the Waldhotel: a few steps and you are standing on the Pfaffenberg next to the stalactite cave. On the circular trail of around 1.8 kilometres you will meet wild boar as well as red and fallow deer, and admission costs nothing.
The park is open all day and freely accessible, so you need neither a ticket nor an appointment. If the cave is to be part of your day, read on at Hotel by the stalactite cave.
The route is not step-free: it is a forest path with gradients.
Forest climate trail
Forest climate trail: how the forest is changing, station by station
Since May 2022 the forest climate trail in the wildlife park has shown at several stations how the forest is changing with the climate. On a section of around 80 metres, spruces have been replaced by tree species that cope better with drought.
Tree species
The tree guide tells you about tree species and the forest. Spruces give way there to species that cope better with drought.
Stations
You will want to stop at the bee observation hive, the log hive and the insect hotel, and the climate benches invite you to take a break.
Connections
Forest, wildlife, water and air work together, and the trail shows how.
Visit
From the hotel to the wildlife park on foot: getting there and what to bring
The park is at Pfaffenberg 1 in Wiehl, and from the Waldhotel you simply walk across. If you come by car, you park free of charge at the hotel, and by bus you take line 302 to the “Tropfsteinhöhle” stop directly below the wildlife park entrance.
Shoes and clothing
The circular trail is a forest path that climbs up to 18 percent on short stretches. Sturdy shoes are the right choice, and even more so after rain. Pushchairs and wheelchairs cannot get through everywhere.
With children
Children watch the animals, run across the meadow and race along the trail. After the cave tour, the park is a pleasant counterbalance. More ideas: Excursion with children in Oberberg.
Continue on foot
The marked access route to the Bergischer Panoramasteig passes the hotel. If you would like a longer walk, you will find routes under Hiking in Wiehl.
Food afterwards
After the circular trail it is time to warm up: the Restaurant in Wiehl and the terrace are only a few steps away.
Stop at the Schänke
During the day the Schänke is also open to guests of the wildlife park: feed for the animals, coffee to go and, in winter, mulled wine to go.
Questions
Good to know
How long is the circular trail in the wildlife park?
The wildlife park circular trail is around 1.8 kilometres long.
Is the route step-free?
No, the circular trail is a forest path with gradients and is not step-free.
What is the forest climate trail?
An educational trail in the wildlife park that has shown how the forest is changing due to climate change since May 2022.
How much is admission to Wiehl wildlife park?
Nothing: the wildlife park is freely accessible and open all day.
How do I get to the wildlife park without a car?
By bus line 302 to the “Tropfsteinhöhle” stop, directly below the wildlife park entrance.
Enquiry
Stay on after the wildlife park: your room at the Waldhotel
Book a room or call us: we look forward to seeing you after the trail.
