"Sauerbachtal Bülheim" Nature Reserve

Extensive fens have formed on the acidic rocks of the Lower Cretaceous in areas where water accumulates. These wet habitats contrast with the drier slopes of the Sauerbach Valley, which today are predominantly covered by spruce forests.

Only small areas of the former heathland remain. After the end of its former use, many of the open areas became overgrown with eagle ferns. Together with the former Bülheim Heath, the area formed a vast heathland just a few decades ago. This type of cultural landscape is now rarely found in the Eggegebirge.

Hiking Tip:
A section of the nearly 20-kilometer-long “Wilderer Wanderweg” runs along the northern edge of the nature reserve. The hike begins in the center of Lichtenau-Kleinenberg and winds through the countryside surrounding the Sauerbach Valley.