Here you are completely in your element, bet? Well, we'll leave out playing with fire, but when it comes to water, earth and air, the Bergisches Land Nature Park is just right for you! The many mountain ranges and valleys allow panoramic views and treetop experiences, but also offer the opportunity for airy highs and dives into the history of the region - with or without diving goggles: 16 reservoirs are spread across the area of the nature park alone and serve animals, plants and people in different ways.
At the Agger, Bever, Brucher, Lingese and Wuppertal dams, for example, you can set sail in a canoe, sailboat, pedalo or stand-up board. In summer, don't forget your swimsuit, otherwise you'll miss out on the pleasant cooling off in the clear water. Other creatures frolic in the lakes, rivers and streams, which make the Bergisches Land one of the most water-rich regions in Germany, all year round and in all weathers: The rare crayfish, for example, thrives in the Brucher dam near Marienheide, although it is nocturnal and can therefore only be seen in the dark.
On the way from view to view
Are you more of a landlubber and prefer to enjoy the water from a distance? Then you can explore the dam region on foot or by bike. In autumn, for example, nature's play of colors is particularly beautiful here. The ascents on short rambles and long-distance hiking trails such as the Bergischer Panoramasteig have one major advantage: once you reach the top, you can enjoy impressive views. You can even cycle comfortably from view to view, thanks to rail routes such as the Bergische Panorama-Radweg or the Balkantrasse. And if you run out of breath on the way, there's plenty to keep you going: the Bergische FahrradBus runs along both routes - and also takes tired hikers along for the ride.
Accessible ballooning
By the way: whether on water, on land or in the air, nature experiences in the Bergisches Land are becoming increasingly inclusive. For example, the Brucher Talsperre is currently being made barrier-free by removing obstacles from the circular path and creating a barrier-free water experience. And the lofty heights of the Bergisch region are also open to all visitors, thanks to a barrier-free balloon with a specially equipped basket. Accessibility is also important at the Panarbora nature adventure park in Waldbröl: the treetop path and observation tower can be climbed with a wheelchair and baby carriage. If you like, you can spend the night in a tree house.
Burg Castle has been enthroned high above the Wupper since the Middle Ages. However, you can now reach the former seat of power of the Counts of Berg, who gave the Bergisches Land its name, comfortably by cable car. Sounds good, doesn't it? And the best thing is: at the top, you can expect not only wonderful panoramic views and a knightly ambience, but also cafés serving the typical Bergisch coffee table. After refreshments, you can continue straight away: The next highlight awaits you just around the corner! As Germany's highest railroad bridge, the Müngsten Bridge spans the Wupper valley between Solingen and Remscheid. Here you have the choice: you can enjoy the beautiful spot of nature in the bridge park at its foot, cross the Wupper on a transporter bridge and marvel at the bridge from below - or you can venture up. That's right: the Müngstener Brückensteig leads up 777 steps to the top of the structure. And at the top? Exactly, there's not only plenty of fresh air, but also breathtaking views of the Bergisches Land Nature Park.
