Experience pure nature
You can experience pure nature in Düsseldorf’s twelve nature reserves. The reserves are extremely different, because different natural habitats are concerned. These include the floodplains along the Rhine and large areas of the Düsseldorf city forest with its species-rich mixed woodlands.
There are many good reasons for having natural reserves in Düsseldorf: for example, if it is necessary to preserve important habitats for wild animals and plants, or if scientifically, regionally, naturally and geologically interesting areas are concerned. However, this does not mean that Düsseldorf’s nature reserves are closed-off areas; rather, visitors can use them as valuable and natural places to relax.
Recreation in nature
Off into nature: it is under this motto that the department responsible for the environment and parks in Düsseldorf encourages trips to the natural areas of the city. Numerous guided tours with different themes through parks and landscapes, forests and cemeteries are on offer. The guided tours take place in all weather conditions and last around two hours.
Around 450 public playgrounds, of which 21 are forest playgrounds, are available for children in Düsseldorf. Approximately half of these are located in parks. Table tennis, mini golf or ball sports – there is plenty of room for playing around, sport and having fun in the recreational parks in the Heerdt district or on Ulenbergstraße in Flehe. Young animal lovers can observe chickens, goats, geese, guinea pigs, hares, dogs and pigs or go on a horse ride in the Niederheid adventure park.
An important “raw material” in the design of parks are the trees, which shape the complexes with their peculiarities. Different growth formations, crowns, blossoms, leaves or fruits create curiosity. The different trees in Düsseldorf’s various parks are provided with name tags. These provide information about the botanical and German names as well as native regions. Proper tree trails have been set up in several parks. Maps mark the location of the trees, which you can then try and find in the park. Tree portraits explain interesting facts about the marked trees.
Many dog owners wonder whether they can let their dogs off their leads. To ensure that the animals can get their exercise, the State capital of Düsseldorf have set up over thirty areas for dogs. “No leads required”: this is the case on the Rhine floodplains, under the dike, in private areas and on the land of kennel clubs. The exercise areas are made clear in the parks with signs.