Stage 12: Forest romance & castle magic

Very close to Düsseldorf, yet far removed from the hustle and bustle of the city – this stage leads through tranquil forests and past idyllic waterways. Benrath Forest lies on glacial gravel and sand, characterized by gnarled oaks and hornbeams. The trail continues across the Itter dam into Garath Forest and on to Oerkhaussee Lake. There, protected areas offer valuable habitat for rare animals – with a bit of luck, you might spot cormorants, great crested grebes, and tufted ducks. At the end of the tour, hikers will find the historic Garath Castle. The manor house, with its distinctive turrets, now serves as an event and conference venue, while the publicly accessible park is ideal for a stylish end to the day's hike.