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North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Wild horses (Koniks) on Sophienhöhe

North Rhine-Westphalia

Cologne District

Wild horses (Koniks) on Sophienhöhe

Highlight • Natural

Wild horses (Koniks) on Sophienhöhe

Hiking

5.0

(395)

Cycling

5.0

(17)

Mountain biking

5.0

(9)

Gravel riding

5.0

(7)

Running

5.0

(1)

Nordic walking

5.0

(1)

Road cycling

5.0

(1)

Location: Niederzier, Kreis Düren, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

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Tips

Bernd 🌲🦌🍄🥾

January 31, 2026

Hiking

In June 2024, the "Golden Meadow" on the reclaimed Sophienhöhe received a herd of Konik horses. The project is being scientifically monitored, including biomonitoring and collaboration with nature conservation organizations, and there are plans to expand the grazing areas in the future.

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Bernd 🌲🦌🍄🥾

March 3, 2026

Hiking

The fenced area is accessible via two gates. The Konik horses usually graze about 20 to 30 meters from the path. With a bit of luck, the animals – led by a dark brown stallion – will approach, curious and entirely of their own accord, to within a few meters.

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December 26, 2025

Hiking

The Konik horses (Polish for "small horse") were introduced to the Golden Aue area as part of a pilot project by RWE Power AG, the Recultivation Research Center, NEULAND HAMBACH GmbH, and the Dutch foundation FREE Nature. These robust horses perform an important ecological task: they keep the open landscape free of trees and shrubs and increase biodiversity in the recultivated area.

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Nearby routes

Best routes near Wild horses (Koniks) on Sophienhöhe

4.6

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#1.

Wild horses at Sophienhöhe – Roman Tower on Sophienhöhe loop from Wanderparkplatz Alt-Lich

14.6km

04:25

470m

470m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

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Moderate

4.7

(71)

224

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#2.

Kreuzweg Eifel – Rest Area by the Lake loop from Niederzier

10.5km

02:58

210m

210m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

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Moderate

4.5

(91)

265

hikers

#3.

Findling Park Eifel – Pony Pond in the Eifel loop from Wanderparkplatz Alt-Lich

13.0km

04:06

530m

530m

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily walkable paths.

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Moderate

Details

Informations

Elevation 300 m

Weather

Powered by Foreca

Sunday 1 November

11°C

6°C

49 %

Additional weather tips

There’s a fairly high chance of rain. Consider packing a waterproof jacket.

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See nearby routes

Location: Niederzier, Kreis Düren, Cologne District, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany

Other Popular Places to Check Out

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