Königsforst

To the east of the city lies a forested area that has retained a remarkable sense of its own identity despite a history of intensive use. The extensive deciduous forest communities form a mosaic of dry sandy oak forests, moist riparian forest structures, and remnants of moorland. This diversity shapes the character of the area, which is now designated as a FFH and EU bird sanctuary.

Monte Troodelöh

In the middle of the forest lies an unassuming peak that was not identified as Cologne’s highest natural elevation until 1999. Monte Troodelöh bears a name cobbled together from the last names of three city administration employees. Their surveying project led to a temporary summit cross, which was later replaced by a marked memorial site. Today, the straightforward surveying work seems like a small urban legend that lends the place its own narrative power.

Flora and Fauna

Species-rich herbaceous and shrub layers flourish along the forest edges; beech and English oak dominate the interior. Bog plants such as peat mosses, large sedges, and water pennywort reflect the ecological sensitivity of individual sites. Fish species such as bullheads and brook lampreys inhabit the streams. Specially protected species such as the crested newt, sand lizard, and stag beetle highlight the value of old-growth forests. Woodpecker species—the middle spotted woodpecker, black woodpecker, and gray-headed woodpecker—use old and dead wood as nesting sites and are considered indicators of near-natural forest structures.