The Haard is a forest area measuring around six by ten kilometres in the north of the Ruhr region, between Oer-Erkenschwick and the Haltern reservoir. Its many hills reach a maximum height of 160 metres on the Stimberg. The sandy soil, which dries quickly even after long periods of rain, is typical of the area. A dense network of single trails branches out between gnarled trees and fern fields. The tactic: try every tempting path! It's almost impossible to get lost, but you can lose your bearings in the maze of paths. The climbs in the Haard are short and crisp. The 30-kilometre route can cover 1000 metres in altitude. Technical challenges can be found on the Stimberg, on whose hill there is a former military radio station. The best views are offered by two fire watch towers on the Rennberg and Farnberg, which are open to the public. If you need to cool off in between, plan your tour past the Haltern reservoir. The natural sandy beach creates an almost Caribbean atmosphere. Incidentally, Haltern is the home of Markus Schulte-Lünzum, the 2014 German cross-country champion.
On Sundays and public holidays at 10.30 am at the hikers' car park at the "Mutter Wehner" restaurant (Haardstr. 195, Oer-Erkenschwick). Info and GPS tracks: www.haardbiker.de
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