Wildfreigehege Bend

Imagine a green oasis covering about 70,000 square meters, where forest dwellers roam freely among ancient trees and the winding curves of the Erft River. This is exactly how Wildfreigehege Bend greets its guests—a unique nature park located in the cozy town of Grevenbroich. This area in Germany is home to nearly 200 animals living in spacious enclosures that recreate their natural habitats.

Wild Animal Enclosure Bend. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

Here you can see noble Sika deer, mouflons, wild boars, and charming donkeys. Rare breeds of sheep, such as Heidschnucken, and miniature Dexter cows add a special character to the park. The main feature of the park is its openness: admission is completely free, and the atmosphere is filled with tranquility and harmony with nature.

The park is ideal for family outings thanks to its petting zoo (Streichelzoo), where little ones can pet goats and sheep, as well as the "Green Classroom" educational area. Reinforced forest paths make the walk comfortable for everyone, including visitors in wheelchairs and families with small children.

To clarify details before your visit or to book a grill area, you can use the official communication channels. Information about park operations and current events is also available on the city portal.

Below are the main contact details for the site, including the exact address and phone number for the administration.

There is something for everyone in this picturesque corner of nature. The main adventure is, of course, animal watching. You can spend hours observing the graceful movements of fallow deer or the habits of wild boars in their enclosures. For those seeking closer interaction, the Streichelzoo is open—a petting area where you can pet and, with special food, feed the friendly goats and sheep.

Young explorers can enjoy a large-scale playground complex with modern attractions, while curious visitors can stop by the interactive "Green Classroom" to learn more about the region's flora and fauna. If you are looking for peace, simply choose one of the winding forest paths for a therapeutic walk accompanied by birdsong, enjoying the silence away from city noise.

Excellent conditions are provided for groups and families: picnic tables are scattered throughout the territory, and for a special occasion, you can pre-book a cozy grill hut (Grillhütte). This is the perfect place to host an outdoor barbecue while following park rules and respecting the peace of its four-legged inhabitants.

Finding this corner of nature is quite simple: it is located in a scenic area called Grevenbroicher Bend, just a few minutes' leisurely walk from the central city district. If you are arriving by private car, head toward Bergheimer Straße and turn onto Am Sodbach. Follow the signs to the city forest yard (Forsthof)—the path runs between sports fields, and while general traffic is restricted there, you will easily find parking nearby.

For those who prefer public transport, it is most convenient to take a train or bus to Grevenbroich station and then take a short walk toward the park. You can also use a local taxi from the central square or station, which takes literally 5–7 minutes. The exact coordinates for navigation are: 51.080409, 6.587341.

Special attention should be paid to the fact that the territory is completely barrier-free. All forest paths are reinforced and suitable for wheelchairs, making the site accessible to all categories of travelers without exception.

The history of this wonderful place began in 1975. It was then decided to organize a spacious park on the forest land between the Erft River and the highway, where wild animals could live in conditions as close as possible to their natural habitat.

Since the late 1970s, management of the site passed to the city authorities, who oversee it in cooperation with the Schutzgemeinschaft Deutscher Wald e. V. (German Forest Protection Association). This partnership has allowed for an emphasis not only on public entertainment but also on serious ecological and educational tasks, while keeping the park accessible to everyone.

Over the decades of its existence, Wildfreigehege Bend has transformed from an ordinary woodland into a true open-air educational center. Petting zones, modern playgrounds, and the famous "Green Classroom" have appeared, becoming the park's hallmark and a magnet for young nature explorers.

Today, the park continues to uphold traditions of respect for fauna. Despite the development of urban infrastructure around it, this place remains free to visit year-round, preserving the atmosphere of peace and harmony established by its founders more than fifty years ago.

To take a leisurely stroll along the main trails and observe the animals, 1–2 hours is sufficient for most visitors. This is enough time to explore the 7-hectare territory and take some memorable photos.

If you are planning a visit with children, it is worth setting aside 2–3 hours or even half a day. The presence of a large playground, a petting zoo, and special picnic areas encourages long and relaxed outdoor recreation for the whole family.

One of the main advantages of this place is its accessibility: the park is open 24/7, 365 days a year. You can come here early in the morning to catch the animals at their most active, or during the evening twilight for a peaceful walk.

Admission to the territory is always free, however, visitors are recommended to periodically check the official city website to stay informed about any temporary restrictions related to educational events or maintenance work in specific areas.

A walk through the forest is just part of what this area has to offer. Exploring the surroundings will allow you to dive deeper into the regional atmosphere and discover cozy gastronomic spots or interesting viewpoints.

In the immediate vicinity of the enclosures, you will find both historical monuments and modern leisure spots that will perfectly complement your tourist route through the city and its outskirts.