The most beautiful winter walks in Cologne

The forest botanical garden and adjacent Friedenswald forest in Rodenkirchen are definitely worth a visit! The 20-hectare site offers plenty of space for a stroll. Be impressed by plants from all over the world, from the heather garden to the Colorado fir to the giant sequoia. From November to February, the park is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and from March it is open longer in the evenings. Free admission. Forest Botanical Garden: Schillingsrotter Str. 100, Rodenkirchen Bf stop (lines 16, 17)

Just looking at plants is too boring for you? Then we recommend a walk through the Lindenthal animal park in the city forest, where you can observe donkeys, sheep and other native wild animals that would otherwise hide from you in the forest. Get up close to deer, Nile geese and highland cattle and stroke the donkeys and goats. Over 250 animals await you there and you can even feed them yourself. Entry to the zoo is free all year round and food for the animals can be purchased on site. From November to January, the Lindenthaler Tierpark is open daily between 9.00 am and 5.00 pm, from March onwards it will be open a little longer. Lindenthaler Tierpark: Kitschburger Str., Brahmsstraße stop (line 7)

If you want to enjoy a long walk in the afternoon sun, the Poller Wiesen are the place to be. Here you can take a leisurely stroll along the avenue between the old trees or - a little more adventurous - walk along the small paths on the meadow right next to the Rhine. Not only do you have a great view of the Cologne skyline with the cathedral, the old town and the crane houses, but also all kinds of leisure activities! The bollard meadows are particularly suitable for flying kites. Thanks to its proximity to the Rhine, there is always a good breeze here, which makes the colorful kites dance in the air. If you don't have a kite to hand, don't forget your soccer: There are several soccer pitches along the Pollerwiesen where you can let off steam. Poller Wiesen: Alfred-Schütte-Allee, Köln Drehbrücke stop (line 7)

Finkens Garten offers a different kind of walk, because here you are very close to nature. In this nature adventure garden, the whole family can take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city, the noise and the uniform gray of the curbs. Anyone who misses the beautiful greenery will find a place to feel good here. Especially nice: here you can learn to experience nature with all your senses. Touch thick tree trunks, feel your way through various natural finds with your hands and feet and learn to recognize them blindly. The brave can also take the barefoot path. No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something new to discover. There are also regular special additional events, such as the plant orchestra or great workshops (where you can also learn a lot for your own garden or balcony). Finken's garden is open daily from 9 a.m. until sunset and admission is free. Please note: unlike the other walking tips, dogs are not allowed here. Finkens Garten: Friedlich-Ebert-Straße 49, Rodenkirchen Bf stop (lines 16, 17)

The Decksteiner Weiher in the outer green belt with its surrounding park is simply great in any weather and at any time of year. As it is a nice long stretch, a walk is twice as worthwhile ;-) Decksteiner Weiher: Lindenthal/Sülz, at the Klettenbergpark stop (line 18)