Weitmarer Holz, Forest in Bochum, Germany
Weitmarer Holz is a forest in the south of Bochum, Germany. It covers about 80 hectares and is mainly composed of oaks and beeches, with some conifers, and includes several wildlife enclosures for deer and wild boar.
The woodland was once part of a much larger forest that was privately owned and divided among shareholders in the early 19th century. Most of it was cleared for settlement, and later, after World War II, small mines were dug in the area during coal shortages.
The forest is a popular spot for local families, who come for walks, bike rides, and to visit the wildlife enclosures. The Jörgenstein, a large boulder by the path, marks the spot where, according to legend, a swineherd named Jörgen discovered coal.
The forest is easily reached on foot from the Blankensteiner Straße tram and bus stop. When walking, it is best to stay on the marked paths, as the area bears traces of old mining and some ground can be uneven.
The forest is home to the Jörgenstein, a boulder that commemorates the legendary discovery of coal by a swineherd. The nearby Sternwarte Bochum, with its large radome, can be seen rising above the trees.
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