Westhovener Aue, Recreation area and retention park in Westhoven district, Cologne, Germany.
Westhovener Aue is a recreation area and retention park in Cologne's Westhoven district that stretches along the Rhine River. The grounds feature ponds, meadows, and walking paths set in an open landscape designed for outdoor enjoyment.
The site was part of Cologne's fortress ring between 1876 and 1881, featuring the IXa Intermediate Works as a major Prussian military installation on the Rhine's right bank. After World War One, the area gradually transformed into a public recreation space.
This space emerged from former military grounds and now shows how Cologne reclaimed green areas for its residents. The open meadows and pathways invite people to walk and linger, connecting nature with everyday community life.
The park is accessible by bus and nearby train stations with clearly marked pathways for pedestrians. Spring and autumn are the best times to visit when weather is mild and walking paths remain dry.
Two white koi fish live in the park's pond alongside native species such as pike and bream. This unexpected aquatic mix often goes unnoticed by casual visitors.
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