Alte Ruhr–Katzenstein

Alte Ruhr-Katzenstein is a protected area near Hattingen covering around 150 hectares, encompassing an old river arm of the Ruhr and dense forest with oak and beech trees. The terrain is marked by the mix of still water in old meanders and surrounding woodland.

The area received protection in 1950 and was officially designated as a nature reserve in 1998 through Hattingen's landscape management plan. This two-stage recognition reflects how the region gradually gained recognition for its ecological importance.

The reserve is part of a wider network of natural spaces that define the Ruhr Valley and demonstrate how forests and river landscapes coexist. Visitors see the typical vegetation of the lower Ruhr region with its layered structure of trees, shrubs, and riverside growth.

The area features marked trails for visitors to explore, though access is restricted during certain seasons to protect wildlife. Those planning a visit should prepare for muddy and wet ground, requiring sturdy footwear.

The reserve maintains flood channels and groynes along the Ruhr River that create special habitats for snipes, common sandpipers, and northern lapwings. These structures result from deliberate conservation efforts that demonstrate how human intervention can support biodiversity.