Schlade

Schlade is a geological valley in Bergisch Gladbach containing Devonian reef limestone formations and fossil structures within a karst environment lacking surface water streams. The valley displays the layered remains of a tropical sea from an ancient period.

The region was used for limestone quarrying from medieval times onward, and in the 19th century mining operations like the Prinz Wilhelm mine developed here to extract iron ore. These activities left visible marks on the landscape until the mid-20th century.

The site holds the status of a German cultural heritage monument, protecting traces of industrial activities that shaped the Bergisch Gladbach region. Visitors walking through the landscape today can still spot evidence of former mining and manufacturing use.

A seven-kilometer walking path crosses the area with information panels explaining the geology, nature, and industrial heritage. The path is accessible for visitors who want to explore the geological formations and former mining sites.

The limestone deposits here contain tropical sea fossils from a time when the region was located near the equator about 380 million years ago. These discoveries reveal that this place had a completely different climate and geographic history than its current location would suggest.

Location: Bergisch Gladbach

GPS coordinates: 51.00353,7.14970

Latest update: December 9, 2025 12:26