Rothenberg, Nature reserve in Menden, Germany

Rothenberg is a 51-hectare nature reserve southeast of Menden in the Märkischer Kreis, North Rhine-Westphalia. It consists of the deciduous forest area on the Rothenberg and borders directly on the built-up area of Menden.

The area was designated as a protected zone in 1978 to preserve natural habitats and species diversity. Later, in the early 2000s, additional regulations were introduced to strengthen its protected status.

The reserve borders the built-up area of Menden directly, so the woodland edge is where residents meet the protected zone. Its 51 hectares lie southeast of the town in the Märkischer Kreis, and the Arnsberg district authority issued the protection decrees in 1978 and again in 2004.

Access to the area is via several marked entrances around Menden, and designated parking areas are available for visitors. Orientation boards show the available trails and help with planning a visit.

Rothenberg was protected in two steps: the Arnsberg district authority issued the reserve designation in 1978 and again in 2004. The 51-hectare area lies directly against the built-up edge of Menden, so the woodland border is visible from neighbouring streets.