Discover The Ruhr With A Photo Safari

The Ruhr region is changing : steel and industrial leave room for a newly flourishing nature. Insects, reptiles and birds conquer their new home.

Birders paradise

In the many gardens, parks and cemeteries you'll find various woodpeckers. Whoever discovers a woodpecker nest during springtime may delight the hatching in the following weeks and even witness the first flight of small woodpeckers. Green woodpeckers can also be observed in the snow fields of winter while they are looking for insects. From February, one can observe colored and black woodpeckers, which draw attention to themselves by shouting their well-known drums.
 
Owls are also famous birds of the Ruhr area. The Eagle owl and its brown plumage with dark camouflage drawings, deserves a special mention as the largest owl species in the world. It has been seen in the Ruhr since the year 2000. They like to breed in the quarries along the Ruhr Valley. Tawny Owl, Barn Owl, Little Owl and Long-eared Owl also feel comfortable in the Ruhr.
 
Common kestrels and Peregrine falcons took advantage of the partially abandoned buildings and can be observed between the steeples, chimneys and high bridges. Peregrine have been spotted at the former steelworks of the city of Hattingen.
 
The banks of the Rhine river in the North and the Ruhr river in the south are amazing bird hotspots! Canada goose, Wood duck and Mandarin duck are worth a pic, as well as Eurasian coot and Moorhens. In the winter, Kingfishers can be found around the few waters that do not freeze, as this pretty bird eats only fish.
 

Photographer and adventurer hotspot

Don’t forget your adventure binoculars - you’ll need them to enjoy what follows!
 
The Duisburg Landschaftspark is one of the most beautiful urban parks in the world, and certainly unlike any other. Former industrial buildings and nature are mixed over 180 hectares, creating a unique landscape and atmosphere. You’ll make your way around the pipes, factories and green areas, dazzled by the light installation, the diving center or the alpine climbing gardens… just to give a few examples!
 
In June, the park organises a Photo+Adventure tour; a very unique event that links photography, travel and outdoors. Start organising your trip to Germany with your Eschenbach binoculars!