5000 years of history: the Reichswald and its secret traces

5000 years of history: the Reichswald and its secret traces

Reichswald, Deutschland - 5000 years ago, the fascinating history of the Reichswald, the largest coherent state forest in North Rhine-Westphalia began! With an area of over 51 square kilometers, this forest not only harbors the traces of nature, but also that of people. Archaeological finds from Goch and Kalkar, which go back to the Middle Stone Age, testify to a long history of settlement. Bronze Age hill tombs and Roman military camps that were built 2000 years ago are further evidence of the important role that this forest played over the centuries.

a bloody chapter of history

But the Reichswald is not only a place of calm and nature, but also a scene of bloody fights! In the 20th century, this forest became a battlefield during the devastating "Operation Veritible", which ended the Second World War in Germany in spring 1945. A lot of blood flowed here, and the memories of the fights are still visible in the landscape. The scars of the past are an urgent reference to the tragedies that have taken place here.

The combination of millennia history and the dramatic events of the Second World War makes the Reichswald a unique place that combines both the beauty of nature and the dark past. Visitors can explore the traces of history and at the same time be enchanted by the majestic nature of the forest. A place that stimulates thinking and illustrates the connection between humans and nature in an impressive way!