Rodderberg nature reserve

The Rodderberg is an extinct volcano. The area is a testimony to the most recent phase of Rhenish volcanism in the Pleistocene and, as the northernmost foothills, is part of the Quaternary period Osteifel volcanic area. The volcanic structures have been well preserved to this day.

Hiking trail on the Rodderberg.

Parts of the Rodderberg have been designated as a nature reserve since 1927. The Rodderberg is designated as a nature reserve by the Kottenforst landscape plan, which came into force on 27 February 2013. The area covers a total of around 70 hectares and extends over the area of the city of Bonn and the Rhein-Sieg district; further areas are located in the district of Ahrweiler in Rhineland-Palatinate.

In addition to its geological importance, the nature reserve is of great value for the flora and fauna. Numerous endangered and well-developed plant communities have been identified in the area, which are adapted to the extreme conditions of volcanic substrates, among other things. To ensure comprehensive protection of the volcanic complex as a whole, all areas have been included in the nature reserve designation. The areas used by a riding stable were therefore also included.

The volcanic structures of the Rodderberg have been well preserved to this day.

As the area contains well-developed FFH-relevant habitat types such as Trespen fescue calcareous grassland, smooth oat meadows and silicate rocks with pioneer vegetation, parts of the Rodderberg were registered as an FFH site in Brussels. The FFH aspects were added to the regulation in the 2005 update.