Germany Bluebell wood, Hückelhoven

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One of the most magical places I've seen so far in my life is a bluebell wood (ger.: "Hasenglöckchen") - a wood which is full of these beautiful blue flowers like a huge carpet inside a different world. There are these strong old trees and in between everything is full of these little fragile flowers, generating an amazing color contrast between blue, green and brown.
Blooming period should be around middle - end of April (I was there at 26.04. and I should have been there a few days earlier), but that depends on the weather, so you should take care of that.

IMPORTANT information: Please stay on these trails inside the wood and don't leave them, because if you do so, you are destroying the flora. Always remind our photography guidelines: "take nothing but pictures - leave nothing but footprints". Thank you very much!

<b>Behind the Scenes</b> | photo was taken at 05.05.2019, 14:04 by <a href="/@oliver-grimm">Oliver Grimm</a>

Photography Tips

It's a good idea to be there very early in the morning, because if you are lucky you have a little bit of fog inside the wood. Additionally some morning dew can give these flowers a very fresh look.
It's also a good idea to have a tripod with you, because some parts of the wood can be too dark for handheld shots at low ISO.

Travel Information

You can leave your car in the city and walk there. It's just about 5 minutes. Some people leave their cars in front of the wood, but there are residents using these parking places so I think the friendliest way would be to leave that car a little bit apart. I marked the parking place I used on the map.

Spot Type Outdoor

Crowd Factor Just a few people

Best Timing Sunrise in spring

Sunrise & Sunset 08:00 - 16:41 | current local time: 19:48

Photo Themes Bluebell flowers wood

Locations Hückelhoven Doveren

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Spot Comments (10)

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Subhasish Dutta 26.02.2021

Hi Manuel, first of all, beautiful photos. Also, I am planning to go this year to explore the forest. Would really like to capture spring in Germany in all its flowery glory. As the spring is almost here, when do you suggest I visit the place? Much obliged.

Team

Manuel Becker 26.02.2021

Hey Subhasish, that very much depends on the weather. Bluebells usually flower from mid-April to late May, depending on the weather. If spring is mild they tend to bloom early. Then I had a look at Hallerbos, which is a lot bigger forest similar to this one and they even have a website with some updates on the blooming status. I am also not sure how well protected this forest near Cologne still is since it's quite small but therefore not that well known. If you really want to capture something like that you should also check Hallerbos, which is much bigger and better protected by the locals which make sure that people are not leaving the trails which makes sure that the flowers will come back the next year. If you go, feel free to share 1-2 results in this spot. Would love to see your photos and have a great time!

Subhasish Dutta 26.02.2021

Yes, I was looking at Hallerbos and then was pretty sure that these bluebells grow in Germany and found this location here. (Side Note: brilliant website this, kudos. Love it a lot, have helped me a lot). But since the pandemic, I have made a point of photographing lesser known hidden gems in Germany, than rather go to another country. Thanks for the quick reply though. Would love to pick your brain more on this.

Team

Manuel Becker 26.02.2021

That's awesome, then I wish you a great time in this forest and definitely give us an update on how the forest looks like these days. Haven't been there for a few years now. And thank you very much, I am really glad that you like the platform. Did you try the app as well? It's just the first version, but I am already working on a lot of improvements there as well. Have a nice weekend! :-)

Subhasish Dutta 26.02.2021

Thanks a lot, I have to plan it quite properly as I stay in Saarbrucken and I do not have a personal vehicle. Will check the app as well. Keep up the good work and have a great weekend.

Anirban Chakraborty 09.05.2018

Hi, very nice post indeed.. I was just wondering if tomorrow (though it's cloudy tomorrow) will be a good day to go to Hückelhoven?? Any insights on this would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

Team

Manuel Becker 09.05.2018

Hey Anirban, in general I would prefer sunny days because you get some really nice structure and depth in the woods. I tried that myself in Hallerbos and it made a huge difference. The other timing that might be nice is a foggy morning of course. I am not sure about the blooming season this year because I didn't plan a trip to one of these woods yet. Wish you good luck with everything though and I am already curious about your photos!

Anirban Chakraborty 09.05.2018

Thanks for the nice idea Manuel. Actually, I am staying in Bochum, so a bit far from Hückelhoven. It will be tough for me to reach there at dawn hours or early morning hours. Though, will try to grab some rain drops over the dark woods (hopefully they will get dark if rain falls on them). Will surely post some photos :) I just hope I see some purple flowers (otherwise my girlfriend will kill me :P) ...thanks again :)

Team

Manuel Becker 09.05.2018

Haha wish you good luck then and if it helps just tell your girlfriend that it was my fault ;-) Maybe check the current photos from Hallerbos via Instagram or their website... Hallerbos (Belgium) isn't so far away and much better documented than this forest because it's much bigger and much better protected and well-kept. So you at least know the status about the blooming period.

Anirban Chakraborty 09.05.2018

Hahahaa... That's why I have clubbed and planned to go to Burg Nideggen after Hückelhoven (ofcorse if time allows). Fingers crossed. And surely, I will check this place. Thanks for sharing it with me :)