Hardter Forest with pony rides at the pony farm

The Hardter Forest and the Ponyhof are located in the Mönchengladbach-Hardt district and offer hikers, joggers, cyclists, and those seeking relaxation the perfect opportunity to unwind or engage in physical activities.

Type: Mixed forest
Area: 5.57 km²
Postal code: 41169
Area code: 02161

The Hardter Forest features a Celtic burial mound field from the Bronze Age and the Early Iron Age, rediscovered in the 1870s

1. Use as a hunting area: The forest was already used as a hunting ground in the Middle Ages, particularly by nobles and kings. This is also reflected in the names of some places and buildings in the area, which hint at the hunting tradition.
2. Forestry: Over the centuries, the forest was also used for timber production. Trees were felled, and the wood was used for various purposes, whether for building houses, making furniture, or as firewood.
3. Nature and landscape conservation: In recent history, awareness of protecting nature and landscapes in the Hardter Forest has increased. Measures have been implemented to preserve the forest from overuse and destruction, including the designation of nature reserves and protective measures for specific animal and plant species.
4. Recreational area: With the increasing urbanization in the region, the Hardter Forest has also become an important recreational area for the residents of Mönchengladbach and the surrounding areas. Numerous hiking trails, bike paths, and picnic spots have been established to provide visitors with the opportunity to enjoy nature and escape from urban daily life.

The playground was recently renovated (as of March 2024). It features a zip line, a large swing, a climbing spider, a slide, a volleyball court, a sandbox, and a ring swing. The playground is located in a quiet area. Children also have the opportunity to build small huts or shelters at the playground.

The address of the playground is:

Brahmsstraße,
41169 Mönchengladbach

It is not allowed to drive to the playground with a car! You have two options for parking: either at:

You can park in the Hardter Forest at the following addresses:

Brahmsstraße 142,
41169 Mönchengladbach

Or the alternative parking lot:

Ungermannsweg 19,
41169 Mönchengladbach

In the Hardter Forest, you will also find the “Youth Hostel Mönchengladbach-Hardter Wald.” For current offers and prices, please refer to the youth hostel’s website.

A wide range of options is available there.

There is also a Heart Park in the Hardter Forest, which adjoins Hehn. Overall, it is a lovely environment in the Mönchengladbach district.

The pony farm in Hardt offers a great time for both young and old. You can take advantage of a wide range of activities at the pony farm.

Whether it’s pony riding, lunge lessons, or guided sulky rides, birthdays can also be celebrated there.

Are you looking for a great place for a children’s birthday party? The pony farm offers just the right setting for your child!

Here’s what the pony farm offers for a birthday party:

• Vaulting: Gymnastics on the pony
• Sledding
• Zebra pony riding
• Dancing
• Riding out:
  • Up to 7 children: 2 hours
  • 8 children and more: 3 hours
• Food and drinks should be brought with you; covered seating and dining options are available.

The price per child is €24.00. (As of March 2024 – prices may vary)

Address of the pony farm:

Ponyhof Hardter Wald
Schlaaweg 78,
41169 Mönchengladbach

The farm offers a free parking lot for cars.
The parking lot is exclusively for visitors of the pony farm and can be accessed via Hardter Landstraße.

The following songbirds can be found in the Hardter Forest:

Blue tit, great tit, robin, marsh tit, magpie, mist crow, raven, carrion crow, whinchat, long-tailed tit, greenfinch, house redstart, goldfinch, jay, reed bunting, yellowhammer, grey bunting, meadow pipit, crossbill, song thrush, starling, tree pipit, red-backed shrike, oriole, nightingale, wren, dipper, hawfinch, blackbird, nuthatch, green woodpecker, great spotted woodpecker, wryneck, lesser spotted woodpecker, black woodpecker.

Songbirds are a diverse group of birds known for their melodious songs. They belong to the order Passeriformes and include thousands of species worldwide. Here are some interesting facts about songbirds:

1. Song: Songbirds are known for their complex and varied songs. These songs serve various purposes, including marking territory, attracting mates, and communicating with fellow birds. Some songbirds, such as the nightingale or the lark, are considered particularly gifted singers.
2. Biodiversity: Songbirds are the largest group of birds and are found in a wide range of habitats, from forests and grasslands to urban areas.
3. Feathers: Songbirds often have colorful plumage that helps them camouflage or impress others. Some species have striking feather crests, tail feathers, or other features that can play a role in mate selection.
4. Breeding behavior: Songbirds lay eggs and incubate their young. The breeding behavior can vary depending on the species, but many songbirds build intricate nests out of twigs, grasses, leaves, and other materials.
5. Migration behavior: Many songbirds are migratory and undertake regular journeys between breeding and wintering grounds. These migratory birds can cover remarkable distances and often follow well-known flight routes to reach their destinations.
6. Diet: Songbirds have diverse feeding habits. Some are insectivores, while others feed on fruits, seeds, nectar, or even meat. Their beaks are often adapted to their specific diet.
7. Impact on ecosystems: Songbirds play an important role in the ecosystems where they occur. They control insect populations, disperse seeds, and often serve as indicator species for the health of an ecosystem.