Route Recommendation: Bad Nenndorf – Wennigsen

Diverse landscapes, a variety of sights, and idyllic places to rest: These 22 kilometers are the perfect choice for leisure cyclists and families. But a more athletic ride is also an option. Those who want to take it easy should first soak up the atmosphere of the spa town of Bad Nenndorf.

Take a look: The mysterious Süntel beech avenue. Its bizarre zigzag growth pattern has earned it the name “Witches’ Wood” or “Devil’s Wood.” Today, Bad Nenndorf is home to the largest population of older Süntel beech trees in Germany.

Take a stroll through Bad Nenndorf’s open-access spa gardens on your way to the Süntel beech trees, and visit the little castle there, where Jérôme of Westphalia—Napoleon’s brother—once lived.

The spring at the crater is a natural landmark worth admiring, and according to legend, it brings healing when flowers are placed in it. Bad Nenndorf has over 30 other attractions to offer—from the former mud
bathhouse to the fountain temple and the ancient bathtub—so set out on a tour of discovery!

From Bad Nenndorf, the trail leads through open farmland and repeatedly touches the forested northern slope of the Deister; the view stretches out across the vast expanse of the Calenberger Land. In Bantorf, the Deisterkreisel route splits. The trail continues to Wichtringhausen, where you’ll pass a stately windmill and a manor with a moated castle and a wine tavern. The alternative route leads—with some grueling climbs—into the Deister.

Here, you can stop for a coffee or a light meal at the Mooshütte forest restaurant.

The “Deister Alm” inn, however, is a great place to relax and offers a fantastic view—on a clear day, you can see all the way to Hanover. Next comes the winding descent to Hohenbostel, where the two routes meet again.

Break: For a leisurely rest, we recommend the Naturfreundehaus Barsinghausen in the idyllic Bullerbach Valley. Surrounded by a beautiful deciduous forest, a valley meadow stretches along the stream, where children can run around to their hearts’ content. When the weather is nice, relax in the outdoor café. Affordable lodging is also available here.

In Barsinghausen you should visit another viewpoint: the slag cone with the "Outdoor Living Room" and a view of the Calenberger Land. This relic from the mining era is located in the Zechenpark. The final highlight before rolling out to Wennigsen is the Toppius Square. Every May, a jazz brunch is held here. If you have time, this is a great starting point for Wasserräder in Wennigs reach. (Open from April to September).

Stop for a bite to eat:

• Deister Alm, Luttringhäuser Weg 50, 30890 Barsinghausen, (05105) 25 66
• Bärenhöhle, Waldstraße 9, 30890 Barsinghausen, (05105) 80 93 32
• Bullerbachtal Nature Friends House, Im Bullerbachtal, 30890 Barsinghausen, (05105) 23 05
• Zechencafé & Bistro at Zechenpark, Hinterkampstr. 6, 30890 Barsinghausen, (05105) 51 41 87