Hiking in the heart of nature

A network of local hiking trails—such as the Mardorf Trails, the Steinhude Hiking Tours, or the Hagenburg Village Tour—allows for day trips that can be taken directly from your lodging.

Circular Hiking Trails - Mardorf & Steinhude: 3.7 to 13 km

In Mardorf, eight trails offer you the opportunity to explore the town through various themes. Fascinating history and unique scenic features await you. In addition to the Village Trail—which you can also experience during a guided tour of the town—other interesting walks await you, focusing on themes such as dunes, the beach, the moor, Lake Bannsee, Häfern, golf, and Poggen. Each hiking trail is signposted in both directions and features numerous informational signs. Three additional tours starting from the Steinhuder Scheunenviertel also promise special moments. They range in length from 6 to 13 kilometers. Whether along the Steinhuder Meer, on the former Steinhuder Meer railway line, or leisurely through meadows and fields, these loop trails offer pure relaxation. You can obtain a detailed description of the trails at the tourist information offices in Mardorf and Steinhude.

© Rolf Herrmann

Pilgrimage Routes from Mariensee Abbey to Loccum Abbey

On the pilgrimage route between the monasteries of Mariensee and Loccum, you can rediscover the slow pace of life as a contrast to the hustle and bustle of everyday life and walk along your inner path through meadows and forests. The approximately 80-kilometer pilgrimage through the scenic areas around the Steinhuder Meer typically takes about four days, though the route can also be divided into shorter sections. Groups can take advantage of monastic, spiritual guidance. Additionally, there is informative literature available about the route and all the points of interest.

Sigwardsweg

© Fotolia

The 170-kilometer circular pilgrimage route follows in the footsteps of Bishop Sigward (1120–1140), leading from Minden to his cathedral and burial church in Idensen via a northern and a southern route. The Diocese of Minden was founded in 798 by Charlemagne and has shaped the cultural landscape between the Weser and Leine rivers with churches, monasteries, and noble estates. Along the scenic and varied route through river floodplains, heathlands, forests, and across the ridges of the Weser Mountains, 24 “holy sites” invite pilgrims to reflect and find inner peace. The trail’s logo is the quatrefoil window of the west tower of St. Sigward’s Church, and it guides pilgrims along the well-marked route.

Guided moorland hikes

© Steinhuder Meer Tourism, LLC

A classic activity for nature lovers is the two- to three-hour moor hike. You can experience the fascinating landscape as well as the unique features and secrets of a raised bog. Guided bog hikes depart regularly from Steinhude and Mardorf. The tours starting from Steinhude lead from the Ostenmeer through the bog, with a stop at the “Alte Moorhütte” restaurant. Depending on your preference and weather conditions, the hike can take anywhere from five hours (ten kilometers) to four and a half hours (nine kilometers).

TIP: Guided moorland hikes take place regularly, starting from Steinhude and Mardorf. The tours from Steinhude lead from the Ostenmeer through the moor, with a stop at the “Alte Moorhütte” restaurant. Depending on your preference and weather conditions, the hike lasts anywhere from five hours (ten kilometers) to four and a half hours (nine kilometers). When preparing for your hike, be sure to pack weather-appropriate clothing and shoes, as well as mosquito repellent if necessary, a camera, and binoculars.

For more information on hiking trails around Steinhuder Meer, including maps with elevation profiles, see here.

© F. Toffel

Active at Steinhuder Meer

Activities at Steinhuder Meer

Sailing, surfing, biking, and hiking—experience the Steinhuder Meer firsthand.

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