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, makes it possible to take day trips that start right from your accommodation.

Circular hiking trails – Mardorf & Steinhude: 3.7 to 13 km

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

© Rolf Herrmann

Pilgrimage routes from Monastery Mariensee to Monastery Loccum

On the pilgrimage route between the monasteries of Mariensee and Loccum, you can rediscover the slower 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 Lake Steinhuder Meer takes about four days to complete, 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 sights along the way.

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 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, heathland, forests, and over the ridges of the Weser Mountains, 24 “holy sites” invite visitors to reflect and find inner peace. The trail’s logo is the quatrefoil window of the west tower of Sigward Church, guiding pilgrims along the well-marked route.

Guided moorland hikes

© Lake Steinhuder Meer Tourism, LLC

The classic choice for nature lovers is the two- to three-hour moorland hike. You can experience the fascinating landscape and the unique features and secrets of a raised bog. Guided bog hikes depart regularly from Steinhude and Mardorf. The tours 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 lasts between five hours (ten kilometers) and four and a half hours (nine kilometers).

TIP: Guided moorland hikes depart regularly from Steinhude and Mardorf. The tours starting in Steinhude lead from the Ostenmeer across the moor, with a stop at the “Alte Moorhütte” restaurant. Depending on your preference and weather conditions, the hike lasts between five hours (ten kilometers) and four and a half hours (nine kilometers). When preparing for your trip, be sure to pack weatherproof clothing and shoes, mosquito repellent if needed, a camera, and binoculars.

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

© F. Toffel

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