Hiking and Biking at Steinhuder Meer

The 34-kilometer-long, exceptionally well-maintained loop trail around Steinhuder Meer is designed for both hiking and biking and is a very popular route thanks to its scenic beauty. Let the highlights—which are described in more detail below—inspire you!

Evidence of the Ice Age in the Hagenburg Boulders Garden
In the erratic boulder garden, stone witnesses to the earth's history are waiting to be viewed and touched. The erratic blocks, which vary in shape, color and structure, were transported from Scandinavia to northern Germany over 200,000 years ago by the glaciers of the Saale glaciation.

Water buffaloes look after the nature reserve
In the western Meerbruchwiesen nature reserve, many shallow ponds have been created in recent years to provide spawning grounds for rare amphibians. Thanks to the natural care provided by a small herd of eleven water buffaloes, the moor frogs in particular have multiplied rapidly and give impressive concerts in return. If you are in the area, keep an eye out for the buffalo species, which is rarely found in Germany and has become an important pillar in the cultivation of the sea marsh meadows.

© Thomas Langreder

Meerbruch Breeding and Resting Area
The Meerbruch grassland area, which is a protected nature reserve, is an important, well-developed, and well-maintained habitat for rare wading birds and waterfowl—as well as moisture-loving plants—that are worthy of protection. Well-placed observation platforms offer you the opportunity to witness the acrobatic courtship flights of lapwings, the melodious whistling of curlews, and to observe white storks and cranes.

The Natural Environment of the Hagenburg Moor Garden
Get to know the plant communities typical of fens and raised bogs in the area worth seeing, marvel at the iridescent blue dragonflies, real valerian and sundew or listen to the impressive croaking orchestra of moor frogs

Bird Habitat with Nature Trail in Winzlar
The Winzlar Bird Sanctuary is a unique habitat for waterfowl and wading birds. In the dense riparian vegetation, for example, you’ll find breeding spoonbills, teals, and gadwalls. The nature trail leads you to observation huts and a lookout tower—where you can marvel at the flying skills of majestic white-tailed eagles and other bird species.

"East Shore of the Steinhuder Meer" Nature Reserve
This nature reserve with various vantage points is characterized by a mosaic of fens, marshes and wet scrub as well as the presence of lake and pond rose communities. On land, the vegetation continues with reedbeds and gray willow scrub. Occasional alder and birch swamp forests have formed - an idyll that invites you to linger and dream.

Hiking on the moor adventure trail
The Moor Experience Trail is part of the Vogeldamm biking and hiking trail, which runs between the moor huts on the northern shore of Lake Steinhude and the Großenheidorn observation tower to the east. Highlights include an observation platform with a great view and a boardwalk over active peatland: visitors can observe sphagnum mosses, cottongrass, and sundews up close. Numerous interpretive panels illustrate the unique features of the landscape through images and text and provide visitors with detailed information.

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

© Florian Toffel

Moors, Shores, and Wildlife

Experience Nature at Steinhuder Meer

Discover the moors, reed beds, and birdlife around the Steinhuder Meer.

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