Horses and More in Uetze

The soils here, which are also primarily sandy, are easy to ride on and sometimes even invite a brisk gallop. The Grafhorn Museum Village is a special place to visit.

Horseback Riding Tour Through the Uetz Area (29.7 km, 4 hours)

The transition from the Burgdorf equestrian trail network to the Uetze network begins on State Road 311 between Dachtmissen (Burgdorf) and Hänigsen (Uetze). After a short stretch through the northeastern foothills of the Burgdorfer Holz, riders reach the municipality of Uetze via a footbridge over the picturesque and largely unspoiled Seebecke. For riders, it is recommended to cross the Seebecke next to the footbridge. Afterward, you ride along mostly paved farm roads through the former Hänigsen oil field.

After crossing the K 125 south of Hänigsen, the route continues northeast toward the Schilfbruch forest area. The route then turns right toward Irenensee and the Spreewald lake region.

After leaving the Spreewald lake district, the route continues into the “Herrschaft.” This forested area is slated to be designated as a Flora-Fauna-Habitat site in the future. The Fuhse River winds its way through the heart
of the “Herrschaft.” With a little patience, you might spot one of the rare kingfishers. At the northern edge of the forest, the route heads toward Uetze. You can take a break at the Wilhelmshöhe restaurant. From Uetze, the route follows unpaved paths toward Benrode. Just before the Fuhse River, the route forks, offering either a more direct path to Wackerwinkel or a detour through the village of Eltze. If you choose the latter, please exercise caution when crossing the K 127 in Benrode.

The two routes meet again between Dedenhausen and Uetze. The trail runs parallel to the Fuhse River on unpaved paths toward Dollbergen and Katensen. A path that passes under the railroad tracks allows for a detour to Dollbergen. After crossing the L 387, you reach the small village of Katensen. Beyond Katensen, the trail begins through the Beerbusch, a large forested area. You can enjoy the forest at your leisure on extensive, marked horseback riding trails. On the other side of the K 125, Burgdorf soon comes into view again. Here, the water lily ponds are a feast for the eyes, and you should definitely take a break in Grafhorn, a popular destination for day trips.

Covered wagon ride through forests and meadows: A nature experience on wheels (Duration: approx. 2 hours)

© Bartels Farm

The tour begins in Katensen at the Bartels farm. After about 50 meters, the covered wagon or carriage turns left onto Katenser Hauptstr. After another 50 meters, the horses are guided to the left toward the forest. From there on, the route continues straight ahead for several kilometers.

You’ll pass a few more houses in the town as well as some sports facilities before reaching the forest. To the right and left of the path, tall trees soar toward the sky. In the fall, the sun makes the colorful leaves look even more vibrant. With a little luck, you might spot deer, squirrels, and other forest animals there. Just before the path toward the forest (Beerbusch) ends, turn left and cross the K 125. You have now reached the Burgdorfer Holz.

The delightful ride through the forest takes more than an hour. Because of the uneven forest trails—and also to allow you to better enjoy the natural surroundings—the horses rarely trot. Horse lovers and nature enthusiasts can admire the heather blossoms blooming on both sides of the trail in the fall.

At the end of the forest path, turn right and then immediately left after 50 meters. The horse-drawn carriage follows this path to the end and then turns left again right away. After about ten minutes, you’ll leave the Burgdorfer Holz behind and head back toward Schwüblingsen. The drive through this small, tranquil village—some of whose farms are still quite large—takes about ten minutes. You’ll then reach the countryside around Schwüblingsen and Katensen, where endless fields stretch out until Katensen comes into view again. After about twelve kilometers and a drive of roughly two hours, you’ll arrive back at the starting point.