Nature Reserve Guide
Kreuzhorst, a nature reserve located on the right bank of the Elbe River in the southeast of Magdeburg, Germany, offers a compelling natural setting for outdoor pursuits. This area is characterized by its unique floodplain forest ecosystem, old Elbe river arms, and diverse landscapes. The varied terrain provides opportunities for several sports like gravel biking, touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, and more.
The Kreuzhorst nature reserve provides a range of outdoor activities for all skill…
130
Routes
4.5
(1092)
Average rating
5646
People visited

4.7
(27)
113
riders
57.9km
03:57
180m
180m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.4
(23)
78
riders
38.8km
02:39
90m
90m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.9
(9)
51
riders
53.1km
03:48
130m
130m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.2
(9)
47
riders
61.4km
03:54
130m
130m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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4.7
(74)
697
riders
48.4km
02:06
140m
140m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.6
(39)
351
riders
40.1km
01:56
110m
110m
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(1)
88
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.7
(7)
102
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.6
(542)
1,964
riders
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(13)
53
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(19)
87
riders
35.2km
02:08
70m
70m
Hard bike ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4.6
(5)
39
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(34)
103
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(16)
69
hikers
6.12km
01:33
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(14)
57
hikers
5.31km
01:20
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.1
(39)
125
hikers
9.36km
02:22
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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44
runners
15.8km
01:44
50m
50m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

38
runners
4.99km
00:31
10m
10m
Easy run. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
27
runners
8.89km
01:00
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

20
runners
11.5km
01:17
40m
40m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(4)
17
riders
21.0km
01:10
60m
60m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

6
riders
41.8km
02:13
150m
150m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
7
riders
40.8km
02:42
220m
220m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

9
riders
14.4km
00:50
40m
40m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Kreuzhorst offers a variety of outdoor activities including Gravel biking, Touring cycling, Hiking, Road cycling, Jogging, and Mountain biking. The area features diverse terrain suitable for different preferences and fitness levels. More than 4,000 visitors have explored over 90 routes in the reserve.
Popular gravel biking routes include The Short Track, covering about 24 miles (39 km), and Gravel paradise Ostelbien, which is approximately 35 miles (57 km) long. These routes are generally rated as moderate in difficulty. The region offers field and forest paths ideal for gravel biking.
Yes, Kreuzhorst offers easy routes suitable for beginners. For hiking, the Kreuzhorst Nature Reserve – Dornburg Old Elbe loop is an easy option, about 2.5 miles (4 km) long. An easy touring cycling route is the Natural pond in Kreuzhorst – Elbe Dike near Schönebeck loop, approximately 16 miles (26 km).
Kreuzhorst is characterized by its hardwood floodplain forest, featuring common oak, European ash, and elm. The reserve also contains old side arms of the Elbe River, such as Kuhlenhagen and Mönchsseen, which are home to water lily societies. These features contribute to the area's rich biodiversity.
Notable hiking trails include the Kreuzhorst Nature Reserve – Randau Stone Age Village loop, a moderate 8-mile (13 km) trail. An easier option is the Kreuzhorst Nature Reserve – Dornburg Old Elbe loop, which is about 2.5 miles (4 km) long. These trails allow exploration of the tranquil natural surroundings.
Kreuzhorst is a popular destination, with more than 4,000 visitors recorded on komoot. The routes in the area have an average rating of 4.3 out of 5 stars from over 800 ratings. This indicates a high level of satisfaction among users exploring the reserve.
Yes, komoot offers several guides for Kreuzhorst to help plan activities. These include Gravel biking in Kreuzhorst, Hiking in Kreuzhorst, and Road Cycling Routes in Kreuzhorst. Guides are also available for easy hikes, general cycling, running, and mountain biking.
Touring cyclists can explore routes like the Mäuseturm on the Elbe – Half-timbered houses on the Elbe Cycle Path loop, a moderate 22-mile (36 km) ride. Another option is the Mäuseturm on the Elbe – Elbe Cycle Path near Buckau loop, which is about 27 miles (43 km) long. These routes often follow the Elbe River.
Kreuzhorst is a habitat for diverse wildlife, including the Elbe beaver and the endangered polecat. Over 30 mammal species, 90 breeding bird species (such as a gray heron colony), and numerous reptile, amphibian, and fish species reside here. The reserve also supports a wide variety of insects, including thousands of butterfly species.
Information related to the Kreuzhorst area can be found on the local community portal for Randau and Calenberge. The website is randau-calenberge.de. There is no specific official website solely for the nature reserve itself.
Yes, Kreuzhorst offers mountain biking trails. An easy route is the Elbe River – Salt spring in Rotehornpark loop, approximately 13 miles (21 km) long. Other moderate options are also available, such as the Magdeburg Airport – View of the Canola Field loop, about 26 miles (42 km).
Road cyclists can find routes like the Old Cannon Railway Cycle Path – Herrenkrugsteg Bridge loop, a moderate 44-mile (70 km) ride. Another option is the Herrenkrugsteg Bridge – Millennium Tower, Magdeburg loop, covering about 15 miles (24 km). These routes often utilize paved paths in and around the reserve.

