The best walks and hikes around Natural Park Aschendorfer Obermoor/Wildes Moor
4.3
(850)
3,734
hikers
286
hikes
Hiking around Natural Park Aschendorfer Obermoor/Wildes Moor offers exploration of a unique high moor landscape spanning over 1,000 hectares. This region is characterized by significant high moor complexes, re-wetted areas, and former peat-cutting sites undergoing renaturation. The terrain is largely flat, featuring "living high moor" where peat continues to form, along with bog ponds and high moor grasslands. The park is home to specific flora like Weißes Schnabelried and various peat mosses, and provides habitats for diverse wildlife, including the…
Last updated: July 1, 2026
4.8
(47)
108
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.3
(11)
37
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(6)
41
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(3)
4
hikers
12.4km
03:07
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
4
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Natural Park Aschendorfer Obermoor/Wildes Moor
Tips from the Community
There isn't a single bench along the entire way to rest. Not recommended.
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The hiking trail had been blocked by a farmer about 3km before the destination. It was not possible to cross without getting stuck deep in cow dung, which was really outrageous.
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A quiet moorland area where you can often observe various animals, mainly waterfowl.
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The platform and seating have been dismantled. Hopefully, a new hut will be built here, as some posts are still standing.
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The two peat boat pullers on the Splitting Canal, even if they are only cast in cast iron, depict the tradition of towing ships, in which a man pulled up to ten barges along the towpath behind him on a rope. They tell of the long-gone fen culture in the Emsland region.
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Small Round - Aschendorfer Obermoor
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Aschendorf Moor Trail Hikers can experience a piece of authentic Papenburg on this trail. The Aschendorf Moor Trail is a 1.8-kilometer circular route that leads through the "Aschendorfer Obermoor / Wildes Moor" nature reserve. Various information panels provide information about the flora and fauna of this unique habitat, parts of which have been preserved here and are being regenerated in rewetting areas. The panels also point out the areas of still-living raised bog, which continues to grow upwards year after year: a few mineral salts from the air and rainwater are sufficient for the continuous peat formation. The hike along the Moor Trail is particularly attractive from June to September, when heather and campanula bloom pink – a magnificent sight, especially from the viewing platform. The Aschendorf Moor Trail can be explored independently year-round, and guided tours for groups are available upon reservation.
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In 1629 Dietrich von Velen bought the dilapidated Papenburg on the edge of East Frisia from Friedrich von Schwarzenberg, and in 1631 he was also granted feudal rights. There he founded the first moor colony on German soil, following the Dutch model. To do this, he had a new canal dug that drained the moor colony into the Ems. On the Ems he had this canal protected from flooding with a sluice gate. During the Thirty Years' War, the new colony suffered greatly from military influence. The occupation of the Emsland from 1633 to 1638 almost brought this plan to failure. But after the conclusion of the Peace of Westphalia, the settlement quickly recovered. In 1657, Papenburg was granted the status of a lordship by the Prince-Bishop of Münster, Christoph Bernhard von Galen. Today, the Von Velen open-air museum in Papenburg commemorates the founding of the moor colony. In 1987, a monument to Dietrich von Velen was erected on the grounds of the open-air museum.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available in Natural Park Aschendorfer Obermoor/Wildes Moor?
There are over 280 hiking routes in Natural Park Aschendorfer Obermoor/Wildes Moor. The majority of these, more than 200, are classified as easy, making the area very accessible for various fitness levels.
What kind of landscape can I expect to see while hiking here?
The Natural Park Aschendorfer Obermoor/Wildes Moor is characterized by its unique high moor landscapes, one of the largest unbroken moorland regions in the Hunte-Leda-Moorniederung. You'll encounter 'living high moor' where peat continues to form, re-wetted areas, bog ponds like the 'Krummes Meer', and high moor grasslands. The terrain is generally flat, offering expansive views of this distinctive ecosystem.
Are there any specific trails that highlight the moor's unique features?
Yes, the Aschendorfer Moor Trail loop from LSG Barenberg is a 1.8 km path that leads directly through the nature reserve. It features information boards explaining the moor's flora, fauna, and development, and includes a small observation platform for panoramic views.
When is the best time to visit Natural Park Aschendorfer Obermoor/Wildes Moor for hiking?
The blooming of heather and bell heather from June to September makes this period particularly attractive for walks, offering a beautiful pink and purple display, especially from the observation platform on the Aschendorfer Moorpfad. However, the unique moor landscape can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different perspective.
Are there any family-friendly hiking options in the park?
Absolutely. Many of the trails are easy and suitable for families. For instance, the Aschendorfer Moor Lakes loop from Moorpfad is an easy 4.1 km route that explores the characteristic moor lakes and is manageable for children.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
While the region is generally dog-friendly, it's crucial to keep dogs on a leash, especially within the nature reserve areas. This protects the sensitive moor ecosystem and its wildlife, particularly ground-nesting birds and other small animals. Always check local signage for specific rules on individual trails.
What kind of wildlife can I expect to see?
The re-wetted areas and diverse habitats support numerous bird species. If you're lucky, you might also spot the unique Große Moosjungfer (large bog dragonfly) and other insects adapted to the moor environment. The park's focus on renaturation helps provide a thriving home for this wildlife.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, many of the trails are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Aschendorfer Moor Lakes loop from Moorpfad and the Aschendorfer Obermoor loop from Birkenallee/An der Marienkirche, which offers a longer moderate option.
What do other hikers enjoy most about Natural Park Aschendorfer Obermoor/Wildes Moor?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars from over 770 reviews. Reviewers often praise the unique, tranquil moorland scenery, the well-maintained paths, and the opportunity to experience a distinctive natural landscape.
Are there any longer, more challenging routes for experienced hikers?
While the terrain is generally flat, some routes offer a longer immersion into the moorland. The Aschendorfer Moor Lakes – Aschendorfer Moor Trail loop from LSG Barenberg is a moderate 9.5 km path, and the Aschendorfer Obermoor loop from Birkenallee/An der Marienkirche is a moderate 12.8 km route, providing a more extended hiking experience.
Is there public transport access to the hiking areas?
Information on specific public transport routes directly to the trailheads is limited. It is generally recommended to check local bus schedules or consider driving to access the various starting points within the Natural Park Aschendorfer Obermoor/Wildes Moor.
Are there any nearby attractions or points of interest to combine with a hike?
While the park itself is the main attraction, the broader region offers points of interest. One source mentions the 'Von Velen Anlage' as a place to see reconstructions of old settler buildings and potentially take boat trips on surrounding canals, suggesting broader regional attractions that might complement a visit to the moor. You can explore the HÖB Lake – Von Velen Anlage Peat Museum loop from Birkenallee/An der Marienkirche to visit this area.
Most popular routes around Natural Park Aschendorfer Obermoor/Wildes Moor
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