The best walks and hikes around Pätzer Hintersee

There are over 1,100 hiking routes around Pätzer Hintersee, catering to various skill levels. This includes more than 650 easy trails, over 430 moderate routes, and nearly 50 more challenging hikes.

The region is characterized by diverse natural landscapes shaped by the last ice age. You'll encounter ground moraine lakes like Pätzer Hintersee and Pätzer Vordersee, extensive moor areas protected as nature reserves, and varied forest types including unique pine forests and mixed deciduous woodlands. Small hills such as Kiesberg and Radeberge also add to the scenic diversity.

Yes, a prominent circular route encompasses both Pätzer Vordersee and Hintersee. This trail is just over 16 kilometers long and is suitable for all seasons. It typically starts and ends at the Bestensee train station, passing through the village of Pätz and offering views of the lakes amidst forests and meadows.

Along the trails, you can discover several interesting points. The Pätzer Hintersee itself is a central feature, and you might find a lakeside beach at Pätzer Vordersee. The area is also part of the Dahme-Heideseen Nature Park, with features like the Hofjagdweg Forest Road. Keep an eye out for the two islands, "Kleiner Horst" and "Großer Horst," within Pätzer Hintersee.

Yes, the area offers many family-friendly options, with over 650 easy trails. The diverse landscapes, including lakes and forests, provide engaging environments for children. The circular route around Pätzer Vordersee and Hintersee, while longer, can be adapted for families by exploring shorter sections or visiting the bathing area at Vordersee.

Many trails around Pätzer Hintersee are suitable for dogs, allowing them to enjoy the diverse natural environment. However, please be mindful of the protected moor areas on the southern shore of Pätzer Hintersee, which are part of a nature reserve. Always keep dogs under control and check for any specific local regulations or signage regarding pets, especially in sensitive ecological zones.

Parking is available at various points around the Pätzer Hintersee area. For instance, if you plan to hike the circular route around both lakes, starting from Bestensee train station is an option, where parking facilities are typically available. For specific trailheads, it's advisable to check the route details on komoot for designated parking areas.

The circular route encompassing Pätzer Vordersee and Hintersee conveniently begins and ends at the Bestensee train station, making it accessible by public transport. This allows hikers to reach the area without needing a car and directly start their adventure from the station.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 5,000 reviews. Hikers often praise the diverse natural landscapes, the tranquility of the protected moor areas, and the well-maintained trails that offer glimpses of the ice age lakes and varied forests.

Yes, there are opportunities for breaks and refreshments. Resting areas, such as those found on the Paul-Gerhardt-Weg, are available along some routes. For gastronomic facilities, you can find options in the towns of Bestensee and Pätz, as well as in the Hintersiedlung.

A great moderate option is the Pätzer Hintersee – View of Pätzer gravel pit loop from Pätzer Kiesgrube. This 9.9 km path explores the area around the gravel pit and nearby hills, offering a good balance of distance and terrain to experience the region's character.

For those seeking a more challenging experience, the Pätzer Vordersee – Pätzer Hintersee loop from Motzen is a difficult 24.8 km trail. This route leads through the landscapes connecting both Pätzer Vordersee and Hintersee, typically taking around 6 hours to complete.