4.5
(2913)
16,936
hikers
939
hikes
Hiking around Großer Bornhorster Lake, located in Oldenburg, Germany, offers routes within a landscape protection area characterized by diverse natural scenery. The region features a blend of forested areas, meadows, and fields, with the Geestrandgraben flowing through the landscape. While generally flat, some trails include gentle curves and hills, providing varied walking experiences around the lake, which is the largest within Oldenburg's city limits.
Last updated: October 5, 2026
4.7
(23)
61
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(46)
209
hikers
3.66km
00:55
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(20)
61
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(12)
37
hikers
17.3km
04:22
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Recommended for every hiker who wants to relax!
2
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"Borni" is either building a nest, breeding, or foraging. "Borni" is the stork of the Bornhorst meadows.
1
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One of my favorite places because it's so peaceful and a beautiful nature reserve. I love it there any time of year...but when the mosquito population is very high, I flee this wonderful place. 🥰
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The area east of the lake consists of permanent grassland typical of (old) marshland, extends over five kilometers to the east, and is largely protected as the Bornhorster Huntewiesen (Bornhorst Hunte Meadows). To the west, just 150 meters from the lakeshore and then further beyond the motorway, the land rises to the Oldenburg Geest, so that Groß Bornhorst and Klein Bornhorst are already 12 to 15 meters above sea level. Northwest of the lake, on either side of the motorway, lie two forest areas totaling 10 hectares. In contrast to the Großer Bornhorster See, the Kleiner Bornhorster See has two (albeit small) islands. The larger island, approximately 2,000 m² in size, is located on the northern shore in a corner of the lake, while the tiny island on the southern shore is only about 100 m² in size. Both islands have dense tree cover.
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The Kleiner Bornhorster See is located in the low-lying marshland within the "Oldenburg-Rasteder Geestrand" nature reserve. Great crested grebes and other waterfowl breed at the Kleiner Bornhorster See. The area is particularly notable for its high density of breeding pairs of nightingales. The NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) organizes ongoing monitoring of breeding and resting birds in the lake area.
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The Kleiner Bornhorster See (Little Bornhorst Lake) covers 20 hectares and has a circumference of approximately two kilometers. It is one of the larger lakes in the Oldenburg urban area and the surrounding area. It is almost circular in shape and measures just under 500 meters north-south, with the east and west shores up to 600 meters apart. To the north, a small peninsula juts out into the lake, forming a kind of lake angle. The lake lies 0 meters above sea level. On the west shore, there is a sandy beach approximately 150 meters long and up to 40 meters wide, as well as numerous sunbathing areas. The Kleiner Bornhorster See is an official swimming lake monitored by the DLRG (German Lifesaving Association). 400 meters south of it lies the Grosser Bornhorster See, which is more than twice as large. The A29 federal highway runs between the Kleiner Bornhorster See and Groß Bornhorst or Etzhorn, just 200 meters from the west shore. The lake owes its existence to the expressway ring around Oldenburg: the soil taken from the lake was needed to build the ramp to the Hunte high bridge as well as the embankments of the A 293 and the northern bypass.
2
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The Kleiner Bornhorster See is a gravel pit lake in the eastern part of Oldenburg (Oldenburg), not far from the border with the Wesermarsch district, which runs only about 500 meters northeast. However, it is already outside of Oldenburg's dense urban development. The lake is located near the small village of Groß Bornhorst and the Oldenburg district of Etzhorn, both west of the lake. The Hunte River flows three kilometers south of it.
2
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An ideal training area for runners, one lap is just over 3 km long. Great asphalt and diverse natural scenery.
4
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There are over 900 hiking routes around Großer Bornhorster Lake, catering to various preferences and skill levels. This includes a wide selection of easy, moderate, and some more challenging trails.
Yes, the area offers many easy routes. For instance, the Kleiner Bornhorster See – Little Bornhorster Lake loop from Bornhorst is an easy 4.4 km trail, perfect for a relaxed walk. The popular circular path directly around Großer Bornhorster Lake is also easily accessible and suitable for all fitness levels.
Yes, circular routes are a prominent feature of hiking around Großer Bornhorster Lake. A popular 4-kilometer circular path encircles Großer Bornhorster Lake itself. You can also combine the two lakes with the Kleiner Bornhorster See – Großer Bornhorster See loop from Bornhorst, which is about 2.8 km.
Hikers will experience diverse natural scenery within the Oldenburg-Rasteder Geestrand landscape protection area. The trails feature a blend of smaller wooded areas, open meadows, and fields. The Geestrandgraben ditch also flows through the landscape, adding to the natural diversity. While generally flat, some trails offer gentle curves and hills.
Yes, the trails around Großer Bornhorster Lake are popular with dog owners. The well-maintained paths, especially the 4-kilometer circular trail around the lake, provide ample space for walks with your dog. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash where required and respect local wildlife.
Yes, the trails are generally easily accessible, and parking is often available for those arriving by car. Specific parking information can usually be found on individual route pages on komoot.
The trails around Großer Bornhorster Lake are often easily accessible from public transport connections. For detailed information on specific routes and their nearest public transport stops, it's best to check the individual tour descriptions on komoot.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2,500 reviews. Hikers often praise the peaceful lakeside setting, the well-maintained paths, and the varied natural scenery, making it a relaxing and engaging hiking experience.
While many routes are easy to moderate, there are options for longer hikes. For example, the Hiking loop from Bornhorst is a moderate 15.5 km path that traverses varied terrain, including forested areas and open meadows, offering a more extended experience.
Absolutely. Beyond hiking, Großer Bornhorster Lake offers opportunities for water sports such as sailing and surfing, and it's also utilized for fishing. The nearby Kleiner Bornhorster See features a bathing area with a sand beach and kiosk during summer, perfect for relaxation after a hike.
The trails around Großer Bornhorster Lake are enjoyable year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful foliage, while summer is ideal for combining hikes with water activities at Kleiner Bornhorster See. Even in winter, the serene atmosphere around the lake provides a peaceful hiking experience.
The area is rich in biodiversity, offering opportunities for nature observation, including various bird species. The Geestrandgraben, a ditch flowing through the landscape, adds to the natural diversity. You can also explore the connection to the smaller Kleiner Bornhorster See, located just 400 meters north, which has seamlessly integrated into the natural landscape despite its artificial origins.


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