4.4
(9)
59
riders
19
rides
Gravel biking around Hartenholm offers diverse terrain across Schleswig-Holstein's moraine landscape, characterized by rolling hills, numerous lakes, and dense forests. The region includes the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, providing varied topography and extensive woodlands. Riders can explore heathland and moors within the Wittenborn Heath Nature Reserve, as well as paths alongside waterways like the Schmalfelder Au. This blend of natural features creates a varied environment suitable for off-road cycling.
Last updated: July 2, 2026
4.0
(2)
15
riders
71.4km
04:04
250m
250m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(4)
11
riders
52.6km
03:17
190m
190m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.0
(1)
10
riders
37.2km
02:17
120m
120m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
riders
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
5.0
(1)
3
riders
28.1km
01:41
80m
80m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Now and then you pass old railway operating buildings and facilities, such as loading and unloading ramps or the old Grabau station.
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The bench offers a wonderful view.
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The path where the marker is located is actually one of the wider paths in this part of the Barker Heide. (The photos also show the surrounding paths.)
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Here in Großenaspe, the Osterau becomes particularly picturesque: clear banks, wooden bridges, birdsong – the perfect place for photos, a picnic or a break in nature.
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The Osterau is a tributary of the Stör and originates south of Bad Bramstedt. It winds its way for about 25 km through meadows, fields, and small forests—a true northern German natural idyll.
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The Nienwohlder Moor lies on the watershed between the North Sea and the Baltic Sea.[2] It drains to the west into the Lankau, to the south into the Alte Alster, and to the north into the Norderbeste. The nature reserve, which is managed by the Schleswig-Holstein State Hunting Association with the exception of the areas owned by the State Forestry Administration[5],[6] can be almost completely circumnavigated on hiking trails, along which information boards are posted at several locations. In the west, a hiking trail runs through the protected area in the area of the Lunden, a towering moraine ridge.
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Today, typical raised moor vegetation can once again be found in the nature reserve, including round-leaved sundew, narrow-leaved cottongrass, bladderwort, white beak sedge, sedge cottongrass, cranberry, as well as cross-leaved heather, rosemary, and common heather. The nature reserve also represents an important habitat for birds. Various wading birds such as the curlew and the common snipe, as well as ducks such as the shoveler, teal, tufted duck, and garganey, as well as meadow pipits, whinchats, and stonechats, are native here. Marsh harriers and short-eared owls can also be found here. The undisturbed moorland is a refuge for cranes, which are now breeding here again. Various woodpecker species, red-backed shrikes, and songbirds are native to the wooded moorland areas. The nature reserve also provides a habitat for various amphibians and reptiles, as well as insects such as dragonflies and butterflies.
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The moor was renaturalized in the 1980s through rewetting measures.[2][3] Today, in the area of former industrial use, it is an open raised bog with numerous water-filled peat pits, surrounded by a bog forest. The farmer's hand-cut peat pits at the edge of the moor are often water-filled. Sphagnum moss quaking grassland grows here, and the peat pits are slowly silting up. Further areas are occupied by grassland and forest. Some of the grassland is extensively grazed by robust cattle.[4] Some areas are still intensively used for agriculture, including one arable area.
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There are over 30 gravel bike trails around Hartenholm, offering a variety of experiences. These include 4 easy routes, 19 moderate routes, and 8 difficult routes, ensuring options for all skill levels.
Gravel biking around Hartenholm is characterized by diverse terrain. You'll encounter rolling hills, extensive forests, and heathland areas. The region is part of the Holstein Switzerland Nature Park, known for its moraine landscape, numerous lakes, and woodlands. Routes often feature a mix of paved and unpaved surfaces, including compacted former railway lines and natural paths through reserves like the Wittenborn Heath.
Yes, Hartenholm offers several easy gravel bike routes suitable for families. While specific family-designated routes aren't listed, the region's overall network includes paths with minimal incline and varied surfaces that can be enjoyed by different ages. Look for routes categorized as 'easy' on komoot for suitable options.
Many gravel bike routes in Hartenholm pass through beautiful natural areas. You can explore the Wittenborn Heath Nature Reserve with its heathland and moors, or cycle alongside waterways like the Schmalfelder Au. The region also features numerous lakes, such as the Krattkoppelsee, and dense forests offering shaded routes.
Yes, you can find several points of interest. For example, parts of the BahnRadWeg Route A, a former railway line, offer a unique cycling experience. You might also encounter bridges like the Königsbrücke Schmalfeld or the Alfred Warnemünde Bridge over the Schmalfelder Au. For nature observation, there's a Kingfisher Observation Platform at Eisvogel Pond.
The gravel biking routes around Hartenholm are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.75 stars from over 4 reviews. More than 50 gravel bikers have used komoot to explore the area, often praising the varied terrain, from quiet woodlands to open heathlands, and the well-maintained paths.
Yes, many of the gravel routes around Hartenholm are designed as loops. For instance, the Wittenborner Heath – EBOE Trail Gravel Path loop from Kaltenkirchen is a popular moderate option, and the Barker Heide Nature Reserve – heathland loop from Wittenborn offers a shorter, moderate ride through scenic heathland.
Absolutely. For those seeking a challenge, there are 8 difficult routes available. A notable difficult option is the Barker Heide Nature Reserve – Beautiful Beech Forest loop from Kaltenkirchen, which takes you through scenic beech forests. Another difficult route is the Bridge over the Osterau – Barker Heide Nature Reserve loop from Segeberg.
The region's diverse landscapes, including forests and heathlands, make it enjoyable throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant scenery. Summer is also great, with shaded forest paths providing relief from the sun. While winter conditions can vary, some routes may still be accessible depending on snow and ice.
Yes, the Hartenholm area is rich in lakes. Some routes may pass near lakes like the Krattkoppelsee or Lake Mözener. You can find a Swimming Area at Mözener See, which could be a refreshing stop on a warm day. Additionally, Seecamping Weisser Brunnen on Lake Mözener offers facilities near the water.
Yes, you can find routes that start directly from Hartenholm. For example, the Jägerbrücke (Schmalfelder Au) – Gesundbrunnen Bad Bramstedt loop from Hartenholm is a moderate 36.5 km route that begins in the town, offering a convenient starting point for local exploration.


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