4.6
(1795)
10,218
hikers
540
hikes
Hiking around Barleber Lake I, a protected recreational area north of Magdeburg, Germany, offers accessible trails and scenic views. The landscape is defined by the idyllic Barleber Lake I, which originated from sand excavation, surrounded by trees and open countryside. This area provides a tranquil environment for outdoor activities, with well-maintained paths suitable for various fitness levels.
Last updated: October 4, 2026
4.4
(24)
91
hikers
5.01km
01:16
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(10)
39
hikers
4.72km
01:12
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(1)
32
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
16
hikers
4.76km
01:12
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
12
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The development of water transport technology becomes clear during a visit to the historic Rothensee ship lift. In 1938, the ship lift was put into operation. Leipzig designers opted at the time for a principle that had not yet been practically applied anywhere for a structure of this magnitude: A lift whose trough rested on two movable floats. With the help of the water-filled trough, which together with the two floats and the support structures has a total weight of around 5,400 tons, ships could thus "descend" from the Mittellandkanal and towards the Elbe. Depending on the water level of the Elbe, a gradient between 11 and 18 meters is compensated. With a trough length of 85 meters, a width of 12 meters, and a water depth in the trough of 2.5 meters, the dimensions are, however, too small for today's large motor cargo ships. For this reason, the ship lift was decommissioned in 2006. Since then, the state capital Magdeburg, supported by various stakeholders and with broad public approval, has been committed to its seasonal continued operation. With success: Since the summer of 2013, the ship lift has been seasonally operated again for tourist purposes. The ship lift in Magdeburg-Rothensee is a unique monument due to its technology and history. It is a brilliant design, its construction was an engineering masterpiece. It is the second oldest of only four ship lifts still in operation in Germany and the only two-float ship lift in Germany still in operation. A visit is worthwhile for this reason alone, as the immediate proximity of the state-of-the-art Sparschleuse to the ship lift, as a historical technical monument, makes the developments in water transport technology visible. Data and facts: Usable length: 85 meters Usable width: 12 meters Lift height: 10.45 to 18.46 meters depending on the Elbe water level Water depth in the trough: 2.58 meters Usable size: 82 meters x 9.5 meters x 2 meters Total moving weight: 5,400 tons https://www.magdeburg-tourist.de/Tourismus-Freizeit/System/Schiffshebewerk/
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Here you can cycle from the road onto the dam to the Mittellandkanal
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The city of Magdeburg's big bathtub. It's beautiful there.
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In this technical marvel, the gravel is sorted by size.
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Easy tour around Lake Barleber
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interesting opportunity to take a closer look at this dimension
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There are over 350 easy hiking trails around Barleber Lake I, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. In total, the area features more than 500 routes, with the vast majority being suitable for easy walks.
Yes, Barleber Lake I is ideal for circular easy walks. A popular option is the Barleber Lake – Barleber See loop from Gewerbegebiet Nord, which is about 3.0 miles (4.9 km) and offers continuous lake views. Another great choice is the Rothensee Lock – Barleber Lake loop from Barleber See, an easy 2.9 miles (4.6 km) path that connects the lake area with the nearby Rothensee Lock.
Absolutely. The easy hiking trails around Barleber Lake I are very family-friendly, featuring well-maintained paths and a tranquil environment. The main beach area also provides playgrounds, making it a great destination for a day out with children.
Yes, many of the trails around Barleber Lake I are suitable for dogs. The area's open countryside and well-maintained paths provide a pleasant environment for walks with your canine companion. Please ensure your dog is kept on a leash where required and respect local regulations.
The primary natural feature is Barleber Lake I itself, offering idyllic water views. The trails wind through surrounding trees and open countryside, providing beautiful scenery that changes with the seasons. You'll enjoy tranquil environments and scenic vistas across the lake.
Yes, there is ample parking available around Barleber Lake I, making it convenient for visitors arriving by car. The main beach area, in particular, offers good parking facilities.
Barleber Lake I is accessible by public transport, enhancing its appeal as an outdoor destination. Specific routes and schedules can be checked with local transport providers to plan your journey.
Barleber Lake I offers pleasant hiking experiences throughout the year. Spring and autumn provide comfortable temperatures and beautiful seasonal colors. Even winter hikes offer a tranquil and unique perspective of the landscape, though appropriate clothing is recommended.
Yes, the main beach area at Barleber Lake I features facilities such as a restaurant and kiosks. These provide convenient options for refreshments and meals before or after your easy hike.
Barleber Lake I is a comprehensive recreational hub. Beyond hiking, you can enjoy swimming, sunbathing, fishing, sailing, and diving. There's also a car-free campsite on the eastern shore with direct beach access, and playgrounds for children.
The easy hikes around Barleber Lake I are characterized by well-maintained, generally flat paths. The elevation changes are minimal, making them accessible for various fitness levels. For example, the Magdeburg–Rothensee Ship Lift – Barleber See loop from Barleber See, a 4.7 miles (7.6 km) trail, has only about 16 meters of elevation gain.
The duration of easy hikes varies depending on the route. For instance, the popular Barleber Lake – Barleber See loop from Gewerbegebiet Nord typically takes about 1 hour and 14 minutes to complete. Longer easy routes, like the Barleber Lake – Barleber See loop from Barleben (7.0 km), can take around 1 hour and 45 minutes.
The routes in Barleber Lake I are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 1,500 reviews. Hikers often praise the tranquil environment, scenic lake views, and well-maintained paths, making it a pleasant experience for all.


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