The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei
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(4764)
25,181
hikers
879
hikes
Family friendly hiking trails in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei are located near Lübeck, within a former military training ground spanning approximately 400 hectares. The area is characterized by a diverse landscape, with about 64% grassland, numerous small fen depressions, and ponds. Approximately 27% of the region consists of various forest types, complemented by a dense network of hedgerows and small bodies of water. The accessible southern part offers open moor and meadow landscapes, providing varied terrain for outdoor activities.
Best family friendly…
Last updated: July 9, 2026
6
hikers
7.75km
01:59
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
1
hikers
12.7km
03:15
40m
40m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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2
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(4)
13
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(4)
13
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Evangelical Church of Zarpen is a brick Gothic church in Zarpen, begun in 1221, which was built in the 13th century as the parish church of this early medieval main town and for the surrounding villages of the former Reinfeld Monastery in what is now the Nordstormarn district.
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Groß Steinrade was incorporated into Lübeck in 1970 as part of a regional reform from Stockelsdorf. The first owner is named in 1306 as Marquard von Sandberg, who sold Groß Steinrade and Eckhorst to the Lübeck citizen Dietrich von Ahlen. Later, there were frequent changes of ownership (v. Wickede, v. Calven, v. Brömbsen, etc.) until the estate came into the possession of Henning von Rumohr in 1732. This family remained in possession of the estate until the death of the last Rumohr, General Detlev von Rumohr (1961). The house and farm have since been demolished; the approximately 150 hectare forest property has been transferred to the federal government and has been used as the Wüstenei military training area since 1965. The grave site is also located on the training ground. The pioneer units from the Trave barracks mainly use the site, but of course also the units stationed in the Hanseaten barracks (HL) in Lübeck-Blankensee. The public part of the Wüstenei, which has been separated since 1994 and is around 100 hectares in size, is a landscape conservation area and is open to the public. The Bundeswehr still uses the Wüstenei training area today, so entering the military part is prohibited. https://pzgrendiv6.de/pzgrendiv6/standorte/stouebpl-wuestenei.html
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There are still some cranes here.
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Here you should make a small detour and drive through this beautiful avenue of old linden trees in the direction of Zarpenerhof. Halfway there, however, it is better to turn left and continue on towards Zarpen, because straight ahead you only reach a dead end and the private farm grounds.
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Only the eastern part (near Groß Steinrade) is freely accessible to the public and has been designated a nature reserve since 1994. The rest of the training area is still used by the German army, although apparently only rarely. Units from Lübeck and Bad Segeberg used to train there, but their locations have all been closed since the 1990s. The numerous warning signs are apparently quite new and therefore still serious. The signs on both sides show the same warning, so you can never be really sure whether you are driving in or out.
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I have cycled here many times and on January 6th, 2024 I had my first meet5 hike with 11 interested people over 14 km through all areas and on all paths. I have never seen or heard of BW exercises here. So no criticism from me! Almost all dog owners adhere to the leash requirement and there is absolute silence and no traffic here. My hiking group was thrilled! She didn't know that at all. By the way, we parked in 23619 Badendorf, Zur Wüstenei. Our tour: [https://www.komoot.de/tour/1409155027]
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From the bike you can let your gaze wander over the green meadows.
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Along the road to Dahmsdorf, you drive over a small hill. Although you only reach a height of about 30 meters, in good weather you have a beautiful view of the silhouette of Lübeck's towers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei?
Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei offers a wide variety of hiking opportunities. You'll find over 850 hiking routes in the area, with more than 580 of them classified as easy, making them ideal for family outings.
What makes Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei a good place for family hikes?
The area is characterized by its unique and diverse natural landscape, featuring extensive grasslands, numerous small fen depressions, ponds, and varied forest sections. The trails are generally easy and well-passable, making them suitable for families with children of all ages. The southern part of the area is particularly accessible for civilian recreation.
What interesting natural features or landmarks can we see on family hikes in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei?
While exploring, you can discover the unique landscape of the Wüstenei Military Training Area itself, which is now a protected natural space. The Wüstenei Training Area Nature Reserve highlights the ecological value of the region, with its diverse flora and fauna. You might also encounter interesting topographical features like over the embankment (Wüstenei).
Are the trails in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei suitable for all ages and fitness levels?
Yes, many of the trails in the accessible southern part of Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei are described as easy and feature easily passable paths. This makes them well-suited for families with young children or those looking for a relaxed outdoor experience. For example, the Milk vending machine Freyer family loop from Groß Steinrade / Schönböcken is an easy 5.7 km route perfect for a family stroll.
What do other hikers enjoy most about family-friendly trails in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 4,400 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil open moor and meadow landscapes, the sense of peace, and the well-maintained paths that make for enjoyable walks for all ages.
Are there circular routes suitable for families?
Absolutely! Many of the family-friendly trails in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Alter Landgraben – Humboldtwiese, Lübeck loop from Groß Steinrade / Schönböcken, which is an easy 5.5 km loop.
Can I bring my dog on the family-friendly hiking trails?
Generally, dogs are welcome on the hiking trails in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei. However, as it is a nature-protected area and partly a former military training ground, it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash to protect wildlife and ensure safety. Always look out for specific signage regarding dog regulations on individual paths.
Is there parking available near the trailheads?
While specific parking information varies by trailhead, many popular starting points for hikes in and around Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei offer designated parking areas. It's always a good idea to check the route details on komoot for specific parking recommendations for your chosen trail, such as for the Beautiful meadows and fields loop from Badendorf.
What is the best time of year to go hiking with family in Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei?
The diverse landscape of Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei offers beauty throughout the year. Spring brings blooming wildflowers, while autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Summer is ideal for longer days, and even winter can be magical with crisp air and potentially snow-dusted landscapes. Always check the weather forecast before heading out, especially with children.
Are there longer family-friendly routes for more adventurous families?
Yes, for families looking for a longer adventure, there are moderate trails that still offer a family-friendly experience. The St John's Church, Zarpen – Hofcafé Landzauber loop from Badendorf is a moderate 12.7 km route that provides a more extended exploration of the area's scenic beauty.
What should we be aware of regarding the military history of the area?
Standortsübungsplatz Wüstenei was formerly a military training ground. While the southern part is now accessible for recreation, the northern and northeastern sections remain military security areas and are strictly off-limits. It's crucial to pay close attention to warning signs and respect any restrictions to ensure your safety, as military exercises can still occur.
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