The best traffic-free bike rides in Naturschutzgebiet Wittenborner Heide

There are over 90 dedicated no-traffic road cycling routes in the Naturschutzgebiet Wittenborner Heide, offering a wide variety of options for exploring the area by bike.

The Naturschutzgebiet Wittenborner Heide is characterized by a diverse landscape of open dunes, dry grasslands, heathlands, and natural deciduous forests, all accessible via easily-accessible paths. Its history as a former military training ground means many routes are free from intensive agricultural use and offer well-maintained surfaces perfect for road bikes, ensuring a peaceful ride away from vehicle traffic.

The Naturschutzgebiet Wittenborner Heide is enjoyable for road cycling throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, especially when the heathlands are in bloom. While some routes are suitable for winter, always check local conditions as paths can be affected by weather.

Yes, the region offers many easy no-traffic road cycling routes. For example, the Neversdorfer Forest Path – Green Tunnel to Klingberg loop from Wittenborn is an easy 36 km route with minimal elevation gain, perfect for those new to road cycling or looking for a relaxed ride.

Absolutely. While the terrain is generally flat, there are moderate routes that offer longer distances and slightly more elevation. The Schmalensee Lakeside Road – View of Belauer See loop from Wittenborn is a moderate 56 km route that provides a good workout with varied scenery.

Yes, many of the no-traffic road cycling routes in Naturschutzgebiet Wittenborner Heide are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Cycle path parallel to the B205 – Wittenborn Road Cycling Route loop from Wittenborn, which is an easy 43 km circular tour.

The generally flat terrain and numerous easy, traffic-free paths make the Naturschutzgebiet Wittenborner Heide very suitable for family cycling. Routes like the Landcafé Mühlenholz – Boostedter Berg loop from Wahlstedt offer a pleasant experience for all ages, with manageable distances and safe environments.

Parking is typically available at the starting points of many routes, often near the towns bordering the nature reserve, such as Wittenborn or Wahlstedt. Look for designated parking areas or public parking facilities in these communities before heading out.

Beyond the diverse natural landscapes of dunes, heathlands, and forests, you can discover unique points of interest. Keep an eye out for the Wittenborn Bat Station, an experimental habitat for bats, and ancient Bronze Age Burial Mounds, offering a glimpse into the region's history.

The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet, traffic-free paths, the beautiful and varied natural scenery, and the well-maintained surfaces that make for an enjoyable road cycling experience.

Yes, the Naturschutzgebiet Wittenborner Heide is a designated EU bird sanctuary and home to diverse flora and fauna. Cyclists might spot various bird species like woodlarks, honey buzzards, and woodpeckers, as well as butterflies, bats, and even rare plants like starflower, especially in the quieter sections of the reserve.