The best traffic-free bike rides around Borstel-Hohenraden
4.5
(137)
537
riders
50
rides
No traffic gravel bike trails around Borstel-Hohenraden traverse a landscape characterized by diverse natural features within the Schleswig-Holsteinische Geest natural region. The area includes extensive moorlands like Himmelmoor Nature Reserve, dense forests such as Klövensteen, and paths along the Pinnau river. Riders can expect a mix of well-maintained paths and unpaved sections, offering varied terrain for exploration.
Best no traffic gravel bike trails around Borstel-Hohenraden
- The most popular no traffic gravel bike trail is Himmelmoor Lake – Himmelmoor Nature Reserve…
Last updated: July 11, 2026
5.0
(4)
22
riders
52.7km
02:59
120m
120m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
41
riders
50.3km
02:56
100m
100m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
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4.8
(5)
31
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
10
riders
75.0km
04:23
200m
200m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
(4)
13
riders
42.3km
02:19
90m
90m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around Borstel-Hohenraden
Tips from the Community
Very quiet here. The surface is perhaps not very suitable for road bikes.
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The small lake by the forest is so beautiful
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Even a four- or five-meter-high hill, built for visitors, offers a much better overview of the landscape left behind by decades of peat extraction.
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5,810 meters of track remain from the Himmelmoor Peat Railway. Built in 1900, it was used to transport peat from the mining area to the peat works on the eastern edge of the moor, operating on constantly changing routes. Small diesel locomotives, some of which were built in-house, pulled the trains carrying the peat floes until mining ended in 2018. Since 2015, the Himmelmoor Peat Railway Association has offered tours on the remaining line. The association maintains the railway and the industrial facilities. Trains are also regularly used for renaturation work.
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Peat cutting, i.e., the above-ground extraction of peat, is no longer economically viable today. Peat as a fuel has largely been replaced by other high-energy fossil fuels. Many large-scale peatlands suitable for industrial extraction have now been drained. New peat cutting areas are only permitted under strict conditions. Raised bogs have an important regulatory effect on the water balance due to the large amounts of precipitation they can absorb. The preservation of the original habitats serves landscape conservation and species protection, as most species of peatland flora and fauna are considered threatened or critically endangered. Bogs grow extremely slowly; an intact peat body increases in thickness by only one millimeter per year. It therefore takes a thousand years for a one-meter-high layer of peat to form. Thus, bog areas recover very slowly during restoration attempts.
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According to a 1919 contract, peat extraction, which began around 1780, was to continue until the moor had completely disappeared. However, extraction was discontinued in 2018. The gradual renaturation and rewetting of the Himmelmoor had already begun. The "Himmelmoor Friends' Association" was founded in December 2005.
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The reclamation of the Himmelmoor began around 1780. Its edges were divided into 1,000 to 5,000 square meter plots and transferred to farmers from neighboring villages for peat extraction. Industrial peat extraction began in the 1870s. Peat was now also extracted from the center of the moor using machines. Peat excavators extracted the black peat, compressed it, and divided it into sods. Turning the drying sods was increasingly done by machine, as was the collection of the dry peat. The low-energy fuel was packaged and loaded at the peat works.
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I passed through there on September 8, 1925, on my "Bevern and Hemdingen" tour. This tour features many beautiful forest paths.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many no-traffic gravel bike trails are available in Borstel-Hohenraden?
There are over 50 dedicated no-traffic gravel bike trails around Borstel-Hohenraden, offering a wide range of distances and difficulties. These routes are specifically curated to provide a quiet and enjoyable cycling experience away from vehicular traffic.
What kind of terrain can I expect on these no-traffic gravel routes?
The no-traffic gravel routes in Borstel-Hohenraden feature a diverse mix of surfaces. You'll encounter well-maintained paths, unpaved sections through forests and moorlands, and riverside trails. This variety ensures an engaging ride suitable for gravel bikes, allowing you to explore the natural beauty of the Schleswig-Holsteinische Geest region.
Are there any easy, beginner-friendly no-traffic gravel routes?
Yes, there are several easy no-traffic gravel routes perfect for beginners or those looking for a relaxed ride. For example, the Schnaakenmoor Moor Path – Forest trail in Klövensteen loop from Pinneberg is an easy 27.8 km route that offers a pleasant experience through natural landscapes without significant elevation changes.
Can I find circular no-traffic gravel bike routes in the area?
Absolutely. Many of the no-traffic gravel bike trails in Borstel-Hohenraden are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same point. This is ideal for exploring the region's natural reserves and scenic spots. An example is the Himmelmoor Lake – Himmelmoor Nature Reserve loop from Thesdorf, which takes you through the significant Himmelmoor.
What natural attractions can I see along these quiet gravel trails?
The no-traffic gravel trails often lead through or near significant natural attractions. You can explore the unique raised bog landscape of the Himmelmoor Nature Reserve, discover rare plants and animals at Butterbargsmoor, or enjoy the serene Water Lily Pond in the Klövensteen. Many routes also offer views of the Pinnau river.
Are there any longer, more challenging no-traffic gravel routes for experienced riders?
For experienced gravel bikers seeking a challenge, Borstel-Hohenraden offers longer and more demanding no-traffic routes. The Pinnau Bridge – Wild Krückau loop from Quickborn is a difficult 74.8 km route with notable elevation gain, providing an extensive ride through varied landscapes.
What do other gravel bikers enjoy most about the no-traffic routes in Borstel-Hohenraden?
The komoot community highly rates the no-traffic gravel routes in Borstel-Hohenraden, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 100 reviews. Riders frequently praise the tranquility of the trails, the diverse natural scenery, and the excellent opportunities to escape traffic and immerse themselves in nature, especially through areas like the Himmelmoor.
Are the no-traffic gravel trails suitable for families with children?
Yes, many of the no-traffic gravel trails are suitable for families, especially the easier and shorter routes. The absence of vehicular traffic makes for a safer and more relaxed environment. Look for routes with 'easy' difficulty ratings and shorter distances, which often pass through parks or nature reserves with well-maintained paths.
When is the best time of year to go gravel biking on these no-traffic routes?
The best time for gravel biking on the no-traffic routes in Borstel-Hohenraden is typically from spring to early autumn. May and August are particularly popular months, offering favorable weather conditions for exploring the diverse terrain, including moorlands and forests. During these periods, the natural landscapes are at their most vibrant.
Can I find routes that specifically explore the Himmelmoor Nature Reserve?
Yes, the Himmelmoor Nature Reserve is a central feature for many no-traffic gravel routes. You can find several options that traverse this unique landscape, such as the Himmelmoor Nature Reserve – Himmelmoor Trail and Rest Area loop from Thesdorf. These routes allow you to experience the raised bog, birch forests, and boardwalk sections away from traffic.
Are there any no-traffic gravel routes that pass by lakes or water features?
Many no-traffic gravel routes in the Borstel-Hohenraden area incorporate lakes and water features, adding to the scenic beauty. You can find trails that lead past Wulfsmühle and the Lake, Butterbargsmoor, or the tranquil Water Lily Pond in the Klövensteen, providing picturesque spots for a break.
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