4.5
(2684)
16,026
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649
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Bus station hiking trails around Großer Bornhorster Lake traverse a varied landscape within the Oldenburg-Rasteder Geestrand landscape protection area. The region features a mosaic of meadows, pastures, forests, bushes, and fallow land, with low and high moorland to the east. The central feature is Großer Bornhorster Lake, a 48-hectare body of water with a circumference of about 1.9 miles (3 km), offering scenic views. The area's origins as a gravel pit have created a unique environment, now serving as a…
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.7
(27)
127
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
25
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(4)
18
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
7
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(2)
5
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Rewetting is currently ongoing and most of the paths are closed.
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Former railway crossing over the rubber track in OL-Dornstede
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The area east of the lake consists of permanent grassland typical of (old) marshland, extends over five kilometers to the east, and is largely protected as the Bornhorster Huntewiesen (Bornhorst Hunte Meadows). To the west, just 150 meters from the lakeshore and then further beyond the motorway, the land rises to the Oldenburg Geest, so that Groß Bornhorst and Klein Bornhorst are already 12 to 15 meters above sea level. Northwest of the lake, on either side of the motorway, lie two forest areas totaling 10 hectares. In contrast to the Großer Bornhorster See, the Kleiner Bornhorster See has two (albeit small) islands. The larger island, approximately 2,000 m² in size, is located on the northern shore in a corner of the lake, while the tiny island on the southern shore is only about 100 m² in size. Both islands have dense tree cover.
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The Kleiner Bornhorster See is located in the low-lying marshland within the "Oldenburg-Rasteder Geestrand" nature reserve. Great crested grebes and other waterfowl breed at the Kleiner Bornhorster See. The area is particularly notable for its high density of breeding pairs of nightingales. The NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) organizes ongoing monitoring of breeding and resting birds in the lake area.
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The Kleiner Bornhorster See is a gravel pit lake in the eastern part of Oldenburg (Oldenburg), not far from the border with the Wesermarsch district, which runs only about 500 meters northeast. However, it is already outside of Oldenburg's dense urban development. The lake is located near the small village of Groß Bornhorst and the Oldenburg district of Etzhorn, both west of the lake. The Hunte River flows three kilometers south of it.
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Great bridge over the lake
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An ideal training area for runners, one lap is just over 3 km long. Great asphalt and diverse natural scenery.
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The Kleiner Bornhorster See is a quarry lake in the eastern part of Oldenburg (Oldenburg) not far from the border with the Wesermarsch district, which runs only about 500 meters to the northeast. However, it is already outside of the denser urban development of Oldenburg. The lake is near the small town of Groß Bornhorst and the Oldenburg district of Etzhorn, both west of the lake. The Hunte flows three kilometers south of it.
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There are over 670 hiking routes around Großer Bornhorster Lake that are easily accessible from various bus stations. This wide selection ensures you can find a trail that suits your preferences and schedule, all reachable by public transport.
The region offers a diverse natural backdrop within the "Oldenburg-Rasteder Geestrand" landscape protection area. You'll encounter a mosaic of meadows, pastures, forests, bushes, and fallow land. To the east of the lakes, you can also explore low and high moorland, providing constantly changing views and a rich natural experience.
Yes, many routes are designed as circular walks, perfect for starting and ending at the same bus stop. For instance, the Großer Bornhorster See – Kleiner Bornhorster See loop from Ohmstede offers a moderate 11 km circuit, allowing you to experience both lakes before returning to your starting point.
The area boasts nearly 500 easy routes, making it very beginner and family-friendly. These trails typically feature minimal elevation changes and well-maintained paths. While specific easy routes are numerous, you can find many gentle loops around the lakes, often incorporating sections of the 4 km circular path around Großer Bornhorster Lake itself.
Many trails around Großer Bornhorster Lake are suitable for hiking with dogs. It's generally recommended to keep dogs on a leash, especially in protected areas and near wildlife. Always check local signage for specific rules regarding pets in certain sections or nature reserves.
Absolutely. The Großer Bornhorster Lake itself provides scenic views across its 48-hectare water surface. The nearby Kleiner Bornhorster See is a designated swimming area with a sand beach, offering another natural point of interest. The diverse landscape, including moorland and forests, provides ample opportunities for nature observation. Consider the Moor hiking trails near Oldenburg – View of the Wetlands loop from Ohmstede for a route that highlights the unique wetland scenery.
The region is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming flora, summer offers pleasant lake activities, and autumn showcases vibrant foliage. Even in winter, the tranquil, diverse landscapes provide a peaceful hiking experience. Public transport services generally operate consistently across seasons, making bus-accessible hikes a viable option throughout the year.
While the area is known for its gentle terrain, there are some longer and more challenging options. For instance, the View of the Wetlands – Moor hiking trails near Oldenburg loop from Ohmstede is a difficult 23.8 km route with a duration of over 6 hours, offering a more extensive exploration of the moorland and surrounding areas.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars. Reviewers often praise the tranquility and immersion in nature, the well-maintained paths, and the diverse scenery that makes for a relaxing outdoor experience, all easily reachable by public transport.
While the immediate vicinity of the lakes offers a sense of peace and immersion in nature, you can find cafes and restaurants in the nearby communities and Oldenburg itself. Planning your hike to start or end near a bus stop in a village or town will give you access to local amenities for refreshments.
Hike durations vary significantly depending on the route and your pace. Many popular circular routes, like the Kleiner Bornhorster See – Little Bornhorster Lake loop from Ohmstede, can be completed in about 2 hours. Longer routes, such as the Großer Bornhorster See – View of the Wetlands loop from Ohmstede, might take around 2.5 hours, allowing for a more extended exploration.


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