4.5
(2638)
15,892
hikers
604
hikes
Bus station hiking trails around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake offer accessible routes through a diverse landscape near Oldenburg, Germany. The region is characterized by a blend of low-lying marshland, permanent grasslands, and small forest areas, with the lake itself featuring two tree-covered islands. Trails in this area typically have minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for various skill levels. The "Oldenburg-Rasteder Geestrand" nature reserve protects these natural features, providing a tranquil environment for outdoor activities.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
4.7
(32)
129
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(27)
127
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.5
(13)
78
hikers
6.45km
01:39
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. 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.
5.0
(2)
20
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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 (Little Bornhorst Lake) covers 20 hectares and has a circumference of approximately two kilometers. It is one of the larger lakes in the Oldenburg urban area and the surrounding area. It is almost circular in shape and measures just under 500 meters north-south, with the east and west shores up to 600 meters apart. To the north, a small peninsula juts out into the lake, forming a kind of lake angle. The lake lies 0 meters above sea level. On the west shore, there is a sandy beach approximately 150 meters long and up to 40 meters wide, as well as numerous sunbathing areas. The Kleiner Bornhorster See is an official swimming lake monitored by the DLRG (German Lifesaving Association). 400 meters south of it lies the Grosser Bornhorster See, which is more than twice as large. The A29 federal highway runs between the Kleiner Bornhorster See and Groß Bornhorst or Etzhorn, just 200 meters from the west shore. The lake owes its existence to the expressway ring around Oldenburg: the soil taken from the lake was needed to build the ramp to the Hunte high bridge as well as the embankments of the A 293 and the northern bypass.
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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 600 hiking routes around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake that are accessible from bus stations. This includes a wide variety of trails, with over 450 considered easy, 150 moderate, and a few more challenging options.
The region offers a diverse mix of landscapes. You'll find low-lying marshland, extensive grasslands, and small forest areas. The trails often feature the picturesque Kleiner Bornhorster Lake itself, with its calm waters and two small, tree-covered islands. To the east, the Bornhorster Huntewiesen nature reserve provides vast open spaces.
Yes, the area is known for its easy loop trails with virtually no elevation gain, making them ideal for families. An excellent option is the Alte Brennerei Hilbers – Little Bornhorster Lake loop from Etzhorn, which is an easy 5.8 km route perfect for a leisurely outing.
Many trails around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake are suitable for dogs, but it's important to keep them on a leash, especially within the nature reserve areas like the Oldenburg-Rasteder Geestrand and Bornhorster Huntewiesen, to protect local wildlife. Always be mindful of other hikers and any posted regulations.
The area is beautiful year-round. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and vibrant colors, while summer is great for enjoying the sandy beach and sunbathing areas on the western shore of the lake. Winter hikes can be serene, with the possibility of spotting various bird species. The region's low elevation means trails are generally accessible even in milder winter conditions.
Absolutely. Many of the trails are designed as circular routes, allowing you to start and end at the same bus stop. For example, the Kleiner Bornhorster See – Little Bornhorster Lake loop from Ohmstede is a moderate 8.5 km circular hike that offers a great experience of the lake's surroundings.
Kleiner Bornhorster Lake and its surroundings are a haven for birdwatchers. You might spot various waterfowl, including great crested grebes, and the area is particularly known for its high density of breeding nightingales. The NABU (Nature and Biodiversity Conservation Union) actively monitors the diverse birdlife here.
While most trails are easy to moderate, there are longer options for those seeking a more extended walk. The Moor hiking trails near Oldenburg – View of the Wetlands loop from Ohmstede is a moderate 13.16 km route that takes you through the unique moor landscapes near Oldenburg, offering a longer and immersive experience.
The komoot community highly rates the hiking experience around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake, with an average score of 4.5 out of 5 stars from over 2,500 ratings. Reviewers often praise the tranquil environment, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful views of the lake and its diverse natural features.
Beyond the lake itself, with its two small islands, keep an eye out for the sandy beach on the western shore, which is a lovely spot for a break. The extensive grasslands of the Bornhorster Huntewiesen to the east also offer wide-open vistas and a sense of peace. The subtle elevation changes to the west, towards the Oldenburg Geest, provide varied perspectives of the landscape.
Yes, several routes connect Kleiner Bornhorster See with its larger neighbor. A popular option is the Kleiner Bornhorster See – Großer Bornhorster See loop from Etzhorn, a moderate 10.37 km hike that allows you to explore both lakes and the surrounding nature.


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