Nature Reserve Guide
Borkener See is a nature reserve in Germany, formed from a former lignite coal mine, which has transformed into a distinctive landscape. This area features nutrient-poor, clear water, steep cliffs along its eastern shore, and is surrounded by forests and meadows. The unique ecosystem serves as a significant habitat for numerous bird species, making it a notable location for outdoor activities. The diverse terrain supports several sports like hiking, touring cycling, jogging, mountain biking, and more.
175
Routes
4.5
(1650)
Average rating
5441
People visited

4.7
(432)
1,203
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(151)
647
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(34)
105
hikers
9.42km
02:43
230m
230m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(22)
78
hikers
4.64km
01:12
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(95)
277
riders
45.1km
02:55
330m
330m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(137)
288
riders
41.9km
02:41
110m
110m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(71)
215
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(55)
123
riders
33.9km
02:13
250m
250m
Moderate bike ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(34)
156
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

20
runners
12.3km
01:19
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

17
runners
8.39km
00:54
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.5
(2)
10
runners
16.3km
01:45
60m
60m
Hard run. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.4
(23)
49
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

4.2
(20)
45
riders
34.0km
01:56
130m
130m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.7
(3)
18
riders
18.3km
01:14
60m
60m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.1
(7)
15
riders
39.0km
02:16
250m
240m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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5.0
(4)
40
riders
68.5km
02:57
510m
510m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

30
riders
49.8km
02:05
310m
310m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

12
riders
41.5km
01:55
400m
400m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

5.0
(2)
13
riders
Moderate road ride. Great for any fitness level. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.
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4.9
(29)
99
riders
52.9km
02:43
260m
260m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(2)
12
riders
22.0km
01:09
140m
140m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.0
(1)
12
riders
36.4km
02:06
360m
360m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

4
riders
33.7km
02:13
530m
530m
Hard gravel ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Borkener See is a nature reserve formed from a former lignite coal mine, designated in 1990. It features nutrient-poor, clear water and steep cliffs, providing a unique ecosystem. The area is a significant habitat and resting place for numerous rare bird species.
Borkener See offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, touring cycling, jogging, mountain biking, road cycling, and gravel biking. The area provides over 100 routes for various pursuits. Visitors have rated routes with an average of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
Yes, a circular path approximately 4.5 miles (7.2 km) long encircles Borkener See, suitable for hiking and Nordic walking. Paths are mostly paved but not asphalted, with some inclines. For more hiking options, see the Hiking in Borkener See guide.
A popular easy hiking route is the "View of Borkener Lake – Borkener Lake loop from Autohaus Feldmann," which is about 4.4 miles (7.1 km) long. Another well-regarded option is the "View of Edersee – Borkener Lake loop from Borken (Hessen)," approximately 5.1 miles (8.2 km) long and rated moderate.
Yes, the circular path around Borkener See is suitable for touring cycling, covering about 4.5 miles (7.2 km). For longer tours, the approximately 14.0 miles (22.5 km) "Seen-Rundweg" connects Borkener See with other lakes in the Borkener Seenland. Explore more cycling routes in the Cycling in Borkener See guide.
Yes, Borkener See offers easy routes suitable for beginners and families. The 4.4 miles (7.1 km) "View of Borkener Lake – Borkener Lake loop from Autohaus Feldmann" is rated easy. Additional easy options can be found in the Easy hikes in Borkener See guide.
Borkener See is known for its clear, nutrient-poor water and steep cliffs along its eastern shore. It is a significant bird sanctuary, with observation stands available for viewing over 235 bird species. The surrounding forests and meadows also contribute to the scenic beauty.
Information regarding specific dog restrictions is not provided. Visitors are generally advised to stay on marked paths to protect the sensitive ecosystem. It is recommended to keep dogs on a leash in nature reserves.
Borkener See is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 5,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The area features over 100 routes, which have received an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from users.
Additional information about Borkener See can be found on the official website of the city of Borken (Hessen). The specific page for Borkener See is www.borken-hessen.de/verwaltung-politik/borkener-seenland/borkener-see. For tourist inquiries, the phone number is +49 5682 808-271.
Mountain biking is possible in the broader Borkener See area, with varied terrain and inclines. Some routes are classified as moderate, requiring good fitness and advanced riding skills. For specific trails, consult the MTB Trails in Borkener See guide.
The best time to visit Borkener See depends on the desired activity. The circular path is accessible year-round for walking and cycling. Birdwatching is particularly rewarding during migration seasons when rare water birds are present.
Yes, Borkener See offers trails suitable for jogging and running. The circular path around the lake is a popular option. For more dedicated running routes, refer to the Running Trails in Borkener See guide.

