Nature Reserve Guide
The district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde is home to 4 nature reserves, known locally as Naturschutzgebiete, which protect a variety of significant landscapes. These protected areas encompass diverse moraine landscapes shaped by the last ice age, featuring raised bogs, natural forests, and lake systems. The terrain provides vital habitats for specialized flora and fauna, including rare bird species found in the region's moorlands and wetlands. A network of trails supports outdoor activities such as hiking, jogging, and cycling throughout these reserves.
This list of nature reserves in Rendsburg-Eckernförde aggregates more than 500 routes for activities like hiking, cycling, and running. More than 13,000 visitors have shared their experiences, contributing to an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for the trails. Among the top nature reserves in Rendsburg-Eckernförde, Ahrensee und nordöstlicher Westensee offers more than 60 hiking trails through its varied lake and forest scenery. The restored raised bog landscape of Fockbeker Moor features an observation platform and is popular for both hiking and mountain biking. Other key areas include the wetlands of Naturschutzgebiet Hohner See and the woodlands of Naturwälder In Den Landesforsten Barlohe. These reserves offer opportunities to experience protected ecosystems where conservation is the primary focus, allowing for low-impact recreation in ecologically significant environments.
492
Routes
4.5
(3982)
Average rating
13K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.6
(2949)
9,763
hikers
Ahrensee und nordöstlicher Westensee is a nature reserve with a diverse moraine landscape, offering varied routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(383)
1,733
hikers
Fockbeker Moor is a German nature reserve featuring a unique raised bog landscape with diverse routes for hiking, mountain biking, and cycling. An observation platform offers panoramic views.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(306)
1,212
hikers
Naturschutzgebiet Hohner See is a 364-hectare nature reserve offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and running through wetlands, reed beds, and moorlands.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(344)
1,073
hikers
Naturwälder In Den Landesforsten Barlohe is a 375-hectare nature reserve offering diverse routes for hiking, cycling, and jogging through natural forests and varied terrain.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
Nature reserves in Rendsburg-Eckernförde, known as Naturschutzgebiete, are protected areas safeguarding significant landscapes like moraine hills, raised bogs, and lake systems. This page aggregates 4 such reserves, including Ahrensee und nordöstlicher Westensee and Fockbeker Moor. These areas provide habitats for diverse flora and fauna and contain trails for hiking and cycling.
The district of Rendsburg-Eckernförde contains a total of 17 designated nature reserves. This page provides detailed route information for 4 of these protected areas, which feature more than 500 routes for outdoor activities. These include Naturschutzgebiet Hohner See and Naturwälder In Den Landesforsten Barlohe.
The primary activities are hiking, cycling, and mountain biking, with more than 500 routes available across the aggregated reserves. The trail network also supports jogging and leisure cycling. Specific guides are available for activities such as Hiking in Rendsburg-Eckernförde and Cycling in Rendsburg-Eckernförde.
The Ahrensee und nordöstlicher Westensee nature reserve is characterized by a diverse moraine landscape shaped by the last ice age. It features a system of lakes, forests, and wetlands. The area offers more than 60 hiking trails and is also suitable for cycling and jogging.
Fockbeker Moor is a restored raised bog, a landscape that was once used for peat extraction. It is a significant habitat for specialized plants and animals, including cranes. The reserve features a network of paths and an observation platform for viewing the unique moorland scenery.
Yes, there are trails suitable for families and beginners. The reserves offer a variety of route difficulties, and a dedicated guide to Family-friendly hikes in Rendsburg-Eckernförde can help in planning. Many routes in areas like Ahrensee und nordöstlicher Westensee are on gentle terrain.
There are approximately 200 designated hiking trails across the four nature reserves. Ahrensee und nordöstlicher Westensee offers the most with 64 hiking trails. Other areas like Naturwälder In Den Landesforsten Barlohe and Naturschutzgebiet Hohner See each have nearly 50 hiking trails.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. Across the four reserves, there are over 100 routes for touring bicycles and over 80 routes for road cycling. The varied terrain offers options for both leisurely rides and more athletic road cycling.
Yes, mountain biking is possible in these reserves, with approximately 50 designated trails available. The routes are generally suited for cross-country style riding through forests and across rolling hills. Fockbeker Moor has around 20 mountain bike trails.
The wetlands and coastal areas in and around Rendsburg-Eckernförde are important resting and breeding sites for many bird species. Areas like the Schwansener See and the Dosenmoor are particularly significant. While birds are present year-round, the spring and autumn migration periods typically offer the most variety for observation.
Rules for dog walking vary by reserve to protect wildlife and habitats. In many German nature reserves (Naturschutzgebiete), dogs are required to be on a leash at all times. It is important to check local signage and regulations for each specific area before visiting.

