The best walks and hikes around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake
4.5
(2551)
15,815
hikers
912
hikes
Hiking around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake offers trails through a landscape characterized by the lake itself, surrounding woodlands, and nearby moorland areas. The region provides generally flat terrain, with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for various activity levels. These natural features define the outdoor experience in the area, providing diverse environments for exploration.
Best hiking trails around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake
- The most popular hiking route is Kleiner Bornhorster See – Little Bornhorster Lake loop from Bornhorst, a 2.7 miles (4.4 km) trail that takes 1 hour 7 minutes to complete. This easy route circles the lake, offering views of the water.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Hiking loop from Bornhorst, a moderate 9.6 miles (15.5 km) path. This trail extends further into the surrounding natural areas from Bornhorst.
- Local hikers also love the Moor hiking trails near Oldenburg – Gellener Torfmöörte Moorland loop from Bornhorst, a 8.0 miles (12.8 km) trail leading through moorland, often completed in about 3 hours 14 minutes.
- Hiking around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake is defined by lake views, woodlands, and moorland paths. The network offers options for easy, moderate, and more challenging ability levels.
- The routes in Kleiner Bornhorster Lake are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2,500 reviews. More than 15,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Kleiner Bornhorster Lake's varied terrain.
Last updated: May 20, 2026
4.7
(22)
63
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(23)
240
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.5
(20)
68
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
67
hikers
2.35km
00:36
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(11)
33
hikers
17.3km
04:22
30m
30m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
Recommended for every hiker who wants to relax!
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"Borni" is either building a nest, breeding, or foraging. "Borni" is the stork of the Bornhorst meadows.
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One of my favorite places because it's so peaceful and a beautiful nature reserve. I love it there any time of year...but when the mosquito population is very high, I flee this wonderful place. 🥰
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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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Frequently Asked Questions
Are there many easy hiking trails around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake?
Yes, the area is very accessible for easy hikes. Out of over 870 routes, more than 640 are classified as easy. These trails typically feature flat terrain with minimal elevation changes, making them suitable for a relaxed walk. A great example is the Großer Bornhorster See – Kleiner Bornhorster See loop from Kummerkamp, which is an easy 2.3 km route.
What kind of terrain can I expect on hikes around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake?
The landscape around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake is characterized by the lake itself, surrounding woodlands, and nearby moorland areas. You can expect generally flat terrain with very little elevation gain, making for comfortable walking experiences across diverse natural environments.
Are there any circular walks available around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake?
Yes, circular walks are a popular option here. The most popular route, Kleiner Bornhorster See – Little Bornhorster Lake loop from Bornhorst, is a 4.4 km circular trail that offers continuous views of the lake. Many other routes in the area are also designed as loops.
How long do the hiking trails typically take to complete?
Trail durations vary depending on the route and your pace. For instance, the popular Kleiner Bornhorster See – Little Bornhorster Lake loop from Bornhorst is about 4.4 km and takes approximately 1 hour and 7 minutes. Longer moderate trails, like the Moor hiking trails near Oldenburg – Gellener Torfmöörte Moorland loop from Bornhorst (12.8 km), can take around 3 hours and 14 minutes.
Is the area suitable for family-friendly hikes?
Absolutely. The predominantly flat and easy trails make Kleiner Bornhorster Lake an excellent choice for families with children. Many routes are short and well-maintained, providing a pleasant outdoor experience for all ages. The circular paths around the lake are particularly popular for family outings.
Can I bring my dog on the hiking trails?
Yes, the trails around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake are generally dog-friendly. It's always recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in nature protection areas or when encountering wildlife. Please ensure you clean up after your pet to maintain the natural beauty of the area for everyone.
What is the best time of year to go hiking around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake?
The area is enjoyable year-round. Spring brings blooming flora, while summer offers lush greenery and pleasant temperatures. Autumn showcases beautiful fall colors in the woodlands. Even in winter, the flat paths are often accessible for a crisp walk, though conditions can vary with snow or ice.
Are there any cafes or places to eat near the hiking trails?
While the immediate lake area is primarily natural, the nearby district of Bornhorst and the city of Oldenburg offer various cafes and restaurants where you can refuel before or after your hike. It's a good idea to check local listings for current opening times and locations.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trails?
The diverse habitats of the lake, woodlands, and moorland support various wildlife. You might spot different bird species, especially water birds near the lake. Small mammals and insects are also common. Keep an eye out for local flora and fauna, particularly in the quieter moorland sections.
How can I access the hiking trails by public transport?
The Kleiner Bornhorster Lake area is generally accessible by public transport from Oldenburg. Local bus services connect Oldenburg with the Bornhorst district, which serves as a common starting point for many trails. It's advisable to check the current bus schedules and routes for the most up-to-date information.
Is there parking available for hikers?
Yes, there are designated parking areas available near the starting points of many trails, particularly in the Bornhorst district. These parking spots provide convenient access to the lake and surrounding hiking routes. Look for signs indicating public parking when you arrive.
What do other hikers enjoy most about hiking in Kleiner Bornhorster Lake?
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2,500 reviews. Reviewers often praise the peaceful atmosphere, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful combination of lake views, woodlands, and unique moorland landscapes that offer a refreshing escape close to Oldenburg.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes in the region?
While many trails are easy, there are options for longer, moderate hikes that extend further into the surrounding natural areas. For example, the Hiking loop from Bornhorst is a moderate 15.5 km path that takes you beyond the immediate lake vicinity, offering a more extended exploration of the landscape.
Most popular routes around Kleiner Bornhorster Lake
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