4.5
(2913)
16,936
hikers
939
hikes
Easy hiking trails around Großer Bornhorster Lake are characterized by accessible paths and minimal elevation gain, making the region suitable for various skill levels. The landscape features tranquil waters, lush greenery, and diverse natural scenery, including connections to nearby natural reserves like Gellener Torfmöörte Moorland. The area offers a serene environment for outdoor activities, with paths often circling the lake and connecting to other smaller lakes.
Last updated: October 4, 2026
4.4
(46)
209
hikers
3.66km
00:55
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(5)
16
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.4
(5)
19
hikers
7.50km
01:53
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
17
hikers
4.90km
01:16
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
10
hikers
2.93km
00:45
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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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.
3
0
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.
3
0
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.
2
0
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.
2
0
Great bridge over the lake
1
0
An ideal training area for runners, one lap is just over 3 km long. Great asphalt and diverse natural scenery.
4
0
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.
6
0
Small lake with bathing area.
4
0
There are over 670 easy hiking trails around Großer Bornhorster Lake, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. The region is known for its accessible paths and minimal elevation gain.
Yes, the easy hiking trails around Großer Bornhorster Lake are generally very family-friendly. The paths are accessible and feature minimal elevation gain, making them suitable for children. Many routes, like the Kleiner Bornhorster See – Little Bornhorster Lake loop from Bornhorst, offer varied natural scenery that can keep younger hikers engaged.
Yes, the trails around Großer Bornhorster Lake are generally dog-friendly. The natural environment with lush greenery and tranquil waters provides a pleasant experience for pets. Always ensure your dog is on a leash and follow local regulations.
You can expect diverse natural scenery, including tranquil waters, lush greenery, and connections to nearby natural reserves. Many routes offer views of both Großer Bornhorster See and Kleiner Bornhorster See, and some extend into the Gellener Torfmöörte Moorland, providing opportunities to observe local flora and fauna.
Yes, many of the easy trails are circular routes. A popular option is the Großer Bornhorster See – Kleiner Bornhorster See loop from Ohmstede, which is 4.1 miles (6.6 km) long and connects both lakes. Another shorter circular option is the Kleiner Bornhorster See – Großer Bornhorster See loop from Bornhorst, at 1.7 miles (2.8 km).
The area around Großer Bornhorster Lake is conveniently located near Oldenburg, and trailheads are easily accessible. While specific parking lots are not detailed, the region's accessibility suggests parking options are available near popular starting points like Bornhorst or Ohmstede, which are common starting points for many routes.
Yes, Großer Bornhorster Lake is easily reachable for both locals and visitors, with public transport options available from Oldenburg. This makes it convenient to access the trailheads without a car.
The region is enjoyable throughout the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful colors, while summer is ideal for enjoying the tranquil waters. Even in winter, the easy trails with minimal elevation gain can be suitable for a refreshing walk, provided conditions are safe.
The trails around Großer Bornhorster Lake are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 2,500 reviews. Hikers often praise the serene environment, the diverse natural scenery, and the well-maintained, accessible paths that connect the lakes and nearby moorland.
Yes, the trails offer several natural features. You'll find tranquil waters reflecting the sky, lush greenery, and opportunities for wildlife spotting, especially various bird species. The connection to the Gellener Torfmöörte Moorland on routes like the Großer Bornhorster See – View of the Wetlands loop from Ohmstede provides unique wetland views.
While specific establishments are not detailed, the proximity to Oldenburg suggests that cafes and dining options are readily available within a short distance from the lake. It's advisable to check local listings for current options before your visit.
Easy hikes around Großer Bornhorster Lake vary in length. For instance, the Kleiner Bornhorster See – Little Bornhorster Lake loop from Bornhorst is about 2.7 miles (4.4 km) and takes approximately 1 hour 7 minutes. Longer options, like the Großer Bornhorster See – Kleiner Bornhorster See loop from Ohmstede, are around 4.1 miles (6.6 km) and can be completed in about 1 hour 40 minutes.


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