4.6
(4048)
19,108
hikers
86
hikes
Dog friendly hiking trails around Leineaue zwischen Ruthe und Koldingen traverse a diverse natural landscape shaped by the Leine River and the Koldingen Lakes. The region features riverine scenery with meandering courses, gallery forests, and extensive former gravel pits now serving as significant bird habitats. The terrain is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for various skill levels. This 529-hectare nature reserve offers a mosaic of meadows, flood channels, oxbow lakes, and wet meadows.
Last updated: May 16, 2026
5.0
(8)
15
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(12)
77
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(14)
32
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
16
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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The Alte Feuerwache Nature Conservation Centre in Laatzen is an important hub for environmental education and nature conservation in the Hannover region. In the listed building, a former fire station, visitors of all ages are made aware of the local nature. Through exhibitions, workshops, and excursions, the centre promotes awareness of biodiversity and sustainable living – right in the middle of the city. The Nature Conservation Centre is open from Monday to Friday from 9 am to 5 pm. Admission is free for NABU members. More information can also be found here: https://www.nabu.de/natur-und-landschaft/natur-erleben/nabu-zentren/niedersachsen/24179.html
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A beautiful recreational area near the state capital.
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Very nice path 🚴♂️👍
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The oak tree is cool, but following the path north is not recommended by bike: there are a lot of fallen tree trunks along the way and a nettle bonus :)
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Cycling along the Leine offers varied nature with storks in fields, lakes with swans and frogs, a good network of cycle paths... simply beautiful.
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Not a real "rapid", but the remains of a weir or a barrage
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Nice resting place in a "window" of the hedges with a view of the flooded meadows
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The only still usable tower in the Leine floodplains between Hanover and Sarstedt
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Yes, the Leineaue zwischen Ruthe und Koldingen offers a wide selection of trails suitable for you and your dog. There are over 80 dog-friendly routes, with 55 of them being easy, making it a great destination for all skill levels.
The Leineaue zwischen Ruthe und Koldingen is a nature reserve, so it's crucial to keep your dog on a leash at all times to protect the diverse wildlife, especially ground-nesting birds and other animals around the Koldingen Lakes. Always respect local signage regarding dog access.
Absolutely! Many trails in the region are classified as easy and are perfect for beginners or families. An excellent option is The Leine River Near Ruthe – Innerste Riverside Trail loop from Ruthe, which is just over 6 km long and features minimal elevation gain, offering a pleasant walk along the river.
The Leineaue is rich in natural beauty. You'll encounter the meandering Leine River, extensive Koldingen Lakes which are significant bird habitats, and diverse ecosystems including meadows and riparian forests. Keep an eye out for observation towers near the lakes, like those offering views of the ponds with bench, perfect for wildlife spotting (from a distance, to avoid disturbing animals).
Yes, the area features several enjoyable circular routes. For a moderate loop, consider the Historic Leine Crossing – Great Koldinger Lake loop from Leineaue zwischen Ruthe und Koldingen, which covers about 12 km and takes you around the prominent Great Koldinger Lake. Another easy option is the Wild growth by the Leine River – Path to Koldingen loop from Koldingen.
The komoot community highly rates the trails in Leineaue zwischen Ruthe und Koldingen, with an average score of 4.56 stars. Reviewers often praise the peaceful riverine landscapes, the excellent birdwatching opportunities around the Koldingen Lakes, and the well-maintained paths that are ideal for walking with dogs.
Beyond the natural beauty of the Leine River and Koldingen Lakes, you can visit the confluence of the Innerste and Leine rivers, known as "Sackpiepe." The Koldinger Lakes Nature Reserve itself is a major highlight, offering stunning views and a chance to observe migratory birds.
The dog-friendly walks vary in length to suit different preferences. You can find shorter, easy loops like the Wild growth by the Leine River – Alte Leine Infiltration Basin loop from Laatzen at around 7 km, or longer, moderate options such as the Historic Leine Crossing – Koldinger See loop from Rethen, which is approximately 9 km.
While specific public transport routes directly to trailheads for dogs are not detailed in our data, the region is generally well-connected. Some tours, like those starting from the southern shore of Maschsee in Hanover, connect to the Leinemasch and Koldingen Lakes, suggesting accessibility from larger towns. It's advisable to check local public transport options for dog-friendly policies and specific stops near your chosen starting point.
The Leineaue is beautiful year-round, but spring and autumn offer particularly pleasant conditions with milder temperatures and vibrant scenery. These seasons are also ideal for birdwatching around the Koldingen Lakes. During summer, early mornings or late afternoons are best to avoid the heat, and in winter, the trails can be serene, though some paths might be muddy or icy.


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