NORDPFAD Tarmstedter Moor

I now know several of the northern paths and I can say with a clear conscience that this one is a beautiful northern path. I can really recommend it. Of course, it's always a matter of taste. Everyone has their own preferences. But if you're looking for peace and quiet, lots of forest, few roads, you'll find what you're looking for here.

The first half of this Northern Trail is truly stunning, very varied, with lovely sing-along trails and diverse landscapes. Sometimes idyllic jungle-like birch forests, sometimes dense coniferous forests, or deciduous and mixed forests. The particular highlight is certainly the small 1.2 km moorland trail with many informational signs about the moorland, very interesting. After that, the variety steadily decreases. There's a lovely short section through the forest, but before you complete the rest of the trail, you're mostly on wide, sometimes straight, paved paths or roads. I liked this Northern Trail, despite its somewhat monotonous nature.

This northern path offers a lot of nature and long straights - but unfortunately I wasn't convinced by its overall length, so I wouldn't hike it again. I can recommend the shorter variant (7.7 km), however. Perhaps it was also due to the time of year I was out and about - without much greenery, the view was more open, but the second part of the route in particular seemed less attractive. The first part (both variants) runs through the varied Tarmstedt Moor and the highlight there is the moor path, which is really worth a detour. The path then leads to the quarry lake at Ortholz, which is fenced off because of the collapsing edge of the pit. Without leaves, you could at least catch a glimpse of it now and then. The northern path then runs along the edge of the forest or through the forest, although this section is rather unspectacular and drags on a bit until Tarmstedt. My conclusion: The short variant definitely has a repeat factor for me 🙂.

Another nice round. But what I noticed and this time also captured in 1-2 pictures: there is still a lot of forestry work going on at the moment. On the one hand, it looks a bit bare in places, there are a lot of wooden sticks or there is a lot of bark and wood chips from sawing on the sides of the path. But that is also sometimes part of the picture. But what you also have to consider in connection with the weather: some of the paths are not so easy or cannot be passed with dry/muddy feet. The right footwear is an advantage. You shouldn't wear the new fancy birthday sneakers. The deep paths left by heavy vehicles can be a bit of a challenge after a few days of rain.

From Nartum, we drove to Tarmstedt to hike another northern trail. I thought it might be my first over-20 hike, but the loop was just under that. Good thing, because my knee was hurting, for the first time ever. What's that now...🤷🏼‍♀️ But with appropriate breaks, we were able to complete the loop. The weather also lived up to the forecast...rain in the morning, then just a few light showers later...not worth mentioning. The only annoying thing was the countless biting insects...mosquitoes, horseflies...that weren't even deterred by generous application of Autan perfume 😉

The Tarmstedt Moor North Trail unfolds a unique magic in winter. Even upon entering the path, one senses the special stillness that hangs over the landscape, as if the moor itself has held its breath. The vast expanses, covered in lush green in summer, now appear in muted colors: pale brown, silvery gray, and the matte white of hoarfrost, which has settled like a fine net over the grasses and heather. The birches, with their slender, pale trunks, seem almost fragile in the winter light and form silent companions along the path. The frozen ground crunches underfoot, and wisps of mist rise from the shallow pools, slowly settling across the surface of the moor. The faint winter light gathers in the old, dark peat cuttings, appearing diffuse even on clear days. The few sounds—the rustling of a winter wind in the withered reeds—reinforce the feeling of vastness and solitude that makes this landscape so special. As you continue your hike, the view repeatedly opens up to reveal endless expanses of moorland, which exude an almost surreal stillness during the cold months. The air is clear and carries the earthy scent of the moor. On the wider sandy paths, frosty puddles alternate with bright crusts of ice, while narrow trails lead through light strips of woodland where the low sun casts long shadows. It is precisely in winter that the Tarmstedt Moor reveals its pristine, almost archaic side: You hike through a landscape that is understated yet full of small, impressive details. The North Trail thus becomes a quiet, meditative experience – ideal for anyone who wants to unwind in the crisp winter air and discover the special magic of a North German moorland landscape in its tranquil season. With a bit of luck, you might even spot a kingfisher in the Ortholz quarry lake. He was at least spotted last Thursday :-) The Tarmstedt Moor North Trail offers a number of very special highlights that make the trail a rewarding nature experience: Moorland Trail in the Tarmstedt Moor: The centerpiece is a circular route around a small moorland lake, where you can discover the typical moorland landscape, its flora and fauna. Historical Peatland Cultivation Culture: Information panels along the trail explain how peat was extracted in the past, the hard work performed by the peat farmers, and how the moor was used economically. Moor Birch Forest: The trail leads through light forests with downy birch trees, ferns, and typical purple moor grass – very characteristic moorland vegetation. "Ortholz," "Dickes Holz," and "Wendloh" Forests: These forest sections offer variety – from dense coniferous forest to deciduous mixed forest. Ortholz Quarry Lake: A former sand mining lake, now a small scenic attraction and bird sanctuary. Rethbergsee & Campsite: At the end of the path, you'll find Rethbergsee, which also features a campsite, restaurants, a playground, and even a small clock museum.

Since we were able to get the hiking pass for the north paths on our last hike in the Ummelcafe, we have made it our task to hike all 24 north paths 🥾😅 Well, let's see.... So today the Tarmstedter Moor. We skipped the small detour to the moor path, but it is definitely worth seeing. We also walked around the quarry lake at Ortholz as prescribed and didn't climb down to the shore, although the fence came down in many places. However, the beautiful autumn colors are still a long time coming. Only a few trees already shine in the brightest colors.🍁🍂.

The tour first leads through the Tarmstedter Moor with a moor path that is equipped with many explanations regarding flora and fauna! Then it's through extensive fields and meadows, past ditches and rows of birch trees to the Ortholz quarry lake! Then it's on to the Ortholz Forest! This forest merges almost seamlessly into the Wendloher forest! Beautiful forest hiking trails on which you cross a healthy mixed forest! At the end of the tour you have circled Tarmstedt in a huge arc! Highly recommended tour