Nature Reserve Guide
Hadelner und Belumer Außendeich is a nature reserve encompassing approximately 1,804 hectares of deich foreland situated between the mouth of the Medem and the Elbe, extending to the Oste river. This area is characterized by a dynamic, tide-influenced environment, featuring extensive mudflats, shallow water areas, and diverse greenlands including salt marshes and reed beds. The unique coastal landscape and varied terrain make Hadelner und Belumer Außendeich a compelling destination for several sports like touring cycling, jogging, mountain biking, hiking, and…
117
Routes
4.6
(686)
Average rating
4311
People visited

4.8
(120)
277
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(96)
717
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.1
(31)
135
riders
22.9km
01:18
20m
20m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.2
(26)
67
riders
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(40)
146
hikers
10.4km
02:37
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(20)
207
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(22)
76
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.8
(8)
73
hikers
7.95km
02:00
10m
10m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(5)
127
runners
7.68km
00:48
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

5.0
(3)
78
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(5)
57
runners
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.2
(6)
13
runners
6.14km
00:39
10m
10m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.7
(3)
92
riders
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

5.0
(2)
32
riders
69.0km
03:02
50m
50m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride.

4.3
(3)
20
riders
64.0km
02:34
120m
120m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.

30
riders
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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4.6
(60)
243
riders
43.9km
02:19
50m
50m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.3
(6)
29
riders
18.3km
00:57
20m
20m
Easy mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Suitable for all skill levels.

4.6
(10)
35
riders
36.3km
02:01
40m
40m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

11
riders
44.9km
02:26
60m
60m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Hadelner und Belumer Außendeich offers 81 routes for various outdoor activities. These include Touring cycling, Jogging, Mountain biking, Hiking, and Road cycling. The routes have an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars from more than 500 ratings.
Yes, several popular touring cycling routes exist. The Elbe Cycle Route near Cuxhaven – Sheep on the North Sea Beach loop from Otterndorf is a popular option, covering 11.6 miles (18.7 km). Another well-regarded route is the Otterndorf Town Hall Square – Hadelner Canal Cycle Path loop from Otterndorf, which is 16.8 miles (27.0 km) long.
Hiking trails in the reserve offer diverse experiences. The Dicke Berta Lighthouse – View of the Elbe Estuary loop from Otterndorf is a moderate 10.6-mile (17.0 km) route. For an easier option, the Otterndorf Promenade – Wadden Sea National Park loop from Deichstraße (Strandexpress) is 1.6 miles (2.6 km) long and rated easy.
The nature reserve includes routes suitable for mountain biking. The View of Cuxhaven and the Kugelbake – Kugelbake, Cuxhaven loop from Otterndorf is a moderate 28.1-mile (45.2 km) route. An easier option is the Sheep on the North Sea Beach loop from Otterndorf, which spans 11.4 miles (18.3 km).
Cycling paths primarily follow the deich system and flat terrain. Surfaces can vary but are generally well-maintained, suitable for touring and road cycling. The landscape features grasslands, salt marshes, and reed beds, offering scenic views of the Elbe estuary.
Many routes in the nature reserve are rated as easy, making them suitable for families. The flat terrain along the deich and canal paths provides a gentle cycling experience. Specific routes like the Elbe Cycle Route near Cuxhaven are popular and generally accessible.
Jogging routes often feature views of the water and natural landscapes. The Medem River Estuary and Lock – Hadelner Canal loop from Otterndorf is a moderate 4.8-mile (7.7 km) route. Another option is the View of the North Sea – Medem River Estuary and Lock loop from Otterndorf, a moderate 8.4-mile (13.5 km) path.
Komoot offers several guides for the region to help plan activities. These include Cycling around Hadelner und Belumer Außendeich, Hiking around Hadelner und Belumer Außendeich, and MTB Trails around Hadelner und Belumer Außendeich. There are also guides for running, road cycling, and easy hikes.
Many routes along the deich offer panoramic views of the Elbe estuary and the surrounding coastal landscape. Trails like the Dicke Berta Lighthouse – View of the Elbe Estuary loop from Otterndorf provide specific vantage points. The open nature of the deich paths ensures frequent scenic outlooks.
Hadelner und Belumer Außendeich is a popular destination on komoot, with more than 3,000 visitors having shared their experiences. The 81 available routes have received over 500 ratings, resulting in an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars.
As a designated nature reserve, specific regulations apply to protect the environment and wildlife. Visitors should stay on marked paths and respect protected areas. For detailed information, it is advisable to consult the Niedersächsischer Landesbetrieb für Wasserwirtschaft, Küsten- und Naturschutz (NLWKN) or local conservation authorities.
Parking options are available in nearby towns like Otterndorf, which serve as common starting points for many routes. Specific parking areas may be found near access points to the deich or canal paths. It is recommended to check local signage for designated parking.
The nature reserve is suitable for outdoor activities throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant conditions for cycling and hiking, with opportunities for birdwatching. Summer is also popular, especially along the coast.

