The best walks and hikes around Barleber Lake II
4.6
(1758)
10,191
hikers
546
hikes
Hiking trails around Barleber Lake II are characterized by a tranquil natural environment centered around two picturesque lakes. The terrain features lush greenery and wooded areas, offering a serene escape with minimal elevation gain. This protected nature and recreation area provides accessible paths suitable for various fitness levels, making it ideal for relaxed outdoor experiences.
Best hiking trails in Barleber Lake II
- The most popular hiking route is Magdeburg–Rothensee Ship Lift – Barleber See loop from Barleber See, a 4.7 miles (7.6 km) trail that takes 1 hour 56 minutes to complete, offering views of the lake and nearby engineering structures.
- Another top favourite among local hikers is Barleber Lake – Barleber See loop from Gewerbegebiet Nord, an easy 3.1 miles (4.9 km) path. This route provides continuous lakeside scenery through green surroundings.
- Local hikers also love the Hohenwarthe Trough Bridge – Hohenwarthe Lock loop from Barleber See, a 7.7 miles (12.4 km) trail leading through varied landscapes, often completed in about 3 hours 10 minutes.
- Hiking around Barleber Lake II is defined by picturesque lakes, surrounding greenery, and wooded areas. The network offers options for easy, leisurely walks and moderately challenging routes, catering to different ability levels.
- The routes in Barleber Lake II are highly rated by the komoot community with an average score of 4.6 stars from over 1,500 reviews. More than 9,000 hikers have used komoot to explore Barleber Lake II's varied terrain.
Last updated: October 4, 2026
4.7
(30)
104
hikers
7.40km
01:52
10m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(24)
91
hikers
5.01km
01:16
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(17)
68
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(10)
39
hikers
4.72km
01:12
10m
10m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(5)
30
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Other adventures around Barleber Lake II
Tips from the Community
The development of water transport technology becomes clear during a visit to the historic Rothensee ship lift. In 1938, the ship lift was put into operation. Leipzig designers opted at the time for a principle that had not yet been practically applied anywhere for a structure of this magnitude: A lift whose trough rested on two movable floats. With the help of the water-filled trough, which together with the two floats and the support structures has a total weight of around 5,400 tons, ships could thus "descend" from the Mittellandkanal and towards the Elbe. Depending on the water level of the Elbe, a gradient between 11 and 18 meters is compensated. With a trough length of 85 meters, a width of 12 meters, and a water depth in the trough of 2.5 meters, the dimensions are, however, too small for today's large motor cargo ships. For this reason, the ship lift was decommissioned in 2006. Since then, the state capital Magdeburg, supported by various stakeholders and with broad public approval, has been committed to its seasonal continued operation. With success: Since the summer of 2013, the ship lift has been seasonally operated again for tourist purposes. The ship lift in Magdeburg-Rothensee is a unique monument due to its technology and history. It is a brilliant design, its construction was an engineering masterpiece. It is the second oldest of only four ship lifts still in operation in Germany and the only two-float ship lift in Germany still in operation. A visit is worthwhile for this reason alone, as the immediate proximity of the state-of-the-art Sparschleuse to the ship lift, as a historical technical monument, makes the developments in water transport technology visible. Data and facts: Usable length: 85 meters Usable width: 12 meters Lift height: 10.45 to 18.46 meters depending on the Elbe water level Water depth in the trough: 2.58 meters Usable size: 82 meters x 9.5 meters x 2 meters Total moving weight: 5,400 tons https://www.magdeburg-tourist.de/Tourismus-Freizeit/System/Schiffshebewerk/
2
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I would like to give you all a little tip, visit the "Bitte" trough bridge at night too. Simply wonderful, the lighting. 👍🚴🚴♀️
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The city of Magdeburg's big bathtub. It's beautiful there.
2
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In this technical marvel, the gravel is sorted by size.
2
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The waterway junction is well worth seeing. It can be reached on foot or by bike; the path is suitable for gravel and road bikes. You can get there quickly via the Herrenkrug or from Rothensee via the boat lift. There is also a motorhome parking space below.
0
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great view from the trough bridge down to the Elbe
0
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interesting opportunity to take a closer look at this dimension
2
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many hiking trails are available around Barleber Lake II?
There are over 500 hiking routes around Barleber Lake II, offering a wide variety of options for all skill levels. This includes more than 340 easy trails, 170 moderate routes, and a few more challenging options.
What kind of terrain can I expect on the hiking trails around Barleber Lake II?
The terrain around Barleber Lake II is generally flat with minimal elevation gain, making it suitable for leisurely walks. You'll find picturesque lakeside paths, lush greenery, and charming wooded areas, providing a serene and accessible outdoor experience.
Are there any family-friendly hiking routes in the Barleber Lake II area?
Yes, many trails around Barleber Lake II are ideal for families due to their easy difficulty and flat terrain. An excellent option is the Barleber Lake – Barleber See loop from Gewerbegebiet Nord, which is an easy 4.9 km path offering continuous lakeside scenery.
What interesting landmarks or natural features can I see while hiking near Barleber Lake II?
Beyond the beautiful lakes themselves, you can explore several points of interest. Some routes connect to engineering marvels like the Rothenseer Schleuse (Rothensee Lock) and the Schiffshebewerk Magdeburg-Rothensee (Magdeburg-Rothensee Ship Lift). The area is also a protected nature and bird sanctuary, offering opportunities to observe various bird species. You can also visit Barleber Lake and Barleber See II at the Gravel Plant.
Are there any circular hiking routes around Barleber Lake II?
Yes, many of the trails are circular, allowing you to start and end at the same point. A popular moderate circular route is the Hohenwarthe Trough Bridge – Hohenwarthe Lock loop from Barleber See, which covers 12.4 km and takes about 3 hours 10 minutes.
What do other hikers say about the trails around Barleber Lake II?
The hiking trails around Barleber Lake II are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.6 stars from over 1,500 reviews. Hikers frequently praise the tranquil atmosphere, the well-maintained paths, and the beautiful lakeside views.
Is Barleber Lake II accessible by public transport?
Yes, Barleber Lake II is conveniently accessible. While specific bus or tram lines depend on your starting point, Magdeburg's public transport network generally provides good connections to the area, making it easy to reach without a car.
Where can I find parking for hiking near Barleber Lake II?
Designated parking areas are available around Barleber Lake II, particularly near popular access points and recreational facilities. These are typically well-marked and provide convenient starting points for various hiking routes.
Are dogs allowed on the hiking trails around Barleber Lake II?
Generally, dogs are welcome on the hiking trails around Barleber Lake II. However, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, especially in protected nature areas and near other visitors, to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone.
What is the best time of year to go hiking around Barleber Lake II?
The Barleber Lake II area is enjoyable for hiking throughout much of the year. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures and beautiful scenery, while summer is ideal for combining hiking with swimming in the lake. Even in winter, the flat paths can be suitable for a crisp walk, weather permitting.
Are there any longer, more challenging routes for experienced hikers?
While most trails are easy to moderate, there are options for longer walks. For example, the Mittelland Canal – Rothensee Lock loop from Barleber See is a moderate 9.7 km route that takes about 2 hours 28 minutes, offering a good distance without significant elevation.
Can I find food and drink options near the hiking paths?
During warmer months, the Barleber See area offers recreational amenities, which often include kiosks or cafes where you can purchase refreshments. For more substantial options, you'll find various establishments in nearby Magdeburg.
Most popular routes around Barleber Lake II
Most popular attractions around Barleber Lake II
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