Nature Reserves in Landkreis Oldenburg

Landkreis Oldenburg contains 26 designated nature reserves, which are protected areas safeguarding diverse landscapes like ancient forests, wetlands, and moorlands. This page aggregates routes and information for key reserves including the wet grasslands of Bornhorster Huntewiesen and the regenerating high-moor landscape of Holler Moor.

The primary activities are human-powered outdoor sports. The reserves offer a network of over 400 routes suitable for hiking, cycling, and mountain biking. Specific guides are available for activities like Hiking around Landkreis Oldenburg and Cycling around Landkreis Oldenburg.

Significant nature reserves in the district include Hasbruch, known for its ancient oak and beech trees, and Ahlhorner Fischteiche, a vital wetland habitat. Other key areas featured on this page are Bornhorster Huntewiesen, Holler Moor, and Benthullener Moor, all offering extensive trail networks.

The Bornhorster Huntewiesen reserve features over 70 hiking routes that traverse its expansive wet grasslands. These trails are shared with routes for jogging and cycling, offering varied experiences through the 350-hectare protected area.

Holler Moor is a 380-hectare nature reserve characterized by a wide, open high-moor landscape. It is a former raised bog undergoing re-wetting, which supports the regeneration of typical moorland vegetation like peat mosses and heathers. An observation tower provides expansive views across the area.

Yes, Benthullener Moor offers numerous routes for cycling. The reserve has trails suitable for road cycling, touring bicycles, and mountain bikes, which wind through the 270-hectare re-naturalized moorland landscape.

Ahlhorner Fischteiche is a significant wetland habitat and nature reserve that originated as a carp farm in 1898. The area is a mosaic of approximately 35 fish ponds, forests, and the Lethe River, providing a crucial refuge for over 200 bird species. An observation tower offers excellent opportunities for bird watching.

Hiking is the primary activity in the Hasbruch nature reserve, which is known for its ancient 'Urwald' (primeval forest) character. There are numerous well-marked trails, including a popular 5.8-mile (9.4 km) loop that leads to the 'Friederiken-Eiche,' an oak tree estimated to be 1,200 years old. An observation tower provides panoramic views of the forest.

Yes, many of the nature reserves offer routes suitable for families. The varied landscapes provide opportunities for shorter, less strenuous walks. A dedicated collection of Family-friendly hikes around Landkreis Oldenburg is available to help plan an outing.

Rules for dogs vary by reserve to protect sensitive wildlife and habitats. For example, in the Hasbruch nature reserve, dogs must be kept on a leash year-round. It is essential to check the specific regulations for each reserve before visiting.

Some nature reserves are accessible via public transportation. For instance, bus routes serve areas near Hasbruch from Hude and Oldenburg. For detailed planning, it is recommended to consult local transport schedules and the guide for Hikes from bus stations around Landkreis Oldenburg.

The Pestruper Gräberfeld reserve holds immense cultural and historical importance. It contains one of Northern Europe's best-preserved burial grounds from the late Bronze to early Iron Age, with over 500 visible burial mounds. The area is also the largest contiguous heathland in Landkreis Oldenburg.