Nature Reserve Guide
Brandenburg an der Havel is home to 4 designated nature reserves, covering 8.2% of the city's area. These protected areas are characterized by the region's riverine landscapes, including the extensive floodplains, fens, and carr forests of the Havel River basin. The terrain consists of a mosaic of wetlands, alluvial moors, mixed deciduous forests, and sandy grasslands, creating vital habitats for diverse species. The primary outdoor activities available across these reserves include hiking, cycling, and jogging on designated routes.
This list of nature reserves in Brandenburg an der Havel aggregates more than 500 routes for activities like hiking, touring cycling, and mountain biking. Data from more than 19,000 visitors shows an average rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars for these trails. The Mittlere Havel is a vast floodplain significant for migratory birds, with dozens of hiking and cycling routes. The nearby Stadthavel reserve offers over 140 routes through its wetland complex. In Gränert, a designated hiking trail passes through its mixed deciduous forests and moors. The Buhnenwerder-Wusterau reserve features a nature trail on Buhnenwerder island, popular for its 65 hiking routes. These reserves provide opportunities to experience legally protected ecosystems where conservation is the primary objective.
548
Routes
4.5
(3988)
Average rating
20K+
Explored with komoot
Last updated: April 23, 2026

4.5
(1845)
8,821
hikers
Mittlere Havel is a Brandenburg nature reserve with a vast river-lake system, wetlands, and diverse landscapes, offering routes for cycling, hiking, and jogging.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.6
(784)
4,803
hikers
Stadthavel is a nature reserve with diverse landscapes, offering routes for touring cycling, hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking. Its varied terrain supports active outdoor experiences.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.5
(866)
4,034
hikers
Buhnenwerder-Wusterau is a 192-hectare nature reserve in Brandenburg an der Havel, offering diverse terrain for hiking, cycling, and other outdoor activities.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling

4.4
(493)
2,410
hikers
Gränert nature reserve offers diverse landscapes, from pine forests to beaver-shaped wetlands, with varied routes for hiking, road cycling, and mountain biking.
Hiking
Running
Mountain biking
Gravel riding
Road cycling
Cycling
Brandenburg an der Havel has several designated nature reserves, which are protected areas for native flora and fauna. This page focuses on four reserves with extensive route networks: Mittlere Havel, Stadthavel, Buhnenwerder-Wusterau, and Gränert. These areas feature riverine landscapes, floodplains, forests, and wetlands characteristic of the Havel River basin.
The city of Brandenburg an der Havel contains seven designated nature reserves, covering 8.2% of its total area. This collection aggregates over 500 routes across four of these reserves, which are particularly accessible for outdoor activities. These include Mittlere Havel, Stadthavel, Buhnenwerder-Wusterau, and Gränert.
The primary activities are hiking, touring cycling, and mountain biking, with more than 500 routes available across the aggregated reserves. Other popular activities include jogging and road cycling. Specific guides are available for Hiking around Brandenburg an der Havel and Cycling around Brandenburg an der Havel.
The Mittlere Havel reserve is a vast riverine floodplain of international significance. Its landscape consists of fens, nutrient-poor meadows, and softwood forests along the river. It serves as a crucial resting place for migratory birds and offers around 150 routes for cycling and hiking.
Yes, the Gränert nature reserve has a designated hiking trail that allows visitors to experience its diverse landscape. The reserve contains mixed deciduous forests, moors, and small water bodies. There are approximately 49 hiking routes available within the area.
The Buhnenwerder-Wusterau reserve includes the island of Buhnenwerder and the Wusterau peninsula. It is known for its diverse habitats, including reed marshes and sandy grasslands, and features a well-maintained nature trail on the island. The reserve is popular for hiking, with around 65 distinct hiking routes.
The Stadthavel reserve is a floodplain wetland complex offering over 140 routes for outdoor activities. The most common activities are touring cycling, hiking, and road cycling. The terrain includes traditionally used meadows and is traversed by the Havel River, providing habitat for species like the beaver and otter.
Yes, there are accessible routes suitable for families. The reserves feature a mix of paved paths and natural tracks, many of which are relatively flat, especially along the riverbanks. A dedicated guide to Family-friendly hikes around Brandenburg an der Havel provides a selection of suitable options.
Rules regarding dogs can vary between reserves to protect wildlife, and leashes are generally required. However, many trails are suitable for walking with a dog. A specific collection of Dog-friendly hikes around Brandenburg an der Havel highlights appropriate routes.
The reserves provide vital habitats for a variety of species. The beaver and otter are found in wetland areas like Gränert and Stadthavel. The region is also significant for birds, including the sea eagle, osprey, kingfisher, and numerous migratory water birds in the Mittlere Havel floodplain.
Many trails and access points for the nature reserves are reachable via public transportation. The proximity of reserves like Stadthavel to the city center makes them accessible on foot or by local bus services. For more options, a guide to Hikes from bus stations around Brandenburg an der Havel is available.

