4.7
(364)
1,084
hikers
Ahrensee Loop
02:23
9.16km
60m
Hiking
Hike a moderate 5.7-mile loop through Naturpark Westensee, enjoying diverse landscapes, hedgerows, and views of Lake Ahrensee.
Last updated: February 26, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through protected areas
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Train Station
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1.05 km
Forest Edge Trail in Naturpark Westensee
Highlight • Trail
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Tip by
3.20 km
View of Lake Ahrensee
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5.05 km
Swimming spot at Ahrensee
Highlight • Beach
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9.16 km
End point
Train Station
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
6.41 km
1.62 km
954 m
131 m
Surfaces
3.90 km
1.67 km
1.52 km
1.39 km
576 m
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Elevation
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Weather
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Saturday 16 May
15°C
5°C
17 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 19.0 km/h
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This route was planned by komoot.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the terrain like on the "Zwischen Westen- und Ahrensee" trail?
The trail offers a varied terrain with gentle hills, valleys, expansive meadows, and both deciduous and mixed forests. You'll also experience the unique "Knicklandschaft" – historical hedgerows that are rich in flora and fauna. The landscape, shaped by the Ice Age, features rolling hills and wide fields, with frequent views along tranquil lakes and shaded forest sections.
Is this hiking trail suitable for beginners?
The "Zwischen Westen- und Ahrensee – Naturpark Westensee" trail is rated as a moderate hike. While generally accessible, it requires a good level of fitness due to its length of approximately 9.16 kilometers and varied terrain. Beginners with some hiking experience should be fine, but it's not a simple stroll.
Where can I park to access the trail?
Specific parking information for this exact trailhead is not provided in the available data. However, as the trail is located within the Naturpark Westensee, it is advisable to check the official Naturpark Westensee website or local tourism information for designated parking areas near the trail's starting point. Often, villages within the park, like Westensee, offer public parking.
How can I reach the trailhead using public transport?
While specific public transport routes directly to the trailhead are not detailed, the Naturpark Westensee region is generally accessible by bus from larger towns like Kiel. We recommend checking local bus schedules and routes that serve the villages surrounding the Westensee and Ahrensee, such as Westensee or Emkendorf, to plan your journey.
Do I need a permit or pay an entrance fee for the Naturpark Westensee?
No, there are generally no entrance fees or permits required to hike on public trails within the Naturpark Westensee. It is a publicly accessible nature park. However, always respect local regulations, especially concerning nature protection and private property.
What natural features and landmarks can I expect to see along the route?
This trail winds through the designated nature reserve "Ahrensee und nordöstlicher Westensee," offering exceptional scenic beauty. You'll enjoy stunning lakeside views of both the Westensee and Ahrensee, and pass through the unique "Knicklandschaft" hedgerows. Highlights include the Forest Edge Trail in Naturpark Westensee and a beautiful View of Lake Ahrensee.
What kind of wildlife might I encounter on the trail?
The Naturpark Westensee is known for its ecological diversity. Hikers may spot various wildlife, including deer, cranes, and if you're lucky, even sea eagles. The dense hedgerows and diverse biotopes also support a rich variety of smaller animals and rare plants.
Are there opportunities for swimming along the trail?
Yes, the trail passes by the Ahrensee, where you can find a designated Swimming spot at Ahrensee. The larger Westensee also offers opportunities for swimming and boating, though specific access points directly on this route may vary.
Does this trail connect with other hiking routes?
Yes, this route partially overlaps with several other well-known paths in the region. Approximately 23% of the trail follows sections of the Westensee Tour, 19% is part of the Stadt-Land-Fluss-Tour, and 18% aligns with the Naturparkwanderweg.
Is the "Zwischen Westen- und Ahrensee" trail dog-friendly?
Generally, dogs are welcome on trails within the Naturpark Westensee. However, as it is a nature reserve, it is crucial to keep dogs on a leash to protect wildlife and respect other hikers. Always clean up after your pet.
What is the best time of year to hike this route?
The Naturpark Westensee is beautiful year-round. Spring offers blooming meadows and fresh greenery, while autumn provides stunning fall foliage, especially in the deciduous forests. Summer is ideal for combining your hike with a swim in the lakes. The park is described as an ideal location for relaxing outdoor excursions, offering tranquility in any season.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Someone once wrote: Ahrensee is always possible! I believed it! Was the purest mud fight between the Ahrensee and Westensee, we thought we did it right away! But then came the fallen giant trees that blocked every path and also lay in the mud, and of course the rain! But it was still very nice, at other times it must have been beautiful!😉😇 Let's clean it again...🤣
Nice walk! A bit muddy in places, but no problem. Unfortunately, I didn't see any animals at all, but I did hear a very distinctive "bird call"...sounded like a giant bird! 😀
Today we were out on foot again and decided to visit the Westensee National Park. The 1 km was OK on a separate footpath along the road. After that it was just great. Beautiful paths, a great swimming spot on the Ahrensee, huge trees, pure nature, wonderful. Highly recommended. Since there are many passages in the shade, it is also suitable for warm days. Probably very muddy in winter/spring
The path between the lakes was very muddy after the heavy rains of the last few days. In some cases the “puddles” were 20 cm deep. We did this beautiful tour on January 27th, 2024.
Very nice 2-hour round! Hilly fields and meadows, Eider, Ahrensee and Westensee.... In between there are always huge ancient oaks.... And there are also a few bathing spots 😊 Be prepared for muddy paths!
Our tour today basically started at our front door. If you also want to walk the tour, it is best to start at the Felde train station. There is also a bus stop and ample parking for cars. Most of the paths are well paved, the section between the Ahrensee and Westensee is very wet and sometimes very muddy. I guess I had the wrong shoes with me today 🤪... Unfortunately, there is also a section along a country road (approx. 20 minutes). I always try to avoid something like that, but I don't have an alternative route to offer here. Otherwise the round is nice. The dogs can go into the water a lot, on the one hand in the Eider, on the other hand there were also several possibilities at the Ahrensee. Unfortunately, dogs are not allowed at the "official" bathing area at Lake Ahrensee, but since there is still no bathing weather, at least during the week there is no one there. You can take a detour there. If you are traveling without dogs, you could cool down there in summer after half the tour 😉
At the beginning the tour started off quite harmlessly. However, it became increasingly wetter and wetter on the land bridge between the Westensee and Ahrensee. The main attraction and artistic element was to cross a pool of water with a depth significantly greater than our boot height using an approx. 3 m long board. It bent when I crossed it and the boot was in the water up to the instep. What fun and good that it held up and the sense of balance cooperated. Unfortunately I didn't take a picture of the place. It's a shame, we were too busy with ourselves. Unfortunately, the tour is currently not recommended with low shoes.
In dry times, an easy to walk circular route with beautiful views in the Ahrensee nature reserve with an appealing passage across meadows in the narrows between Westensee and Ahrensee, unfortunately only the last km leads along the country road on the bike/footpath