NORDPFAD Dör't Moor

Hello and an active new year to all of you. 🚴‍♂️🚶‍♂️🎊 My start into the new year was a hike on the northern path "Dör't Moor". 🚶☕️

At the beginning not as well marked as we are used to from the North Paths. That's why we ran against the crowd (which wasn't that bad at all) and took a wrong turn at the beginning. Otherwise it was a nice and varied tour - but also quite well attended. Those looking for peace and quiet should try it in bad weather.

A beautiful tour👌👍 Actually only about 10 km long, but at the end after a quick swim in the lake there is a little barefoot path to finish off😇😉

It was time to lace up our hiking boots again🥾. We were out early for our standards😉and hoped not to encounter crowds on the most beautiful hiking trail in Germany 2021. And so it was and we started the big loop anti-clockwise. This time, the detour around the small Bullensee was also supposed to be included, but unfortunately it failed because of the dilapidated footbridge, although I had bravely ventured to the middle. But then the individual pallets sank into unknown depths and I retreated😅. The timing for this hike was perfect. Everything was gleaming in fresh green, no bright sunlight and to our surprise, the cotton grass was already in full bloom. However, the mosquitoes were already in attack mode, but luckily the appropriate antidote was actually found in the depths of the hiking backpack. The benches with a view were also funny and, to round things off nicely, a small family of ducks taking a Sunday swim.

"The Dör't Moor North Trail leads for approximately 10–11 km through the Großes und Weißes Moor nature reserve. The trail follows flat, mostly easily walkable paths through the moorland experience zone, woods, and meadows, passing the Großer Bullensee (a moorland bathing lake) and Kleiner Bullensee. A highlight is the observation tower with its panoramic views across the moorland landscape. Along the way, there are information panels, themed pavilions, and a rest area at the Spieker sheepfold. Ideal for a relaxing nature walk with the family or as a day trip to experience the North German heath and moorland scenery." [schuhundpaddel +3]

Last year on our way to Sweden we saw the sign for the NORTHERN PATHS on the A1 and put it on our hiking list. Today we hiked the first of 24 NORTHERN PATHS. In beautiful hiking weather we first walked a bit along the Großer Bullensee before exploring the moor experience zone with its numerous information boards, themed pavilions and an observation tower, enjoying it with all our senses. We liked this section of the "Großes und Weißes Moor" nature reserve the best. The trail as a whole is very varied and leads through sections of moor, field, heath and forest, past a group of burial mounds from the Neolithic period and the over 250 year old Spieker sheepfold. At the Kleiner Bullensee we took the turnoff to the Hartmannshof and stopped off at the farm café - they serve delicious cakes - before returning to the starting point, the car park at the Großer Bullensee. The trail definitely deserves the title of "Germany's most beautiful hiking trail (in 2021).

The NORDPFAD Dör't Moor was certified as a "Quality Trail" by the German Hiking Association and was even named Germany's most beautiful hiking trail in the day hike category in 2021. The hype has naturally also increased the trail's popularity, which is evident in the crowded trails (especially on weekends and public holidays). If, like me, you're out on the trail on May 1st in great weather, you shouldn't be surprised to suddenly find yourself at a huge party full of drunk people – at least, that's what happened to me at the end of my hike at the Großer Bullensee. Music was blaring from the speakers everywhere, and people were dancing and celebrating. At this point, I completely abandoned my plan to find some peace and quiet in nature. Luckily, I still had a beer in my backpack, so I decided to join the celebrations with a bottle on the beach 😅. Now, let's talk about the quality of the trail: Is the NORDPFAD the most beautiful hiking trail in Germany? Certainly not for me. Sure, it's definitely one of the better NORTH PATHS. You hike on mostly natural trails through moors, lakes, forests, and heathlands. Single trails and plenty of other fun and games along the way are included. So, it won't get boring on the Dör't Moor. Other day hikes in Northern Germany also offer a similar portfolio, and some are even more impressive – for example, the heathland loops in the Lüneburg Heath. I can still recommend the circular route, even if I don't quite understand the hype surrounding it. All information about the NORTH PATH Dör't Moor can be found at the following link: www.nordwaerts.de/aktiv-entspannt/tour/nordpfad-doert-moor-100258958 Last updated: (May 1, 2025).

Time in motion 2:13 hours and an average speed of 4.6 km/h. The hiking trail is just great. Varied, well-kept, quiet, pure nature.