4.6
(151)
411
riders
142
rides
Mountain biking around Naturschutzgebiet Rethmoorsee offers diverse landscapes in the Harburg district of Lower Saxony. This 90-hectare nature reserve features a central lake, reed zones, woodlands, and dry grasslands, providing varied terrain for cycling. The area is generally flat to gently hilly, with well-maintained paths suitable for different types of riders. It also connects to broader cycling networks, including the Elbe Cycle Path, allowing for extended routes.
Last updated: July 1, 2026
5.0
(2)
5
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(7)
25
riders
46.8km
03:20
290m
290m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.

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5.0
(4)
19
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
3
riders
40.7km
02:35
190m
190m
Moderate mountain bike ride. Good fitness required. Advanced riding skills necessary.
5.0
(1)
5
riders
Moderate mountain bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Advanced riding skills necessary.
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Always beautiful to look at.
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A lock was built in 1957 with the barrage on the Elbe River to allow ships to overcome the difference in height. Depending on the tide, this difference varies between approximately 1.30 and 3.50 meters. Since the construction of the barrage, the lock channel has cut through the foreland of the Besenhorst Sand Hills. This is how the lock island was created. At the level of the weir, the Geesthacht Lock offers two parallel chambers, each 230 meters long and 25 meters wide. The southern chamber went into operation in 1960, and the northern chamber was completed in 1981. The chambers' four lifting gates are operated electromechanically. Due to the counterweights running in the reinforced concrete towers, only minimal force is required. The chambers are filled without surges by gently lifting the upper gates and through a channel in the central wall. Excess water from the neighboring chamber can also be used for filling via this channel. https://metropolregion.hamburg.de/natur-und-kultur-erleben/industriekultur-am-wasser/routen/geesthacht/schleuse-11608
3
0
Well secured, great to ride
0
0
Beautiful in every season!
0
0
It is also not easy to drive on for days or weeks after rainfall, as the route becomes muddy. In summer, when it has been dry for a while, it is a beautiful route with shade from the trees.
0
0
Very easy to navigate section of the route
2
1
There are over 140 mountain bike trails around Naturschutzgebiet Rethmoorsee, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels. You'll find 51 easy routes, 97 moderate routes, and 1 difficult route.
The trails around Naturschutzgebiet Rethmoorsee feature diverse landscapes. You can expect varied terrain including lake views, forested sections with willows, oaks, and alders, and open grasslands. The area's ecosystems provide interesting visual and topographical changes for mountain biking.
Yes, there are plenty of options for beginners. The region offers 51 easy mountain bike routes, allowing new riders to enjoy the scenic environment without overly challenging terrain.
While most routes are easy to moderate, there is at least one difficult mountain bike trail available for experienced riders seeking a greater challenge. The area's moderate routes also provide engaging rides for those with good fitness and advanced skills, such as the View of the River Luhe – View of Lauenburg Old Town loop from Winsen (Luhe).
Along the trails, you can discover several interesting sights. The reserve itself centers around the 60-hectare Rethmoorsee, offering beautiful lake views. Specific highlights include the Path Between Pasture and Rethmoorsee and a dedicated View of Rethmoorsee viewpoint. You might also encounter the Belted Galloway cattle grazing in the grasslands.
The mountain bike trails around Naturschutzgebiet Rethmoorsee are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.7 stars from over 150 reviews. More than 400 mountain bikers have used komoot to explore the varied terrain, often praising the scenic lake views, forested sections, and open grasslands.
Within the Naturschutzgebiet Rethmoorsee nature reserve itself, dogs must be kept on a leash to protect the natural environment and wildlife. When planning your route, please ensure you adhere to local regulations regarding dogs on trails.
Yes, many of the 51 easy routes are suitable for families. These trails typically feature less challenging terrain and provide a pleasant way to explore the natural surroundings together. Always check the route details for specific difficulty and length to ensure it matches your family's abilities.
Yes, many of the mountain bike routes in the area are designed as loops. Examples include the Lauenburg Old Town – View of Lauenburg Old Town loop from Radbruch and the Zollenspieker Ferry – View of the Geesthacht Lock loop from Radbruch, which allow you to start and end at the same point.
Trail durations vary significantly based on length and difficulty. For example, a moderate route like the Lauenburg Old Town – View of Lauenburg Old Town loop from Radbruch (58.8 km) typically takes around 3 hours 15 minutes, while longer routes such as the View of the River Luhe – View of Lauenburg Old Town loop from Winsen (Luhe) (75.3 km) can take about 4 hours 40 minutes.
The spring and autumn months generally offer the most pleasant conditions for mountain biking, with milder temperatures and beautiful natural scenery. Summer can also be enjoyable, but be prepared for potentially warmer weather. Always check local weather forecasts before heading out.
While specific parking areas directly within the nature reserve are limited to protect the environment, you can typically find parking in nearby towns like Winsen (Luhe) or Radbruch, which serve as common starting points for many routes that incorporate the Rethmoorsee area.
The immediate vicinity of Naturschutzgebiet Rethmoorsee is focused on nature conservation, so direct amenities like cafes within the reserve are limited. However, you will find various dining options and cafes in the surrounding towns and villages, such as Winsen (Luhe) or Lüneburg, which are often integrated into longer cycling tours.


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