4.4
(137)
543
riders
56
rides
Gravel biking around Borstel-Hohenraden offers routes through a landscape characterized by extensive forests, open moorland, and nature reserves. The region's terrain is generally flat, with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for various skill levels. Riders can expect to encounter a mix of forest paths, gravel tracks, and trails winding through areas like the Himmelmoor Nature Reserve and the Esinger Wohld Forest. These routes provide opportunities to explore the natural environment of Borstel-Hohenraden and its surroundings.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
5.0
(4)
22
riders
52.7km
02:59
120m
120m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.6
(8)
41
riders
50.3km
02:56
100m
100m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.

Sign up for free
4.8
(5)
31
riders
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
10
riders
75.0km
04:23
200m
200m
Hard gravel ride. Good fitness required. You may need to push your bike for some segments of this route.
4.5
(4)
13
riders
42.3km
02:19
90m
90m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Very quiet here. The surface is perhaps not very suitable for road bikes.
0
0
The small lake by the forest is so beautiful
0
0
Even a four- or five-meter-high hill, built for visitors, offers a much better overview of the landscape left behind by decades of peat extraction.
11
0
5,810 meters of track remain from the Himmelmoor Peat Railway. Built in 1900, it was used to transport peat from the mining area to the peat works on the eastern edge of the moor, operating on constantly changing routes. Small diesel locomotives, some of which were built in-house, pulled the trains carrying the peat floes until mining ended in 2018. Since 2015, the Himmelmoor Peat Railway Association has offered tours on the remaining line. The association maintains the railway and the industrial facilities. Trains are also regularly used for renaturation work.
14
0
Peat cutting, i.e., the above-ground extraction of peat, is no longer economically viable today. Peat as a fuel has largely been replaced by other high-energy fossil fuels. Many large-scale peatlands suitable for industrial extraction have now been drained. New peat cutting areas are only permitted under strict conditions. Raised bogs have an important regulatory effect on the water balance due to the large amounts of precipitation they can absorb. The preservation of the original habitats serves landscape conservation and species protection, as most species of peatland flora and fauna are considered threatened or critically endangered. Bogs grow extremely slowly; an intact peat body increases in thickness by only one millimeter per year. It therefore takes a thousand years for a one-meter-high layer of peat to form. Thus, bog areas recover very slowly during restoration attempts.
13
0
According to a 1919 contract, peat extraction, which began around 1780, was to continue until the moor had completely disappeared. However, extraction was discontinued in 2018. The gradual renaturation and rewetting of the Himmelmoor had already begun. The "Himmelmoor Friends' Association" was founded in December 2005.
12
0
The reclamation of the Himmelmoor began around 1780. Its edges were divided into 1,000 to 5,000 square meter plots and transferred to farmers from neighboring villages for peat extraction. Industrial peat extraction began in the 1870s. Peat was now also extracted from the center of the moor using machines. Peat excavators extracted the black peat, compressed it, and divided it into sods. Turning the drying sods was increasingly done by machine, as was the collection of the dry peat. The low-energy fuel was packaged and loaded at the peat works.
15
0
I passed through there on September 8, 1925, on my "Bevern and Hemdingen" tour. This tour features many beautiful forest paths.
0
0
There are over 100 gravel bike trails in the Borstel-Hohenraden area, offering a wide range of options for different skill levels and preferences. You'll find routes through forests, moorland, and nature reserves.
The terrain around Borstel-Hohenraden is generally flat with minimal elevation changes, making it accessible for many riders. You'll primarily encounter a mix of forest paths, gravel tracks, and trails winding through areas like the Himmelmoor Nature Reserve and the Esinger Wohld Forest.
Yes, Borstel-Hohenraden offers over 30 easy gravel bike routes. A good option for beginners is the Am Goldenen Stern – Esinger Wohld Forest loop from Prisdorf, which is just under 12 miles (19.4 km) and features minimal elevation gain.
The best time for gravel biking in Borstel-Hohenraden is generally from spring through autumn, when the weather is mild and the trails are dry. However, with appropriate gear, many routes can also be enjoyed during the winter months, offering a different, quieter experience.
Yes, many of the gravel bike routes around Borstel-Hohenraden are designed as circular loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. An example is the Klövensteen Lake – Schnaakenmoor Nature Reserve loop from Pinneberg, which is an easy 15.9 miles (25.5 km) ride.
Many trails pass through or near significant natural areas. You can explore the Himmelmoor Nature Reserve, known for its unique landscapes, or the Schnaakenmoor Nature Reserve. You might also encounter various lakes and natural monuments, such as the Butterbargsmoor.
Given the generally flat terrain and numerous easy routes, many trails are suitable for families. Look for routes marked as 'easy' with shorter distances, often found within the forest areas, which provide a safe and enjoyable environment away from traffic.
Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in the Borstel-Hohenraden area, especially in forest and open countryside sections. However, it's always recommended to keep them on a leash, particularly in nature reserves or areas with wildlife, and to check local regulations for specific trails.
The area is highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.4 stars. Reviewers often praise the quiet woodlands, the varied natural scenery of the moorlands and forests, and the well-maintained gravel paths that make for a smooth riding experience.
Yes, for those looking for longer rides, there are moderate and difficult routes available. The Himmelmoor Trail and Rest Area – Himmelmoor Nature Reserve loop from Prisdorf is a moderate 26.3 miles (42.3 km) path that explores varied natural scenery, offering a more extended adventure.
Many starting points for gravel bike routes in the Borstel-Hohenraden region are accessible via public transport, particularly from nearby towns like Pinneberg or Prisdorf, which have train connections. It's advisable to check local bus and train schedules for specific route access points.
While many routes traverse natural areas, you'll find opportunities for refreshments in the villages and towns bordering the trails, such as Pinneberg or Prisdorf. Some routes might also pass by specific highlights like Wulfsmühle and the Lake, which often include dining options.


Browse the best Gravel rides in other regions.