4.4
(113)
414
riders
53
rides
Gravel biking around Bilsen offers diverse terrain characterized by a mix of soft gravel paths, forested trails, and routes along waterways. The region features green areas, woods, and open landscapes, providing varied surfaces for gravel cyclists. While generally flat, some routes include gentle elevation changes, making them suitable for different fitness levels. The area is part of the broader Hamburg metropolitan region, known for its natural parks and river valleys.
Last updated: July 3, 2026
4.3
(10)
24
riders
47.5km
02:41
130m
130m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. 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.

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4.6
(5)
22
riders
32.0km
01:39
110m
110m
Easy gravel ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
15
riders
68.9km
03:29
230m
230m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
8
riders
59.8km
03:24
160m
160m
Moderate gravel ride. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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A nice path, but without views (bordered by hedges)
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The 'Korl-Barmstedt-Weg' is part of the BahnRadWeg route: Henstedt-Ulzburg <--> Bad Oldesloe. Along the route, over 160 fruit trees of old varieties were planted in 1996. This makes it the longest fruit tree educational trail in Europe. Easy to ride as it is level.
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Now and then you pass old railway operating buildings and facilities, such as loading and unloading ramps or the old Grabau station.
0
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Wittmoor is one of the most beautiful areas here in Hamburg for cycling. You feel like you are in the heath. The paths seem very sandy, but are all good to cycle on. Have fun and watch out for all other hikers/cyclists.
1
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Overall, it's a bit monotonous and boring to ride. However, it's perfectly fine as a change of pace between trails or gravel roads.
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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
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Particularly beautiful in western sunshine…
0
0
The Kupferteich (Copper Pond) on the border of the Hamburg districts of Poppenbüttel and Lemsahl-Mellingstedt was originally a mill pond and served as a copper mill. It is easily circumnavigated by bike or on foot. It was created by damming the Mellingbek and Twelenbek rivers, which flow from the Wittmoor and join in front of the pond, to a height of approximately 900 meters. In the mill at the Kupferteich, a copper hammer was used to produce panels for roofs, ship floors, and boilers for sugar refineries. Remains of fish ponds can be found at the northern end of the Kupferteich. In the mid-19th century, the Kupferteich became a sawmill, later an oil mill, after which the facility fell into disuse. Due to its dilapidated condition, it was demolished in 1929. The Kupferteich is now an approximately 7.0-hectare fishing lake, and since 2019, it, including its shoreline, has been designated a specially protected biotope area under the Federal Nature Conservation Act. A golf course has stretched east and west of the Kupferteich since the 21st century. There is a dog walking area on the western shore of the pond. Access to the Kupferteich is via the 1.5 km long Kupferteichweg, a road that leads to a sandy path leading to the pond. https://de.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kupferteich_(Mellingbek)
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Bilsen offers a wide selection of gravel biking routes, with over 80 trails available for exploration. These routes cater to various skill levels, including easy, moderate, and difficult options.
The gravel biking terrain around Bilsen is quite diverse, featuring a mix of soft gravel paths, forested trails, and routes that follow waterways. You'll encounter green areas, woods, and open landscapes, providing varied surfaces from smooth gravel to more rugged paths. While generally flat, some routes include gentle elevation changes.
Yes, Bilsen offers several routes suitable for families or those looking for a less strenuous ride. There are 25 easy-rated gravel tours available, providing a comfortable experience through the region's scenic landscapes.
Beginners can enjoy the many easy and moderate routes available. While specific beginner-only routes aren't highlighted, the area has 25 easy tours and 34 moderate tours. A good starting point might be to look for routes with lower elevation gain and shorter distances, focusing on the scenic pathways mentioned in the guide.
Absolutely. For experienced riders seeking a challenge, Bilsen offers 24 difficult-rated gravel tours. One such route is the Pinnau Bridge – Wild Krückau loop from Quickborn, a 46.6-mile (75.0 km) path that provides a more demanding experience through wilder sections.
Many of the gravel bike routes in Bilsen are designed as loops, allowing you to start and end at the same point. Examples include the Krückau Trail – Scenic Pathway loop from Ellerau and the EBOE Trail Gravel Path – Moorwald loop from Tanneneck, both offering circular journeys through varied landscapes.
Gravel bike routes in Bilsen vary significantly in length and duration. You can find shorter rides, but many popular routes range from approximately 30 miles (48 km) to over 46 miles (75 km). These longer routes can take anywhere from 3 to 5 hours to complete, depending on your pace and the specific trail's difficulty.
The Bilsen area offers several natural attractions and landmarks. You can cycle near the Himmelmoor Nature Reserve, explore the Boardwalk Through Himmelmoor, or visit the Kleiner Knust Viewing Platform within the moor. Other highlights include the Wulfsmühle and the Lake, Wolny Lake, and the Pinnau Riverside Path.
Yes, the region is home to beautiful natural areas. You can find routes that pass through or near the Himmelmoor Nature Reserve, offering a chance to cycle through protected landscapes. The broader area is also part of the Hamburg metropolitan region, known for its natural parks and river valleys.
The gravel biking routes in Bilsen are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.5 stars from over 90 reviews. Many of the 370+ gravel bikers who have explored the area praise the varied terrain, from quiet woodlands to open green spaces, and the well-maintained paths along rivers and through forests.
While specific parking locations aren't detailed for every trailhead, many routes around Bilsen, especially those starting from towns like Ellerau or Quickborn, typically have public parking options nearby. It's advisable to check the starting point of your chosen route on komoot for more precise parking information.
The Bilsen region, being part of the Hamburg metropolitan area, generally offers good gravel biking conditions from spring through autumn. The diverse terrain, including forested paths, can be enjoyed in milder weather. While winter riding is possible, some paths might become muddy, especially after rain or snow, so checking local weather conditions is always recommended.


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