The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Wardersee

In 1991, the renaturation of the Tarbeker Moor (a raised bog still capable of renaturation) began. Through the impoundment of the water from the Tensfelder Au, as well as inflow from springs from the subsoil and from the slopes, a large-scale vegetation of transition and quaking bogs has developed on the former extraction areas. In the western shallow lakes, peat moss-rich quaking mats of Calla palustris (bog-calla) and open water areas with Utricularia vulgaris (common bladderwort) dominate. In the eastern excavation areas, extensive stands of Carex paniculata (great-panicled sedge), Carex pseudocyperus (pseudocyphel sedge), and Juncus effusus (soft-rush) interspersed with grey willows have formed. In places, rare peat mosses occur

The Tarbeker Moor is the remnant of a larger moor complex that formed in a meltwater channel after the last ice age. The surrounding moors were peat-cut and almost completely converted to grassland in the 19th and 20th centuries. The Tarbeker Moor was partially peat-cut down to the mineral subsoil from 1951 to 1990. The peat-cutting led to the complete destruction of the raised bog vegetation.

The path leads directly past the bathing area.

A grassy path leads along the lake to the bathing area, and there is also a parking lot above the bathing area. The bathing area has a jetty and is marked as a non-swimmer and swimmer zone. Watch out for seaweed in the swimming area. There is a small sandy beach, a large lawn, and benches for relaxing, as well as restrooms and a changing room. The lake is 23 hectares in size and 2.2 meters deep and is a channel lake (formed by thawed meltwater during the last ice age).

The forest there is super

With an area of approximately 23 hectares (2 km long, 250 m wide), Lake Nehms is one of the region's smaller lakes. In early summer, the hilly Holstein landscape is a lush green, making the lake a popular destination for day trips. Due to its relatively shallow depth of 2.2 m, the water warms up comparatively quickly, a fact well known to locals who enjoy the afternoon sun at the beach in the northeast. Motorboats are not permitted on the lake, creating a peaceful and natural environment. But fishing is permitted – so be careful when bathing your dog.

Lake Nehms offers a beautiful beach with real sand, a spacious, well-maintained green area, and a lovely wooden bathing jetty. The beach is free to use and there is no lifeguard on duty – ideal for nature-based swimming. In June, the water quality is exceptionally clean. Clearly demarcated non-swimmer and swimmer zones ensure safety.

On the northern shore of Lake Nehms, there are several designated dog bathing areas – here's one of them. A particularly convenient feature: They're protected by a reed-free zone, so your four-legged friend can splash around in the water undisturbed. Note: Fishing is prohibited year-round at the dog bathing areas 😅