4.5
(7923)
38,680
hikers
1,122
hikes
Hiking around Vorderer Russee offers diverse landscapes on the western outskirts of Kiel. The region is centered around the approximately 20-hectare Vorderer Russee lake, characterized by reed beds and varied shorelines. Trails traverse forested sections, including birch and alder swamp forests, and follow the Kuhfurtsau stream which connects to the Obere Eider river. This area is part of a designated landscape protection area, ensuring the preservation of its natural hiking trails.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
5.0
(2)
26
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(2)
3
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.

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4.8
(156)
431
hikers
6.72km
01:44
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.4
(35)
126
hikers
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.5
(17)
47
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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TIP: This is the only access to the Schulensee. The 69-hectare nature reserve was designated in 1986 and protects an Ice Age basin with a lake, reed beds, willow bushes, and wet alder forests. From the west bank, you look out over a wide zone of floating-leaved plants with white water lilies and yellow pond lilies. Due to the lowering of the water level in the 19th century and nutrient input, the open water surface shrank from 35 to 13 hectares – sedimentation you can touch.
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I love cows, in the photos you can clearly see the different characters. Since these are meat breeds, they are particularly lucky to have not only an attractive pasture, but also to be allowed to grow up with their families for a while.
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Beautiful place with a wide view over the Russee
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Cows graze and graze here.
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Hammer animal enclosure A peaceful excursion in the Hammer animal enclosure The 15.2 hectare Hammer enclosure is located between Ihlkatenweg and Ihlseeweg. Dexter cattle, mouflon, red deer, grey Heidschnucke and fallow deer live here. You can reach the animal enclosure by turning left from Rendburger Landstraße into Ihlkatenweg and then left into Ihlseeweg. It is divided into four different landscape areas: the forest, an area with lean grassland, the Kuhlensee and the edge of the lowland to Kuhfurtsau. The lean grassland area in particular is of particular importance for biotope and species protection, as it contains several plant species on the Red List.
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There are over 1150 hiking routes around Vorderer Russee that are easily accessible from bus stations. This extensive network offers a wide variety of options for all skill levels.
Yes, the area is very well-suited for easy walks. Over 860 of the bus-accessible routes are rated as easy. A great option is the Speckenbeker Au Nature Trail – Drachensee loop, which is just under 4.6 km and offers a pleasant, gentle experience.
Absolutely. Many of the easy trails are perfect for families. The paths are generally accessible and offer diverse natural scenery, including lakeside views and forested sections. The Bathing area at Vorderer Russee – Kuhfurtsau Stream loop is a good choice, being around 4.5 km and passing by the lake's bathing area.
Yes, dogs are generally welcome on the hiking trails around Vorderer Russee. The diverse landscapes, including forests and lakeside paths, provide an excellent environment for walks with your canine companion. Please remember to keep your dog on a leash where required and clean up after them.
The bus-accessible hikes around Vorderer Russee offer a rich variety of natural landscapes. You'll encounter tranquil lakeside paths along the Vorderer Russee itself, diverse forests with birch, black alder, and swamp trees, and trails running along the Kuhfurtsau stream, which connects to the Obere Eider river. The area is part of a landscape protection area, ensuring its natural beauty is preserved.
Yes, many of the routes are designed as circular loops, making them convenient for starting and ending at the same bus stop. For example, the Pedestrian Bridge on the Eider – Path Along the Eider loop is an easy 6.65 km circular hike that offers beautiful river views.
Vorderer Russee offers beautiful photo moments in every season. Spring brings fresh greenery, summer allows for combining hikes with a dip in the lake, autumn showcases vibrant foliage, and winter provides a serene, quiet atmosphere. The easily-accessible paths are suitable year-round, though some rougher sections might require appropriate footwear in wet or snowy conditions.
Hike durations vary significantly depending on the route and your pace. Shorter, easy loops like the Speckenbeker Au Nature Trail – Drachensee loop can be completed in about an hour and a half. Longer, moderate routes such as the Vorderer Russee – Eider Bridge Near Hammer loop, at nearly 11 km, might take around 3 hours.
The trails around Vorderer Russee are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.5 stars from over 7,400 reviews. Hikers often praise the area for its 'pure nature,' 'enchanted paths,' and the serene environment provided by the lake and surrounding forests. The accessibility and variety of paths for all fitness levels are also frequently highlighted.
Yes, while much of the shoreline is natural and reedy, there are small public bathing areas, particularly on the eastern shore of Vorderer Russee. These spots offer a refreshing opportunity to cool off during warmer months after your hike.
Yes, for those seeking a longer excursion, there are moderate routes accessible by bus. The Hammer Wildlife Enclosure loop is a moderate hike of over 13 km, offering a more extended experience through the region's diverse landscapes.


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