NORDPFAD feather duster

We start at the beautifully landscaped parking lot in Riekenbostel and walk along wide forest paths through the light-flooded forest edges of the Buchwörth and through the densely wooded Ützenbusch. After approx. 3 km we reach a clearing with a wonderful view of the surrounding meadows and fields. From here, the hiking trail leads through a shady coniferous forest characterized by grass and ferns. We continue along fields of corn and maize before entering the twilight world of the mysterious, wild Buhlen. The forest thins out and we cross the K 209.

Over a short 500 m stretch of asphalt road, we reach the gem of Federlohmühlen, the namesake of this NORDPFADE. The former Federlohmühlen watermill , situated on a large pond, and other buildings of the Mühlenhof provide the perfect setting for a leisurely break. The wooden overshot water wheel is only operated on special occasions, but the sound of the mill stream still lends this place a special charm. An exhibition in the mill building tells the story of the mill. You can also get "married" in this historic ambience, for which the registry office of the municipality of Bothel is responsible. From here, it is possible to take a detour to Kirchwalsede, 2.6 km away.

We leave this magical place and follow the NORDPFAD again, which meanders romantically along several ponds. These are fed by around 400 surrounding springs and the Federlohmühlenbach stream, which cuts deep into the landscape and which we pass over a small footbridge. The path now leads us into the middle of the Federloh forest. From the parking lot at starting point 2, a marked detour leads to the Großer Bullensee lake 1.5 km away and the Grosses Moor and Weißes Moor nature reserve, through which the NORDPFAD Dör't Moor trail runs.

The last 3 km run through the Sehlbruch coniferous forest back to the starting point of Riekenbostel , a tranquil village characterized by agriculture with idyllic old farmsteads and granaries under huge oak trees, such as the lovingly restored farm ensemble "Cohrs Hof" with its two-storey half-timbered building from 1640 and adjoining residential building, which we encounter on the last few metres to the parking lot.


Networking with other NORDPFADEN trails
A 1.5 km long access path leads from the Federloh parking lot to the Großer Bullensee parking lot, starting point 1 of the Dör't Moor NORTHPATH and starting point 2 of the Rotenburger Wasserreich NORTH PATH.


Disturbance reports
Before your hike, you should inform yourself at www.nordpfade.de about possible detours and trail disruptions that may occur, for example due to flooding, storm damage or forestry work.

Marking sign
The marker shows a white "N" on an orange background with the name of the NORDPFADES Federlohmühlen.

Signposting
Destination signposts supplement the markings and are placed at prominent points. The signposts list places that are on the route or branch off from it, together with the distance in kilometers. The logo of the respective NORDPFADES is located underneath.

It is around 30 minutes from the A1 and A27 highways to the two starting points, each of which has an information board and parking facilities.

Starting point 1: 27386 Riekenbostel, Riekenbostel parking lot, Im Brink
Starting point 2: 27386 Kirchwalsede, Ferloh parking lot, K 206

Two parking facilities are available at the NORDPFAD. The respective starting points can also be found there.

Parking lot 1: 27386 Riekenbostel, Riekenbostel parking lot, Im Brink
Parking lot 2: 27386 Kirchwalsede, parking lot Ferloh, K 206

Arrival by bus

• Bus stop: Kirchwalsede, Im Dorfe, 2.6 km from the NORDPFAD
• Bus route 725: runs Mon.-Fri. between Verden and Rotenburg (Wümme), in Verden there is a train connection to Hanover and Bremen, in Rotenburg (Wümme) there is a train connection to Hamburg and Bremen
• Info: www.vbn.de

Komoot
We have compiled all 24 circular hiking trails in a separate NORDPFADE collection in the well-known outdoor app. The tours can also be found in the portal under the "Northern Heath" region.

Not yet on Komoot?
There is a free voucher code for new customers.The code is ROW and can be redeemed via "Redeem voucher" at komoot.de/g or via the link https://komoot.com/de-de/g?code=ROW.

The following brochures are available free of charge at the local tourist information offices and under brochure order. They are also available for download.

• NORDPFADE tour guide
  This small brochure contains everything you need to know about the hiking region.


• NORDPFADE overview map
  The handy leaflet is a small planning aid for the environmentally conscious.
  
  
• NORDPFADE hiking pass
  The stamp-free version for collectors.

There is also a pocket book published by Editon Temmenverlag. An amusingly written "hiking guide" by Lucia Gefken, who escapes her everyday life and starts hiking.

• My NORDPFADE
  Or: "It doesn't always have to be the Way of St. James!"