NORDPFAD feather duster

We start at the beautifully landscaped parking lot in Riekenbostel and hike along wide forest trails through the sun-drenched forest edges of Buchwörth and through the densely forested Ützenbusch . After about 3 km, we reach a clearing with a magnificent view of the surrounding meadows and fields. From here, the trail leads through a shady coniferous forest dominated by grass and ferns. We continue along fields of grain and corn, then enter the twilight realm of the mysterious, wildlife-rich Buhlen. The forest thins out, and we cross the K 209.

After a short 500-meter stretch of paved road, we reach the Federlohmühlen gem, which gives this NORDPFAD its name. The former The Federlohmühlen watermill and other buildings on the mill grounds provide the perfect setting for a cozy break. The wooden overshot waterwheel is now only put into operation on special occasions, yet the murmur of the mill stream lends this place a special charm. An exhibition in the mill building tells the story of the mill. In this historic setting, you can also get married—a service provided by the Bothel Joint Municipal Office. From here, you can take a detour to Kirchwalsede, 2.6 km away.

We leave this fairytale-like place and follow the NORDPFAD trail again, which winds romantically past several ponds. These are fed by about 400 surrounding springs and the Federlohmühlenbach, which cuts deep into the landscape and which we cross via a small footbridge. The trail now leads us into the heart of the Federloh forest. From the parking lot at Starting Point 2, a marked detour leads to Großen Bullensee and the Großes and Weiße Moor Nature Reserve is accessible, through which the NORDPFAD Dör't Moor trail runs.

The final 3 km run through the coniferous forest Sehlbruch back to the starting point Riekenbostel , a tranquil, agriculture-oriented village with old farmsteads and granaries idyllically nestled beneath giant oak trees, such as the lovingly restored “Cohrs Hof” farm complex with a two-post half-timbered building from 1640 and an adjoining residence, which we pass on the final few meters to the parking lot.


Connections to other NORDPFADEN trails
A 1.5-km access path leads from the Federloh parking lot to the Großer Bullensee parking lot, the starting point 1 of the NORDPFADES Dör't Moor and starting point 2 of the NORDPFADES Rotenburger Wasserreich.


Trail Closure Notices
Before your hike, you should check www.nordpfade.de to find out about possible detours and trail disruptions that may occur due to flooding, storm damage, or forestry work, for example.

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.

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 local tourist information offices and at Brochure Order . They are also available for download there. 

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


• NORDPFADE Overview Map
  This handy leaflet serves as a basic planning guide for the environmentally conscious.
  
  
• NORDPFADE Hiking Pass
  The stamp-free version for collectors.

There is also a paperback published by Editon Temmenverlag has published. An entertainingly written “hiking guide” by Lucia Gefken, who escapes her everyday life and takes up hiking.

• My NORDPFADE 
  Or: "It doesn't always have to be the Camino de Santiago!"