NORDPFAD Haxloher Erde

We'll start at Melkhus Fintel and hike along the grassy strip next to the paved road until we reach the intersection on the Wohlsberg. Here, we turn left onto a dirt road that takes us 1.3 km along nature trails through the expansive fields and meadows of the Fintaumiederung.  Once we arrive at the idyllic Fintau Bridge, it’s worth taking a short break. The 18.3-km-long Heideflus River originates in the Lüneburg Heath and flows into the Wümme near Lauenbrück. It serves as a habitat for numerous fish, such as sea trout and salmon.

Leaving the bridge behind us, we hike right through the fields and enjoy the view of the Langewiese parcel. Following a paved path, we reach the next intersection, where we turn left onto the street Im Vieh. We follow the Birkenallee—which is paved at first and later becomes cobblestone—along the adjacent green strip. Barely noticeable on the right side of the path, the 43-meter-high Feienberg rises above the Fintau lowlands. On the other side of the path is a small marsh area drained by the Florgraben, which we cross shortly thereafter.

Following the next signpost, we hike eastward toward Feienbuschs Moor, cross the K221, and reach the Wiesenblick rest area. Ahead of us lies a vast expanse of grassland. During a break here or elsewhere in the spring and fall, you can listen to the trumpeting chorus of numerous resting cranes. On the southern edge of the Hammoor, we hike to the Hammoor Woodland, turn right onto the cobblestone road, and follow the path to the next intersection. On the left is the southwestern part of the Upper Fintau Valley Nature Reserve, which protects a section of the eighteen-kilometer-long Fintau River with its alder, birch, and pine groves.

We follow the trail and the Fintau River westward. Hidden from view, the heathland river winds its way through a floodplain forest. We catch only occasional glimpses of the Fintau,  while on the other side of the trail we have a wide view of the farmlands and fields. Passing a biogas plant, we cross the K 221 again, pass a farmstead, and continue straight ahead on the fine-gravel path. A short distance past the Mühlenbachswiesen , we leave the trail and hike along the NORDPFAD toward Fintel. We cross the Fintau again, reach the small settlement of Wohlsberg , and finally our starting point, the Melkhus Fintel.

If you’d like, take a look inside the open barn at Aselmann family farm  and enjoy a bite to eat at the Melkhus during the summer months. The 1.3 km detour to the town center of Fintel is also well worth it. In addition to places to stop for refreshments, shopping, and lodging, the Schimmes Hoff Heritage House with its beautiful garden, as well as the open-air St. Antonius Cycle Path Church can be visited.


Short Route
The short, family-friendly 4.5-km route, which takes about 1 1/2 hours, leads from Melkhus Fintel via Wohlsdorf to the Fintaubrücke bridge. From the Langewiese that follows, however, do not head toward the street "Im Vieh," but go directly to the Fintau and from there back to Melkhus Fintel.


Connections to other NORDPFADEN trails:
A 2.8 km access trail leads to Osterberg, starting point 1 of the NORDPFAD Osterberg.


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

Marker
The marker shows a white "N" on an orange background with the name of the NORDPFAD Haxloher Erde.

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.