NORDPFAD Riepholm-Gilkenheide

We start our hike in Visselhövede, at the parking lot of a former discount store. A 1.9-km-long, sandy access path leads through the fields to the actual loop trail. The same access path also leads back to the starting point. This should be taken into account when planning a hike starting from Visselhövede.

Once we reach the circular hiking trail, we follow it clockwise, hiking through meadows and along the edge of a forest. A short time later, we take the small turnoff to the right toward the settlement Delventhal and, shortly thereafter, enter a private forest characterized by the dense canopy of large beech trees. The trail leads past the idyllic isolated farmsteads of Delventhal and continues along the edge of the forest on closely mowed “English-style lawns” until it reaches the K 208.

We cross the K 208 and enter the forested area of Gilkenheide. Today, nothing remains of the former, expansive heathland; instead, fields, meadows, and forests define the landscape. The former heathlands were deeply plowed with a steam plow in 1911 and 1912 to create farmland and space for reforestation.

Upon reaching the edge of the forest, we turn right onto the path. Somewhat hidden, about 50 meters further on, lie the Gilkenheide burial mounds from the Bronze Age, completely concealed on the right side of the forest. From here, the nature trail runs along the edge of the forest through expansive farmland all the way to Riepholm. Just before crossing the railroad tracks, the Riepholmer Model Farmis an interesting stop. Here, the cultivation of climate-adapted crops is being tested. An educational trail with information panels provides details about the project and the varieties grown there.

After the detour, we cross the railroad tracks and follow the path to the picturesque Bioland Farm Wilkens, the starting point 2 of this NORDPFAD. A rest area with a shelter in front of the farm invites you to take a break,  while goats and sheep graze in the orchard meadow in the background. During the summer months, fresh fruit is often available for purchase and consumption at the self-service farm stand by the road.

We continue our hike along a road that is paved at first, walking through the agricultural region of Gilkenheid. After about 1.4 km, we cross a small river. For about 18 km, the Warnau—also known here as the Schneebach—winds its way from its source in Behningen to Walsrode. There, it flows into the Böhme, a tributary of the Aller.

Leaving the Warnau behind us, we enter the forested part of the Gilkenheide. On the sandy, former horse-drawn carriage postal route, you can enjoy the shady coniferous forest in all its glory. Along the way, we also pass a blueberry plantation owned by the Wilkens family, who run the Riepholmer Hof Wilkens of the same name. During harvest season, visitors can pick their own berries or purchase them.

After about 1.5 km through the forest—which can be quite damp in some areas during the winter months—we turn right and hike through expansive meadows and fields. Once again, the small meadow stream Warnau crosses our path until, shortly thereafter, we reach Ottingen, where the occasional NORDPFADE.Bank stands along the trail. This small village was first mentioned in 937; it belonged to the Walsrode Monastery for a long time and was assigned to the parish of Visselhövede in 1717. The village is also home to a small Grünhagen Family Farm Store, where you can purchase regional products as well as beverages and various snacks.

From Ottingen, we hike through a gently rolling geest landscape, enjoying spectacular panoramic views along the way. After crossing the railroad tracks a second time and reaching the edge of the forest via a sandy path, we’re enchanted by a small forest trail that leads us partly through a dense mixed forest. Finally, we return to the intersection. There, we take the 1.9 km-long side trail to Visselhövede. The small town offers a variety of places to stop for refreshments and shopping. For those who haven’t had enough of hiking yet, the Bürgerpark Visselseen offers another lovely loop to round out the day.


Short Loop Option (6 km - approx. 2.0 hours)
This varied 6-km family tour covers the northern part of the NORDPFAD and leads fromthe Bioland Farm Wilkens in Riepholm counterclockwise, first to the Gilkenheide burial mounds, from there to the Delventhal Farm , and finally toward Ottingen.

Before reaching the railroad tracks, however, turn left, take the “alternative route” indicated on a signpost, and follow the Riepholm Model Farm Nature Trail heading west. At the end of the nature trail, we turn right, cross the tracks, and hike back to the starting point, the Wilkens Bioland Farm in Riepholm .
          
                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                           Important Information on Distances and Walking Times

• NORDPFAD + Access Path from NP-Markt (round trip): 14.6 km / approx. 5 hrs.
• NORDPFAD from Riepholm: 10.8 km /  approx. 3 1/2 hrs.
• Short North Variant: 6 km / approx. 2 hours.
  

Trail Closure Notices
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.

Markierungszeichen
Das Markierungszeichen zeigt ein weißes „N“ auf orangem Grund mit dem Namen des NORDPFADES Riepholm-Gilkenheide.

Beschilderung
Zielwegweiser ergänzen die Markierung und sind an markanten Stellen platziert. Auf den Wegweisern sind Orte aufgeführt, die sich auf der Strecke befinden oder von dort abzweigen, samt den Entfernungskilometern. Unterhalb befindet sich das Logo des jeweiligen NORDPFADES.

Komoot
In der bekannten Outdoor-App haben wir alle 24 Rundwanderwege in einer eigenen NORDPFADE-Collection zusammengestellt. Die Touren sind auch im Portal unter der Region "Nördliche Heide" zu finden.

Noch nicht auf Komoot?
Für Neukunden gibt es einen kostenfreien Gutschein-Code. Der Code lautet ROW und kann über "Gutscheinn einlösen" auf komoot.de/g oder unter dem Link https://komoot.com/de-de/g?code=ROW eingelöst werden.

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 fold-out 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!"