Südniedersachsen-Runde

The Südniedersachsen-Runde is a thoughtfully designed hiking circuit offering a rich cross-section of landscapes and culture in the southern part of Niedersachsen. Beginning in the historic town of Hann. Münden, where the Fulda and Werra rivers merge to form the Weser, the route traces a broad loop through the varied countryside. It meanders via Bursfelde’s quiet monastery setting, climbs into the wooded Solling near Uslar, and reaches Northeim, known for its scenic lakes and traditional town centre. From there, the path skirts the southern edge of the Harz, passing through Herzberg am Harz and descending towards the Eichsfeld hills around Duderstadt before looping back via Weißenborn, Eichenberg, Hedemünden and finally returning to Hann. Münden. And yes: that means multiple excursions to northern Hesse and Thuringia. But don‘t worry, no passport needed. 😉

What makes the Südniedersachsen-Runde particularly attractive is its balance between accessibility and immersion in nature. Each stage starts and ends at a place served by regional public transport, allowing walkers to join or leave the trail at will – ideal for weekend excursions or flexible section hikes. The scenery shifts constantly: dense forests, gentle river valleys, rolling farmland, and half-timbered towns blend into a route that combines physical challenge with cultural discovery. Whether tackled as a continuous trek or enjoyed in smaller portions, it offers a rewarding way to experience the quiet heart of Südniedersachsen.

This 230 km long round course consists of 11 sections that lead you through Südniedersachsen starting at Hann. Münden. Most section start and end points can be reached by public transport (either bus or train) directly from the railway station of Göttingen.

Section 1: Hann. Münden-Bursfelde

Kloster Bursfelde, Hann. Münden

The Südniedersachsen-Runde kicks off with a good mix of sightseeing, exploration and collecting kilometres. After leaving the railway station, walk down to the city center of Hann. Münden and have a look at the ancient town hall building and city center. Pass over the old Werrabrücke towards the city quarter Blume. An unusually steep ascent to the Weserliedanlage is rewarded with stunning views of the city. Follow the tracks of the former railway to Göttingen and discover an old railway tunnel deep in the forest. Afterwards, descend down to Volkmarshausen and up again into a forest belonging to the beautiful Bramwald. The very straight ‘Lange Bahn‘ leads you through the forest and later you descend next to the nice river Nieme to Bursfelde where you can visit the abbey. The restaurant Klostermühle has you covered if you need to wait for the bus back to Hann. Münden.

Section 2: Bursfelde-Uslar

This section starts and ends in Lower Saxony, but leads mostly through the federal state of Hesse – the former borders between the federal countries often come as a surprise. After walking through the meadows close to Kloster Bursfelde, the path leads you up into a wonderful forest. The mountains are full of springs and you can discover small rivers and even long but small waterfalls. When Oedelsheim comes into view, descend and have a look at the ferry boat (still today transporting cars) or get some refreshments. The ascent brings you into another wonderful forest close to the Zwerberg mountain and afterwards Vernawahlshausen comes into sight. Descend down and pass along the railway tracks to Uslar. If you’ve still got energy, walk over to the city center.

Section 3: Uslar-Moringen

This section is a Tale of Three Mountains: after leaving the railway station of Uslar, follow the railway tracks to Bollensen. There, ascent to the Kesselberg mountain; a steep ascent in full solitude. Follow the path in the direction of Delliehausen and descend towards the Bergsee, a nice lake at a former coal mining site. On the eastern side of the village, the next steep ascent awaits you and takes you through an unexpected and lonely mountain landscape. When passing down to Üssinghausen you can already spot the next mountain ridge and on top not only the Weper-Kammweg hiking path but also the Sohnreywarte on the Balos mountain – a protective hut and memorial built in 1931. From there the path takes you straight downhill to the city of Moringen. You’ll pass the Eisdiele Laubinger, the best ice cream parlor of the city, on the way to the bus stop Amtsfreiheit. In case you plan to visit the memorial for the former local concentration camp during Nazi times make sure to register for a guided tour upfront.

Section 4: Moringen-Northeim

Theater der Nacht, Northeim
Theater der Nacht, Northeim

Section 4 kicks off in the center of Moringen and leads you out to the foot of the Ducksteinberg. And yes – there would be a way more direct route to Northeim, but it would be less entertaining. On beautiful forest roads you’ll first reach the Ducksteinquelle, a spring in the mountains which creates tuff because of the calcareous water. To include some elevation, climb on a steep path up to the top of the Ducksteinberg and pass through lonely fields along the small flow Bölle to Hollenstedt. After crossing river Leine you’ll soon reach the Northeimer Seenplatte, a man-made lake district. If you want to cool down a bit: there is a bathing area with lifeguards on duty in summer! Later you can take the flat walk to the railway station of Northeim to return home (lots of trains passing there) – or if you’ve got some energy left: take the short hike to the city center or visit the puppet theatre Theater der Nacht.

Section 5: Northeim-Wulften

A mostly flat section running along two wonderful rivers! After reaching the railway station of Northeim head to the city center, enjoy the half-timbered houses and shop a bit on the farmers market before you follow the river Rhume out of the city. Once you reach Elvershausen, it is time to pass over to Katlenburg. There you can buy some drinks at the local distillery (Katlenburger Kellerei) and climb up to the Katlenburg castle. Continue in the direction of Lindau and follow the next river (the Oder, but not the large one in the east of Germany) on narrow and beautiful trails onward to Wulften.

Section 6: Wulften-Herzberg

Close to the railway station of Wulften you can return to the nature protection zone next to river Oder, the Oderaue. That’s not the only water you’ll see on your way: first you’ll find a nice rest area next to the Silbersee, later you can relax at the waters of the artifical Oderparksee. Afterwards, explore Hattorf am Harz and pass along the river Sieber to Hörden am Harz. Here you’ll find the Karstwanderweg, a hiking path that starts plain vanilla and later turns into a wonderful trail through the local mountains and up to the Schloss Herzberg. After visiting the castle site, climb down to Herzberg am Harz, enjoy the Juessee located within the city and conclude the section with a short walk to the railway station.

Section 7: Herzberg-Duderstadt

Westerturm, Duderstadt

A mystical spring, an enchanting beech forest and lots of half-timbered houses; that is section 7. After leaving the railway station of Herzberg am Harz, head through open fields and alongside the village of Pöhlde to the first highlight: the blue waters of the Rhumequelle. Afterwards pass through Rhumspringe and climb the Kuhhirtsberg to enjoy a nice walk through a beautiful beech forest. Another ascent brings you to Breitenberg and from there down to the historic city center with lots of half-timbered houses, beautiful churches and the twisted Westerturm. Once you’re finished with enjoying life at the lovely pedestrian zone you can take a bus back to Göttingen from the central bus station (ZOB) close to the city center.

Section 8: Duderstadt-Weißenborn

Pferdeberg, Teistungen

During section 8 you’ll be necessarily confronted with former borders – as Göttingen was pretty close to the inner-German border during the German split into FDR and GDR. After leaving the central bus station of Duderstadt, head towards Gerblingerode and Teistungen to experience how close the city was to the former border. Take your time to visit the Grenzlandmuseum and the preserved remains of the border, including a road block, fences and a tower. You can pass the fence from east to west, the horror disappears and converts into a beautiful forest to hike through. After passing Immingerode you can see the memorial stones for the mass exodus from Böseckendorf in 1961 and you’ll walk on the former guard road next to the border. Leave it behind you near Etzenborn and pass over to Weißenborn where a bus picks you up.

Section 9: Weißenborn-Eichenberg

Upon arrival climb up to the church of Weißenborn; behind it you’ll find a path leading you on a mountain ridge towards Siemerode. Ascent to Hohes Kreuz, enjoy the views and make your way down to Freienhagen where a nice path (belonging to the Eichsfeld-Wanderweg) takes you towards Rohrberg. Pass over to Rustenfelde and take your way up into the hills where you’ll again find the former inner-German border. The Weg der Geschichte, containing personal stories of the German division, brings you to the Rittergut Besenhausen known for its coffee bar and cultural events. Afterwards, take the last kilometers through Hottenrode and over to the railway station of Eichenberg. In case you’ve got some extra energy, you can visit the historic Dreiländereck shortly prior to reaching the railway station of Eichenberg.

Section 10: Eichenberg-Hedemünden

Schloß Berlepsch, Witzenhausen

Arrive refreshed, as this section starts with some steep ascends. After leaving the railway station, head towards the Steinköpfe mountains and climb up continuously. Pass through the forest and reach Schloss Berlepsch which is well preserved and still in use. After that the route gets even more beautiful – with narrow trails leading down to Hübenthal (time for a coffee break!) and along the small flow Hübenbach to Gertenbach. Traverse the river Werra and enter Blickershausen where you can climb up the hill and walk on top through a lonely landscape towards Hedemünden. There you can get on a train back to Göttingen. If you’ve got time left – outside of Hedemünden you can can discover the remains of a Roman camp, the Römerlager Hedemünden.

Section 11: Hedemünden-Hann. Münden

Old town seen from the Pionierbrücke, Hann. Münden

Not at all straightforward, but rather a special final; that is section 11. Leave the railway station of Hedemünden, pass over river Werra and use the Treidelpfad next to it. Follow the road to Zella and enjoy the ascent through the lovely Glasebachtal. At its upper end, find the path taking you to the Grundbachtal and follow it to downhill to the Grundmühle. From there, a hidden trail leads you up the mountain where you need to pass motorway A7 on a bridge and can arrive on forest paths in the upper parts of Hann. Münden. Visit the Freilichtbühne and take the steep Pickelgasse down to the city center. After crossing the Fulda river, climb up to the Tillyschanze tower and enjoy great views. Get down again, pay tribute to the Weserstein, have a look at the old townhall building and the St. Blasius church and get some refreshments before returning to the railway station. Congratulations, you’ve made it!

If you’re looking for a shorter round – try the Göttingen-Runde (seven sections, 140 km).

‘Did you do all the sections yourself?’

Yes, of course – and already in the very first section a path was completely overgrown and I had to find a new route. The sections were all well walkable at the time of writing – but things change fast, surprisingly even within forests. If you find any roadblocks, please comment below.

Südniedersachsen-Runde 11: Hedemünden-Hann. Münden on Strava

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.