Heidenau between forest, moor and cycling route

Heidenau’s landscape provides a setting for local recreation. One specific natural attraction is the Heidenau Holiday Centre: it is located in the municipality’s forest and moorland and covers around 35 hectares. For planning your trip, the cycling route within the municipality, the natural features near Dohren and the facilities at the holiday centre offer different points of reference.

Forest, moor and facilities at the holiday centre

The holiday centre has a heated swimming pool and pony rides through the forest. Dates and availability for the rides may change, so check the current options in advance. Free local maps are available at reception and can help you find your way around Heidenau.

Cycling on the Hamburg–Bremen route

The Heidenau section of the Hamburg–Bremen cycling route runs alongside the wedding forest. The route includes a rest area. The “Heidenauer Riese” glacial erratic near Heidenau is also connected to the route. From Büntberg, the route offers a view of the Dohrener Heide. Around Heidenau, the Hamburg–Bremen route also passes farms with fieldstone walls. These points offer different impressions of the route, from its connection to the forest to a place to rest and a viewpoint. As part of a completed improvement project, a cobblestone section of the route in Heidenau was removed. The wider Harburg destination has a dense network of cycling routes, including 1,000 kilometres of signposted tourist cycling paths. This is the regional context; the points mentioned describe the Heidenau section.

Protected areas and historical connections

Different landscape features also meet near Dohren. The heathland near Dohren is part of the Estetal Nature Reserve; an area near Dohren is also part of the Natura 2000 site “Este, Bötersheimer Heide, Glüsinger Bruch and Osterbruch”. Maps from the 18th century referred to Dohren and Heidenau as “Dohrener Heide”. The protected areas define natural landscapes, while the historical name grouped both places under an earlier landscape designation.

Accommodation and getting there

At the holiday centre, you can stay in a caravan, motorhome or tent. It has 80 pitches in a green setting and also offers holiday homes for up to four people. This means camping and holiday home options are available alongside the option of looking specifically for a hotel. Pitch capacity and holiday home availability may change; confirm them before travelling. The access road to the holiday centre leads from A1 exit 46 Heidenau, followed by around two kilometres of road. Check road conditions before travelling.

Food and regional products

The Akropolis Athene restaurant is part of the holiday centre. Fruit, vegetables, fish, meat and sausages from regional producers are also available on site. As business details and product ranges may change, check the latest information before visiting.

Discover more destinations: Appel, Bendestorf, Tostedt, Winsen An Der Luhe, Hollenstedt, Salzhausen, Sieversen, Seevetal.

See the main travel overview: Harburg.