Discover Hagen Settlement

Hagen Forest is part of the Stellmoor-Ahrensburg Tunnel Valley Nature Reserve. It lies on both sides of Hagener Allee and north of the Am Hagen settlement. Old oaks and beeches have survived on the slopes leading down to the Tunnel Valley and along its side valleys.

Forest and a glacially shaped valley

Hagen Forest and the Stellmoor-Ahrensburg Tunnel Valley Nature Reserve form a glacially shaped valley landscape with forest habitats. Protected species include orchids, dragonflies, frogs and common toads. This combination of forest, valley and named groups of animals and plants gives the natural area its distinctive character. Visitors interested in landscapes and nature will find specific features here to focus on when planning their trip.

Castle rampart and archaeological traces

The remains of Arnesvelde Castle lie in the northwestern part of Hagen Forest. Unusually large earth ramparts and ditches have survived as remains of the castle. It was probably built by Count Albrecht of Orlamünde no later than the beginning of the 13th century. The cautious dating and attribution are part of the structure’s history; the surviving ramparts and ditches also make up its visible form. A geological and archaeological trail through the forest leads to a number of noteworthy archaeological sites in the woods.

Moorland Trail and floating wooden bridge

Another walking route passes through the nature reserve in the Ahrensburg Tunnel Valley: the Moorland Trail crosses a 320-metre-long floating wooden bridge. The bridge ends at the foot of an early medieval castle mound, surrounded by old beeches and oaks. As conditions on the ground may change, it is a good idea to check the latest information before your visit.

The Moorland Trail and the geological and archaeological trail have different focuses: one crosses the long bridge through the nature reserve, while the other leads to archaeological sites in Hagen Forest. This distinction can help you decide whether you are more interested in the moorland landscape and castle mound or in geological and archaeological sites.

Cycling routes and itineraries

There are also several different route descriptions to help you find your way by bike. The Wandse–Höltigbaum–Ahrensburg cycling tour reaches the Am Hagen settlement via Ahrensfelder Weg. The circular cycling route “Through avenues into the Tunnel Valley” heads south along Am Hagen, Dänenweg, Brauner Hirsch and Ginsterweg. Ahrensburg Ost U-Bahn station is also listed as a possible starting point for this route.

Another circular cycling route leads from Ahrensburg through Hagen Forest. The three routes can be distinguished by their described features: one reaches the Am Hagen settlement via Ahrensfelder Weg, one is described by its sequence of streets and the possible U-Bahn station as a starting point, and one passes through the forest. Check the current route before setting off, as route details may change.

For the broader travel overview: Ahrensburg.