Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route
12.4kmLength
170mElevation gain
3–3.5hrEstimated time
Circular
Popular circular route in the UNESCO Elbe Biosphere Reserve, Lower Saxony.
The Gartower See is a recreational water body in the municipality of Gartow. It is ideal for trips with the entire family. It is a widely used local recreation area for locals and tourists. It is fed by the Seege River. There are 2 bathing beaches on the shore of the lake, which allow to cool off in the hot summer months. Pedal boating, sailing, surfing and fishing are also possible on the lake. There are also several viewing points to observe the nature around the lake.
The route starts at the Quarnstedt car park and goes north directly to the Elbe. There is a kiosk and toilets on the south bank.
Highlights of the hike:
- Gartower Lake
- Elbe
This text has been translated.
Top sights
Gartower See
Lake
Seege
River
Beobachtungsplattform "Westufer"
Viewpoint
Schloss Gartow
Castle
Südstrand
Beach
Nordstrand
Beach
Südlicher Schaugraben
River
Imbiss am See Stellplatz
Caravan site
Beobachtungspunkt Elbholz
Viewpoint
Popular times
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Frequently asked questions
What’s helpful to know about this trail?
Head out on this 12.4-km circular trail near Gartow, Lower Saxony. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 2 h 46 min to complete. This trail is great for hiking and running, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are February through October. Dogs are welcome and may be off-lead in some areas.
What is the expected weather this week for Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Expected weather for Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route for the next 5 days is:
- Tue 22 September - 18.8 degrees/mistig
- Wed 23 September - 15.4 degrees/buien
- Thu 24 September - 17 degrees/onbewolkt
- Fri 25 September - 18.2 degrees/onbewolkt
- Sat 26 September - 20.6 degrees/onbewolkt
Where is Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route located?
Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is a trail located in Biosphärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
How hard is Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is considered a moderate hike that covers 12.4 km, with an elevation gain of 170 m. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
What is the elevation gain for Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is considered a moderate hike that covers 12.4 km, with an elevation gain of 170 m. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Moderate trails often feature gradual climbs or obstacles like rocks or roots.
Is Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route a circular?
Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is a circular trail that covers 12.4 km, with an elevation gain of 170 m. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
How long is Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is a circular trail that covers 12.4 km, with an elevation gain of 170 m. It takes about 3–3.5 hr to complete. Circular trails have the same starting point and endpoint. You'll follow a single route without retracing your steps.
Are dogs allowed on Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Yes, dogs are allowed on Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route. Double check regulations about letting off the lead.
When is the best time of year to hike Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
February to October is the most popular time of year to visit Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route.
How busy is Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
According to trailgoers, Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is usually not too busy. February to October is the most popular time of year to visit Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route.
Are there lakes at Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Yes, Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is near Gartower See.
Are there rivers at Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Yes, Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is near Seege and Südlicher Schaugraben.
Are there scenic views at Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route features multiple scenic viewpoints. Some of the viewpoints include Beobachtungsplattform "Westufer" and Beobachtungspunkt Elbholz.
Are there beaches at Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Yes, Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is near Südstrand and Nordstrand.
Is Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route paved?
Yes, according to trailgoers, Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is partially paved.
Are there forests at Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Yes, Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route is a forest trail in Biosphärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.
Are there wildflowers at Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Yes, trailgoers have reported a variety of wildflower types on Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route, though the specific types can vary from month to month.
Is there wildlife at Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route?
Yes, many trailgoers have spotted wildlife at Gartower Lake - Elbe Circular Route in Biosphärenreservat Flusslandschaft Elbe - Mecklenburg-Vorpommern. Always observe wildlife from a safe distance.
Last updated on 20 September 2026 at 04:20 GMT+0