A flat, largely paved circuit around Saarland's largest lake, alternating between lakeside promenade, reed beds, and pine woodland, popular with families and combinable with the lake's watersports facilities.
The Bostalsee-Rundwanderweg circles Saarland's largest lake near the Erlebnisbad Bostalsee leisure centre in Nohfelden. The trailhead is best reached by car, with parking available at the Freizeitzentrum; a regional bus also runs to Nohfelden-Bosen, from which it is a short walk to the lakeshore.
The loop covers 8.5 kilometres with only about 60 metres of cumulative elevation gain, making it one of the flattest trails in the region. Much of the route follows a paved or firmly compacted lakeside promenade, with short unpaved stretches through reed beds and pine woodland on the lake's quieter northern side; there is no exposure or technical terrain anywhere on the loop, and shade varies from open lakeside sun to wooded shelter depending on the section.
The main landmarks are the Erlebnisbad Bostalsee swimming and watersports centre at the start, several small bays and reed-bed viewpoints favoured by birdwatchers, and picnic areas spaced around the shoreline. Because the trail is a loop with access points near the leisure centre, hikers can shorten the walk at several points by cutting back toward the Freizeitzentrum rather than completing the full circuit. There are no refuge huts along the lake, but the Erlebnisbad complex at the start and finish has restrooms, a cafe, and water refill points, and several kiosks operate seasonally around the shoreline in summer.
The flat, mostly paved surface and lack of technical difficulty make this route well suited to families, casual walkers, and runners, and it is commonly combined with a swim or watersports session at the lake.
| Distance | 8.5km loop |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2-2.5 hours |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Trailhead | Reached by car; regional bus to Nohfelden-Bosen with a short walk |
| Best season | March to November |
| Address | Erlebnisbad Bostalsee, Freizeitzentrum 1, 66625 Nohfelden, Germany |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Nohfelden, Saarland
What to bring
- Comfortable walking or running shoes
- Water bottle
- Sunscreen
- Binoculars for lakeside birdwatching
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Location
Erlebnisbad Bostalsee, Freizeitzentrum 1, 66625 Nohfelden, Germany
49.5644, 7.0197 View on map
Highlights
- Full circuit of Saarland's largest lake
- Reed-bed viewpoints for birdwatching
- Combinable with swimming and watersports at Erlebnisbad Bostalsee
- Flat, largely paved surface suitable for families
Tips for visiting
- Combine the walk with a swim at the Erlebnisbad, especially in summer
- Rent bicycles at the Freizeitzentrum if a longer combined outing around the wider lake area is preferred
- Bring binoculars for the reed-bed sections, which attract waterbirds
- Visit on a weekday morning to avoid crowds near the leisure centre in peak summer
- Apply sunscreen, since long stretches of the lakeside promenade are unshaded
When to visit
The lake loop is walkable year-round; early mornings in spring and autumn are quietest, while summer weekends draw large crowds to the adjoining Erlebnisbad.
Accessibility
The paved lakeside promenade sections are wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, though the unpaved stretches through reed beds and pine woodland on the northern shore may be harder going for wheelchairs after rain.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Bostalsee-Rundwanderweg suitable for families with young children?
Yes, the flat, mostly paved 8.5-kilometre loop with minimal elevation gain is well suited to families and casual walkers.
Are there refreshment options along the way?
The Erlebnisbad Bostalsee complex at the start and finish has a cafe and restrooms, and seasonal kiosks operate around the shoreline in summer.
Can the walk be shortened?
Yes, several access points near the Freizeitzentrum allow hikers to cut the loop short and return without completing the full circuit.
Is the trail good for birdwatching?
Yes, the reed-bed sections along the lake's quieter shore are popular with birdwatchers, particularly in the early morning.