Diekholzen: Hiking Trails, Beuster and Schwarze Heide

In Diekholzen, the Warm Beuster and Cold Beuster join to form a stream. A footpath with benches follows the Beuster through much of the town and invites you to take a stroll. On the ridge of Schwarze Heide, extensive stands of common heather shape the landscape; individual oak and birch trees grow along the edge. There is also Tosmarberg in Söhre, a district of Diekholzen, whose summit offers far-reaching views in good weather. If you enjoy exploring on foot, you will find a variety of landscapes and routes here, so not every outing has to be the same.

Beuster, the ridge and the heath

The Beuster provides a peaceful point of reference for a walk: the path beside the stream has benches and runs through a large part of Diekholzen. Schwarze Heide offers a different setting. It lies in a nature reserve established to preserve this type of landscape. The heath’s appearance changes with the seasons; individual oak and birch trees contrast with the open heathland on the ridge.

Tosmarberg also combines a specific landscape feature with a possible hiking destination. In clear weather, the summit offers extensive views of the surrounding area. There is a guestbook for hikers at the summit cross. Trail conditions, markings and facilities may change; check the current conditions before setting out.

Hiking trails with a range of destinations

The routes differ mainly in their courses and destinations. One hiking route runs from Diekholzen via Ziegenberghoch and Tosmar towards Bad Salzdetfurth. Another starts in the Sundern area and goes via HammersteinsHütte towards Petze. A third leads from the former industrial site via Mathildenhall towards Haus Escherde. Sundern is also the starting point for several circular hiking trails.

In Diekholzen, the Rennstieg runs from the lung clinic to the western edge of town and continues towards Nienstedt. The Way of St. James and the Rennstieg share part of their route; along these shared sections, direction signs and a scallop shell mark the way. This gives you several options: a circular walk starting in Sundern, routes to destinations such as Petze or Bad Salzdetfurth, and the Rennstieg, which passes through the town. Check trail conditions and signs before setting out.

Cycling connections and the former railway line

Diekholzen has a well-developed cycling network. An 18-kilometre cycle route along the former Kalibahn railway line connects the Innerste and the Leine. The former railway route is also visible at notable points in the town: it crosses the state road over a railway bridge and runs through the former Hildesia site into the Hildesheim Forest. Surface conditions, connections and access may change; check the latest information before your ride.

A pilgrims’ hostel in town

Pilgrims can stay at a hostel in Diekholzen with four beds. Facilities include a washroom with a shower and toilet, as well as a kitchenette. This specific accommodation is one option to consider when planning your trip; it does not replace checking other overnight options. Confirm the facilities and availability before you arrive.

Culture in the wider Hildesheim destination

If you would also like to focus your trip on culture, the wider Hildesheim destination offers other distinct attractions. In Alfeld, the Fagus Factory is considered the first truly modern building and a pioneering work of modern industrial architecture. It is home to a UNESCO visitor centre with interactive exhibits on the history of the World Heritage site and the core principles of the World Heritage Convention.

Hildesheim itself has further notable cultural destinations: St. Michael’s is a three-aisled basilica in the Ottonian, pre-Romanesque or early Romanesque style. Together with St. Mary’s Cathedral, the church was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1985. St. Mary’s Cathedral houses the Bernward Doors, a masterpiece of bronze casting. The Roemer and Pelizaeus Museum Hildesheim offers a different perspective: since December 2025, visitors have been able to explore objects from 4,000 years of ancient Egyptian culture at multimedia interactive stations in the newly opened permanent Egyptian exhibition. The exhibition is designed to be family-friendly and immersive.

Discover more destinations: Despetal, Hoyershausen, Giesen, Wittenburg, Ahrbergen, Hildesheim, Burgstemmen, Elze.

Back to the main travel overview: Hildesheim.