Behringen: Brunausee, Heath and Burial Mounds

There are several ways to discover Behringen: at Brunausee, across restored heathland, among burial mounds, and along paths on foot or by bike. When choosing your accommodation, consider which of these experiences you want to shape your stay: walks and time by the water, longer excursions, or an insight into the landscape’s history. Each place and route offers something different.

Brunausee: water, walks and summer festival

Brunausee is situated at the entrance to the village, surrounded by woodland. Covering 70,000 square metres, it offers plenty of space for walks and relaxation by the water. The lake was created artificially in the 1980s and is a popular destination for spending time on the shore. If you would rather experience the water from a pedal boat, you can rent one of four pedal boats at Brunausee through Café Seeterrasse.

The Behringen Lake Festival is also held at Brunausee, on the first weekend in August. Highlights include illuminated water displays followed by a spectacular fireworks display. If you want to plan your trip around the festival, check the programme for the relevant year. That way, you can plan your time at the lake as either a peaceful walk or a visit on a specific event date.

Behringen Heath and burial mounds

Behringen Heath is a restored area that is especially important for recreation. It was once part of a military training area used by the British armed forces. After the former area was transferred to the Nature Conservation Park Association in 1994, the heath was restored with the involvement of volunteers and the Behringen Tourist Association. The heath begins directly behind the car park on Haverbecker Straße, about 500 metres from the edge of Behringen.

The Behringen burial mound site, a group of at least 27 burial mounds of various sizes, is also located on the edge of the village. Behringen Burial Mound Heath has an accessible circular trail of around 400 metres. The two sites offer distinctly different impressions of the local landscape: the restored heathland and the archaeologically significant burial mound site. If you are looking for a manageable walk, the approximate length of the circular trail is a useful guide; check the route details before your visit.

Cycling and walking tours

For cycling, the Behringen Heath Tour is a dedicated option: this circular cycle route is 21.26 kilometres long and starts and ends in Behringen. On foot, the Heideweite hiking trail begins directly at the car park and follows heathland paths through Behringen Heath. The route passes through a small patch of woodland, by a historic sheepfold, and on to the heathland at Wulfsberg. You can choose between a circular cycle route with a stated total distance and a hiking trail that passes through a variety of landscapes.

Another hike, B1 “Shelter Beneath the Leafy Canopy,” offers open views of Totengrund after leaving the forest. It also crosses a boardwalk through a marshy area. The contrast between forest, views and boardwalk makes it different from the heathland paths on the Heideweite trail. Check the details of each route before setting out, especially if you are planning your day around a particular trail.

Village life and regional specialities

For a break in the heart of Behringen, the village park with its heath garden offers seating, a boules court and a chessboard. Alongside the tours, you can also enjoy quieter activities and places to relax. If you are interested in regional food, try delicacies made from Heidschnucke lamb at Landschlachterei Hermann Meyer, using meat from the Lüneburg Heath Nature Reserve. The meat has been prepared there since 1928 using recipes refined over generations. Check the latest opening information before visiting.

Getting here and other destinations

From 3 July 2026, Behringen will be on the Heide-Shuttle Ring 2 route between Tostedt, Handeloh, Undeloh, Egestorf and Oberhaverbeck. On this route, the shuttle transports bicycles free of charge to places of interest or starting points for cycling and hiking tours. This may be useful when planning a trip that combines cycling or walking with the shuttle. As seasonal details are important, check the timetable before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Essel, Gilten, Böhme, Bad Fallingbostel, Samtgemeinde Ahlden / Hodenhagen, Siedlung Am Krummen Winkel, Munster, Schneverdingen.

Return to the regional travel overview: Heidekreis.