Bramke Bridge closed: what hikers at Lake Oker need to know now

If you are planning a hike around the Oker reservoir, there is one thing you should know: the Bramke Bridge — the most important crossing over the lake — has been fully closed since November 2023. Not just to cars. To bicycles and pedestrians as well. The loop as described in older hiking guides simply does not work like that anymore.

That sounds like bad news at first. But with the right information, the Oker reservoir is still wonderful to hike — and the construction site itself has become something of an attraction.

What is the Bramke Bridge — and why is it closed?

The Bramke Bridge crosses the Oker reservoir on the L517 regional road near Schulenberg. The structure was built in 1941 — at the same time as the Oker Dam itself. 83 years old, 166 metres long, with massive concrete piers rising above the reservoir.

In June 2023, inspectors discovered damage to the deck slabs. A repair was out of the question. In November 2023 the full closure followed — including for hikers and cyclists. A compromise was not technically possible.

A 140-metre crane above the reservoir

Anyone coming to the Oker reservoir right now witnesses something unusual: a 140-metre-tall special crane lifting the bridge out of the water span by span. The demolition has been under way since autumn 2025, piece by piece. In April 2026, Lower Saxony’s Transport Minister Grant Hendrik Tonne even visited the site — progress is running faster than planned.

The new bridge is being built on the historic concrete piers. The State of Lower Saxony is investing around 18 million euros. Completion is scheduled for the end of 2027. Until then the crossing remains closed.

The alternative route for hikers

The good news: the Oker reservoir can still be hiked beautifully. The classic loop runs just under 18 kilometres. The detour via the Sägemüllerweg adds around 1.5 kilometres to the route — but it leads mostly away from the main road through quiet forest.

Alternatively, you can walk directly along the B498 — a little louder, but doable. Anyone choosing the Sägemüllerweg should plan for around 80 extra metres of elevation gain. Komoot and other hiking apps have since adjusted the route accordingly.

Is it still worth a visit?

Yes — very much so. The Oker reservoir is as quiet right now as it hasn’t been in years. Where you once walked shoulder to shoulder along the shore path in high season, today you often have the trail to yourself. The construction site does draw curious glances, but no crowds.

And if you stay at a hotel right on the lake, you have it easier anyway: the route starts at the front door, reception knows the current status of the detours — and after a long loop, the sauna is waiting.

Our tip for the route

At check-in we hand you the most up-to-date directions. The situation at the lake changes with the progress of the construction — what holds true today may look different in two months. We keep ourselves informed and pass it on to our guests accordingly.