At Edersee, the Hessian Uplands reveal their water-rich side: swimming spots, water sports and other leisure activities shape this holiday destination. At the same time, discoveries range from birds of prey in free flight to ancient beech forests and historic castles. You can tailor your activities to your interests, whether you’re looking for nature, exercise or culture.
At Edersee: Water and wildlife
Sailing, surfing, motorboating, fishing and pedal boating are among the activities available at Edersee. The options include different ways to enjoy the water: sometimes the focus is on a boat trip, sometimes on sport or fishing. Swimming spots and other leisure activities round out the selection.
The Visionarium Diemelsee also focuses on water, but in a different way. This two-storey interactive exhibition explores Lake Diemelsee, water, people and nature; hands-on stations invite visitors to engage actively with these topics. At Edersee Wildlife Park, you can see a total of 21 different native species. The bird of prey centre puts on flight displays where, from a wheelchair-accessible viewing platform, you can watch falcons, kites, owls, eagle owls and vultures, among others, flying freely.
Beech forest, rocks and trails
In Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, ancient beech and oak trees line the cycling and hiking trails, alongside moss-covered roots, bizarre rock outcrops and clear springs. The blue of Edersee shimmers through the trees time and again. Exploring the landscape on foot or by bike, you encounter not only the forest but also recurring views of the water.
For a longer hike, follow the 66-kilometre Urwaldsteig Edersee trail. The entire route can be experienced in eight stages with rangers from Kellerwald-Edersee National Park. The stages and the ranger-guided walks give this tour its own character within the region’s wide range of nature experiences.
Castles and historic collections
At Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, monumental water features and the highly visible Hercules statue unite landscape and architecture in a striking example of absolutist landscape design and a unique Baroque work of art. Löwenburg Castle is also located in this UNESCO World Heritage Site: an artificial castle ruin built between 1793 and 1801 as a pleasure palace, not a fortress.
The Museum Schloss Friedrichstein focuses on military and hunting history. Its collection of Hessian military history includes weapons, uniforms, medals and paintings from the 16th to the 19th century. The Turcica collection includes a richly decorated audience tent. Schloss Friedrichstein can only be visited as part of a guided tour; the last tour begins at 3:30 p.m. Check the operator’s information before your visit.
Another historical highlight is Marburg Landgrave Castle, a medieval residence of the Hessian landgraves that now houses a museum with historic rooms. Electric bus route 10 goes up to the castle. As transport routes can change, it’s worth checking the connection before you travel.
Getting your bearings at Edersee
The Edersee Visitor Centre offers tourist information, the animated journey through time “Myth Edersee” and an attractive outdoor area. Alongside activities on the lake, you’ll also find information and a dedicated exhibition on the Edersee area.
Discover more destinations: Darmstadt-Dieburg, Hochtaunus, Wiesbaden, Marburg-Biedenkopf, Vogelsberg, Main-Taunus, GroĂź-Gerau, Schwalm-Eder-Kreis.
Back to the regional travel overview: Hesse.
