Mehlen combines a forest trail with bat habitats, floodplain paths and opportunities for observing nature. When looking for a holiday apartment, it may help to decide first what you would like to focus on: a trail through Mehler Holz, walking or cycling tours between Mehlen and Giflitz, or individual nature-based activities.
Forest route and paths along the Eder
The 6.3-kilometre Mehler Holz Route starts at the car park at Dinkelsburg above Mehlen. A bat symbol marks the trail; at the foot of Rabenstein, it leads through moss-rich oak and pine forests. You can factor the route length into your day’s plans and choose a walking time that suits your own pace.
Another option is the Eder Floodplains Experience Trail between Mehlen and Giflitz. You can explore it on foot or by bicycle, and it passes the Schwimmkaute and Krautwiese nature reserves. Both reserves were created in former gravel extraction areas and are among the most species-rich bodies of water in Hesse. Mehlen is also one of the stops along the 166-kilometre Eder Cycle Route. This makes it easy to distinguish between the options: the Mehler Holz Route runs through the forest at Rabenstein, while the Eder Floodplains Experience Trail and the Eder Cycle Route offer opportunities for cycling.
Bats and nature reserves
The particularly valuable area of Rabenstein in Mehler Holz was designated a nature reserve in 1991 and became part of the national park in 2004. Many bats live in Mehler Holz, including the Natterer’s bat, Nathusius’ pipistrelle, greater mouse-eared bat and brown long-eared bat. They find shelter in tree hollows and beneath the peeling bark of dead trees.
The “Schwimmkaute near Mehlen” nature reserve lies in the Eder Valley between Mehlen and Giflitz, along the Eder in the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg. It was created in a former gravel extraction area that has been left to undergo succession for a long time. Together with Krautwiese, it provides another nature-focused stop along the Eder Floodplains Experience Trail; the two nature reserves represent aquatic habitats that have developed from former gravel extraction areas.
Nature observation and gold panning
A nature observation station with a viewing platform is located at Dinkelburg in Mehlen. The platform is accessible via firm paths. A bee ball at the station offers a special view into the world of bees, adding another nature-themed activity to observing bats and their habitats in Mehler Holz.
Gold panning is another special experience in Mehlen: at the Mehlen Goldwelten claim, you can pan for real Eder gold under expert guidance. If you would like to include this in your plans, confirm the date in advance.
Getting there and more things to do in the Eder Valley
The Dinkelsburg entrance to the national park near Mehlen is a 1.3-kilometre walk from the Edertal-Mehlen, Affolderner StraĂźe bus stop. This is a specific planning detail to consider if you would like to include the walk to the entrance. Also check the best connection to the bus stop for your travel date.
The wider Edertal destination has other, separate places to visit. In the village of Hemfurth-Edersee, you will find the Edersee Wildlife Park with its falconry centre, as well as a high ropes course in Eschelberg Adventure Forest. The Edersee Visitor Centre offers personal advice for visitors, digital information walls and an interactive terminal with information about the region. The Eder Dam was built between 1908 and 1914 and is the region’s defining landmark; the illuminated dam wall is especially memorable in the evening.
When planning your stay, you can combine Mehlen’s forest and nature attractions with the paths between Mehlen and Giflitz, or include Edertal as a wider destination. The holiday apartment you look for will therefore depend mainly on which of these activities you want to focus on during your trip.
Discover more destinations: Bringhausen, Wellen, Hemfurth, Anraff, Gellershausen, Kleinern.
Back to the main travel overview: Edertal.
