Discover Edertal: Edersee, nature and history

Edertal offers several highlights for a stay: the Eder Dam, a defining landmark; a river landscape shaped by water; opportunities for hiking and cycling; and distinctive experiences in its villages. When looking for a hotel in Edertal, you can first consider which of these aspects best fits your travel plans. This way, you can begin your search with the things you want to experience locally, rather than with a general idea of a holiday. The following places and activities offer different starting points.

Lake Edersee, the dam and the visitor centre

The Eder Dam was built between 1908 and 1914 and is the region’s defining landmark. Its illuminated wall is particularly impressive in the evening. The Edersee Visitor Centre in Hemfurth-Edersee offers personal advice for visitors, as well as digital information walls and an interactive terminal with information about the region. The centre also features the animated “Mythos Edersee” time-travel experience; a cross-section of the century-old structure brings the history of Lake Edersee to life. Personal advice, digital information and the time-travel experience offer different ways to discover the region and its history.

Nature and wildlife watching

The “Schwimmkaute” and “Krautwiese” nature reserves are former gravel extraction sites that have developed into water-rich habitats. This transformation from former industrial use into water-rich habitats gives the two areas a distinctive landscape setting. Hemfurth-Edersee is home to the Edersee Wildlife Park and the falconry centre. On 26 March 2026, the municipality announced that birds of prey could be observed at the falconry centre Tuesdays to Sundays and on public holidays at 11:00 and 15:00. Check locally for any changes to the times before your visit. There is also a high ropes course in the Erlebniswald Eschelberg adventure forest in the village of Hemfurth-Edersee.

Hiking and cycling

The Ederauen-Erlebnis-Weg runs between Mehlen and Giflitz through a varied river landscape and is suitable for hiking and cycling. Edertal also offers cycling tours along Lake Edersee, challenging routes through the low mountain landscape, and everyday routes between its villages. Walking options range from relaxing strolls to challenging hikes. There are also opportunities to hike on quality-certified trails, cycle along the Eder and around Lake Edersee, and take part in water sports. These differences can help you plan: consider whether a relaxing loop, a more challenging hike, a sporty cycling tour or water sports best suits your travel plans.

Local history and distinctive experiences

In the village of Giflitz, a historical village trail with 17 stops explores the area’s history and distinctive features. The trail opened in 2017. In Mehlen, you can pan for Eder gold under expert guidance. The two experiences differ in form: the village trail brings together local history at several stops, while gold panning is a guided activity. When planning your trip, you can choose between a route with historical stops and a hands-on experience.

Discover more destinations: Anraff, Wellen, Kleinern, Hemfurth, Bringhausen, Gellershausen, Mehlen, Burgwald

Return to the main travel overview: Waldeck-Frankenberg.