Gellershausen: Hiking, Half-Timbered Houses and Nature

During a stay in Gellershausen, you can plan your excursions around hiking, local history or cycling. The hiking options are particularly specific: the 12.23-kilometre, moderately difficult circular hike on the Traddelkopf-Locheichen Route starts and ends at the “Heinrichshütte” National Park entrance and car park in Edertal-Gellershausen. It leads through beech forests, past pollarded beeches and heathland remnants, and through the Traddelkopf area.

Hiking between beech forest and cultural landscape

The landscape along the Locheichen Route can also be described precisely: it leads through an old beech forest that is part of the World Heritage Site, across the National Park’s grassland and through a varied rural cultural landscape. The Traddelkopf Route runs along a part of the National Park designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes ancient beech forest. The Tannendriesch Pavilion is located on the Locheichen Route: this historic wildlife-feeding site now serves as an information pavilion.

Another option is the recommended circular trail around the Ebachsköppel. It is not waymarked and starts at a water reservoir, which you can reach via “An der Litt” road at the edge of Gellershausen in the direction of Hüddingen. The loop takes about 45 minutes. When planning, keep in mind both that the route is unmarked and its approximate duration. The “Paradies bei Gellershausen” nature reserve is also located near Gellershausen. A circular trail of about seven kilometres leading there starts at the “Spicke” recreation area near Kleinern.

A 650-metre footpath leads from the Edertal-Gellershausen, Försterei bus stop to the Heinrichshütte National Park entrance. If you plan to travel by bus, check the connections for your travel date.

Village character, church and museum

Restored half-timbered façades shape the appearance of Gellershausen. A stone sculpture group depicting a shepherd and pigs stands on Schwinneplatz. The church’s building history also reflects different periods: the masonry of the Romanesque choir dates from the 13th century. The nave was added a century later and subsequently altered in the Baroque style.

The “Spielzeugeisenbahnen im Schaufenster” museum displays toy trains and accessories from the heyday of the toy train, from 1900 through the 1980s. Individual appointments can be arranged for groups of five or more. Before making plans, ask about a suitable appointment.

Cycling and relaxing at the footbath

Cyclists can use two sections of the Edersee Cycle Path 3 for orientation: from Giflitz, the route follows the Wesetal educational trail to Gellershausen; between Gellershausen and Bringhausen, it crosses Kellerwald-Edersee National Park. Check the current route conditions before setting off.

You can reach the footbath in Gellershausen via a small footbridge from the “Im Erlengrund” or “Am Gersthof” path. It offers a chance to cool off after hiking the Angstberg Route 2 and relax on a sun lounger. The pool may be dry during summer droughts. Bear this in mind when planning your visit.

More destinations in the wider Edertal destination

Other distinct destinations in the wider Edertal area offer additional options for your stay. In the district of Hemfurth-Edersee, you will find the Edersee Wildlife Park and the falconry centre, as well as a high ropes course in Eschelberg Adventure Forest. The Edersee Visitor Centre offers personal advice, digital information walls and an interactive terminal with information about the region. The Eder Dam, built between 1908 and 1914, is a defining landmark of the region.

Between Mehlen and Giflitz, the Ederauen Adventure Trail invites you to hike and cycle through a varied river landscape. In Mehlen, you can pan for Eder gold under expert guidance; ask about dates if you are planning a specific visit. These destinations are part of the wider Edertal destination and should be distinguished from the attractions described in Gellershausen.

Discover more destinations: Wellen, Anraff, Kleinern, Bringhausen, Hemfurth, Mehlen.

Go to the overview of the wider destination: Edertal.