Lichtenfels

Lichtenfels is located within the low mountain landscape known as the Waldeck Switzerland. The local scenery ranges from river valleys and hiking routes to the history of Lichtenfels Castle and archaeological traces in Goddelsheim.

Landscape and hiking

The banks of the Aar, Orke and Nuhne form a hiking area with gentle hills and romantic valleys. The Lichtenfels Panorama Trail is a certified quality trail and runs for 70 kilometers through the municipal area. Its defining features include the valleys of the Nuhne, Aar, Orke and Heimbach, as well as views toward Korbach, Kellerwald and the Rothaar Mountains.

Three designated trekking sites along the panoramic trail allow overnight stays in nature. Their use depends on local management and availability. Check both before planning this type of overnight stay.

Cycling

Designated cycling routes in Lichtenfels lead through forests and meadows and have shelters and rest areas. As individual facilities may change, check their current availability before setting out.

The Lichtenfels Circular Cycling Route (LR1) passes through valleys, forests and meadows and can be challenging in places. It offers a distant view of the ruins of the former Gut Schaaken monastery between Goddelsheim and Immighausen. Those weighing up hiking and cycling options will find different features: the Lichtenfels Panorama Trail is a certified quality trail covering 70 kilometers; the LR1 can be challenging in places.

History in Lichtenfels

Lichtenfels Castle was built in 1189 by the abbot of Corvey and rebuilt between 1223 and 1230 after being destroyed early on. Extensive restorations followed from 1908 to 1914 and again in the 1990s.

The church in Dalwigksthal preserves the Gothic choir of a medieval chapel, while its present-day nave was rebuilt in 1620. Thus, a medieval choir and a much later nave come together in one building. Archaeological graves and finds in Goddelsheim point to a history reaching back to before the 9th century. Fürstenberg is designated a state-recognized resort.

Waldeck-Frankenberg in the wider context

In the broader destination of Waldeck-Frankenberg, other nature and cultural themes complement the regional setting. The 66-kilometer Urwaldsteig Edersee can be walked in eight stages or as part of a three-day ranger hike, with around 22 kilometers per stage. The GeoFoyer Kalkturm Korbach presents the landscape and wildlife around Korbach 250 million years ago. An exhibition also covers the extraction and processing of limestone and its industrial use in the quarry for over 100 years.

The Historic Town Hall of Frankenberg (Eder) is a half-timbered town hall dating from 1509; its ten towers represent the town’s ten guilds. The Kellerwald National Park Center in Vöhl-Herzhausen on Lake Edersee offers an interactive exhibition with exhibits on the wilderness of the Kellerwald, as well as a 4D sensory film about wilderness and wildlife. Every Saturday, the weekly market of the Landfrauen takes place at the Rathausschirn of the Historic Town Hall of Frankenberg (Eder); check the dates before your trip.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Sachsenberg, Fürstenberg, Frankenberg, Waldeck, Twistetal, Burgwald, Edertal, Frankenau.

To the overarching travel overview: Waldeck-Frankenberg.