Waldecker-Land / Edersee Region
The Waldecker Land is the most visited tourist region in the state of Hesse and a wonderful holiday destination for families, nature lovers and the 50+ generation.The flagship of the Waldecker country is undoubtedly the reservoir Edersee - to the Waldeck district but also sonore names like Bad Wildungen, Bad Arolsen with beautiful castle (birthplace of Queen Emma of NL), Willingen, Diemelsee and UNESCO World Heritage Beechwood Kellerwald National Park- Edersee.
In the Waldecker Land, water, nature and healthcare are at the forefront - but also culture, family activities, leisure and cycling. The diversity of the region offers the right offer for every guest. Waldeck Do 22.10.2026 Temp.: 6,8 °C
min Temp.: 6,8 °C max Temp.: 6,8 °C Fr 23.10.2026 Temp.: 9,3 °C
min Temp.: 7,5 °C max Temp.: 11,1 °C Sa 24.10.2026 Temp.: 6,3 °C
min Temp.: 4,1 °C max Temp.: 8,6 °C
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The Edersee
Germany's most famous and popular reservoir for holidaymakers and day guests.
The excellent water quality attracts numerous water sports enthusiasts every year. The Edersee is a paradise for fishermen, divers, sailors and surfers.
Several water sports schools and rental stations can be found along the lake. There are numerous recreational facilities and bath facilities. The shores of the lake are freely accessible everywhere.
Waldeck lures with a 1 km long Boulevard, by a Cableway is connected to the Waldeck Castle And the city. Another boulevard is located in Hemfurth near the dam. The most popular seaside areas His name is Rehbach on the south bank and the peninsula of Sepheid.
Information and addresses of recreational facilities, sailing and surfing schools, as well as swimming beaches and boat rentals are HERE . .
Edersee - History
The Edertal reservoir is a giant from the German Empire and was built in 1908-1914. The dam serves the water level regulation of the Weser and the Mittelland Canal and energy generation and flood control. The significance of the building was illustrated by the visit of Emperor Wilhelm II during the construction work in 1911. However, the outbreak of World War I prevented the emperor's intended personal inauguration.The Edersee is in terms of surface and congestion the largest reservoir in Germany (congestion volume number 3, area number 2, greater congestion Bleiloch reservoir, largest area Forgen reservoir).
Technical data:
Dam: Hoogte 47m; Enige lengte 270m; Zoolbreedte 36m; Kamengte 400m; Kroonbreedte 6m;
Edersee: Length 28,5km; Width from 175m to 1 km; 12qkm surface; Storage capacity max. 203 million cubic meters
The Edersee is internationally known for its legendary damont plunder in World War II and the 1955 British war film 'The Dam Busters' nominated by Oscar about the destruction of the Eder and Möhne reservoirs.
Destroying consequences were the consequences, when the British blew up the barrier wall on 17 May 1943 with special flying bombs and the valleys of Eder and Fulda were flooded with enormous destructive force by the water masses. The tidal wave still hit the Weser Valley to the more than 200 km far away city of Minden.
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City of Waldeck
The main city on the Edersee is the small craft town of Waldeck with his famous castle. The state-approved spa resort is high above the lake and is more of a contemplative place - but with an 18-hole golf course. Waldeck's main attraction is the castle with the same name.In the center there are all important amenities for daily needs, but no special functions or a promenade. That is located at the bottom of the lake - in Waldeck-West, as the neighborhood on the lake officially.
The town of Waldeck and the promenade along the lake are touristly connected via the Waldecker Bergbahn - a small cable car with a height difference of 120 meters.
City of Waldeck City and Tourist Office
Sachsenhäuser Straße 10a
D-34513 Waldeck
Tel. +49 5623 - 973782
www.waldeck.de
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Hemfurth at Edersee
Hemfurth is the capital of the Municipality of Edertal. The place is in front and near the dam and is a visitor magnet on the Edersee. The lower part of Hemfurth is the historic village, while the upper part of the dam was built only with its construction. This district near the dam is closed for passenger traffic. There is a large parking lot.
Although Hemfurth has no bathing area, but all kinds of attractions - especially the dam with promenade On both sides. Other attractions include the Edersee boat trip with access points on both sides of the dam, the Wildlife park, TreeTopwalk, klimbos, water playground, the motor assembly "Ignition substance"and the Peterskopf cable car to the picturesque mountain. From Affoldern to Hemfurth also leads the Edersee Draisine along Lake Affoldener.
All recreational facilities on the Edersee - click HERE
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Other places on the Edersee
The peninsula of Separation is located on the north coast of the Edersee and can only be reached by car via a 4 km long side road from Niederwerbe. On Sepheid there is a beautiful lawn and a swimming area. ferry for passengers and bicycles connects Sepheid with Rehbach on the southern shore in the warm half of the year.
Rehbach is located on the south bank of the Edersee. By car you can reach the place only via the L3086 from Edersee-Hemfurth, i. You have to drive over the Eder bridge in front of the dam in Hemfurth and then continue straight in the direction of Bringhausen. cliffs, which become visible with sinking water level. soft rolling beach is most popular on the Edersee, therefore it is quite busy on hot days. From Rehbach feeds the most beautiful circular hiking trail on the Edersee bank (8 km long) along the southern shore to the dam wall and over the altitude along the wildlife park.
You may: Bringhausen reach the southern bank as you continue on the road from Rehbach. The place is completely surrounded by the National Park. The old village Bringhausen disappeared in the Edersee and was rebuilt on a slope. Because of its panoramic location on a hill in the bay of Bringhausen there is the largest holiday home complex on the Edersee with beautiful views over the lake and the peninsula Scheid. On the lake there are boat rentals, surf school, campsites, moorings for boats, a long swimming area, mini golf and gastronomy. At low tide the foundations of old Bringhausen and the remains of the old bridge to Scheid appear. Vordat Bringhausen in the Edersee it "Love Island" is - formerly Burgberg the ruin Burg-Bring.
The common Vöhl represents the nature-loving part of the Edersee and is located at the back of the Edersee. Large parts of the National Park are located in the municipality. Directly on the lake lies only the district Herzhausen (end Edersee) with a separate recreational lake, National Park Centre The very beautiful main village of Vöhl is situated on a hill above the lake, which leads to an idyllic valley and ends at the ferry or Atlantis bridge Asel. Several recreational facilities and attractions are located in Vöhl; Maize Labyrinth, Recreational lake Camping Teichmann, the Hand bath, the National Park Centre and the beautiful old synagogue.
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Promenade Waldeck
On the banks below the castle Waldeck lies the promenade along the lake. It is the promenade on the Ederdee, about 1 km long with numerous restaurants, boat rental, playground and ganzons (unofficial lawn). From the promenade along the lake the cable car leads to the city of Waldeck, high above the lake, and to the famous castle.
By the Strandhuis No. 12 (the best restaurant address on the promenade) is a public beach with sunbathing area and swimming island. Access is free.
Beach pools and seaside resorts on the Edersee
69 km banks of the Edersee are almost freely accessible, but many parts are not suitable for swimming due to heavy precipitation or require some "climbing skills." For families and children such areas are not recommended. However, there are many small and "secret" swimming areas everywhere. But you must know them ...Probably the most popular official seaside resort on the Edersee it Rehbach beach on the south coast with a beach volleyball court and a small playground. Because of its very soft rolling beach it is the best swimming spot for small children on the Edersee. On the weekends it is quite busy. There are several restaurants and a small shop.
The Waldeck beach Located at Strandhuis No. 12 (the best restaurant address on the boulevard) with sunbathing area and swimming island. Access is free.
On the south bank there are also good swimming opportunities in Bringhausen all along Seestraße. Swimming is popular in the restaurant on Linge opposite the "Love Island" - or at Nikki SunSeaBar.
Rehbach and Bringhausen can be reached via Hemfurth and the K35 road.
It is also located on the south bank. bath area in Asel-south the ferry, where it is quite contemplative. The coast falls rather shallow in the lake - but you are here at low tide on the dry and old Aseler bridge (Edersee Atlantis) is visible. There is a kiosk and on the campsite gastronomy with a small shop. Asel-Süd can only be reached from the back of the lake in Herzhausen via the K59-weg.
The most beautiful swimming pool on the north coast is the lawn on the peninsula of Scheid. Although it does not go steeply into the water, but small children cannot be accompanied remotely on the coast. The lake is also quite narrow here, so that the passing passenger ship ever strikes waves. On the lawn there is a kiosk / snack bar and a playground. Gastronomy is in 500-800m. Separating can only be reached via the K22 road from Nieder-Werbe.
The manageable seaside resort in the bay of Nieder-Werbe With kiosk is on K22 until Sepheid. At low tide you sit here on dry land.
Please note: The Edersee can be dangerous like all inland waterways. Pay attention to your children and do not overestimate your own skills. Bathing ban exists in the immediate vicinity of the dam and directly at the berths of passenger ship Edersee.
Information about all outdoor pools, indoor pools, water parks and seaside resorts on the lakes in the Edersee region HERE
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Gastronomy and restaurant tips on the Edersee
Here we call you our personal favorite restaurants around the Edersee. For our taste there are not so many attractive restaurants directly on the lake, therefore we expand our tips in the Waldecker country. For more information CLIK on the name!Beach house No12 - probably the best restaurant/café directly on the Edersee is located on the lake promenade in Waldeck-West. In this traditional house you will relax on the lake terrace (on cool days in the house with large windows) and enjoy all kinds of food, the view of the lake and the quiet hustle and bustle of the hotel's own beach.
The Fish house in Lower Saxony (on the side of the Edersee at the summer toboggan run) is the gastronomy of the fish farm Rameil. Built in a cabin with a beautiful terrace on pontoons in an ex-fish tank, you can enjoy wild fish directly from the grill or fresh from the smoke with baked potatoes in herbal smear. You can't get fresh fish anywhere else.
The bistro MUN on the peninsula of Separation is a modern restaurant with a beautiful terrace and views of the lake. Food from the hamburger to the fish dish is delicious and creatively prepared. Nice team...
The Fishing stall in Rebach is not a local, but only a wooden cabin of the fish smoke shop Edersee, but the freshly prepared fish sandwiches are great. We stop there every time we cycle and enjoy our fish sandwich directly on the lake.
In the Pancake house in the old train station in Netze is the name program. Delicious pancakes of all kinds sweet and savoury. The pancake house is located on the Ederseebahn bike path in Waldeck-Netze and is very crowded by cyclists on weekends. Playground available.
In the restaurant Athen in Waldeck There are Greek specialities in the small old town of Waldeck with Hofterrasse. Nice grilled meat and the food is delicious. Very popular restaurant with top reviews on Tripadvisor and Google.
The restaurant Carthago in de Brunnenallee in Bad Wildungen is a prime location for the Lebanese-Oriental food culture. Many view it as the best restaurant in the city. The dishes are Mediterranean-Oriental creations and served with design. An absolutely recommended address.
Café Knusperhäuschen - traditional enterprise in Bad-Wildungen-Reitzenhagen with cult status and known from numerous TV reports because of their unique giant windbags. Painting house with a beautiful summer garden. Inside the café is quite cheesy and the time seems to have stood still there for decades - but that's part of it. Hostel Anne serves here since 1970 - and still with a lot of heart and soul.
Ijscafé la Dolce Vita in the Brunnenallee Bad Wildungen. Although the Edersee is a summer destination, there is no really good ice address on the lake - but only in Bad Wildungen. However, the ride is worth it if you make ice claims...
Worshtkopp - as a snack here! Sausage head is a shop for regional products in Bad Wildungen-Reinhardshausen with integrated snack. Accordingly, the range has been designed; seasonal and regional dishes and drinks. From the "classic" Currywurst with homemade sauces to something else Burgers or dishes with goat cheese. Sausage head offers both culinary and ambiance a not everyday snack flair.
Country house Appelbaum Appelbaum in the village of Vöhl is a "rustic modern" country house with a creative touch. In the countryside you have to think of something and be good to keep the village at the bar. Everything is here ... Sometimes the house is not available on weekends due to a closed society. Therefore, if necessary check the home page in advance.
The Walkemühle Estate is located on the upper Eder river at the gates of the city of Frankenberg and is one of the most popular excursion restaurants in the region with an experience factor - motif of numerous TV reports. Here even the old mill wheel runs. The bourgeois cuisine is attractive ... In the summer weekends the large beer garden is the destination of many Frankenberger and excursionists. There is a children's playground.
Taperia La Sarten in Bad Arolsen-Wetterburg at Lake Twistee. Spanish restaurant with a very good Mediterranean cuisine. The nice owner and chef lives his Spanish mentality. Interior with different levels and visible wooden frames - outside a large covered terrace with bar - some overlooking the lake. Unfortunately, when working very strongly, the service is sometimes a little overwhelmed.
Schäfer's Restaurant - Lounge - Bar In the Schloßstraat is probably the first address in Bad Arolsen, when it comes to pleasant dishes. The cuisine is modern and luxurious with Mediterranean and Asian influences. Creativity, selected products, attention to detail and seasonal influences characterise the offer, therefore the menu changes every six weeks. Slightly raised price level. The lounge offers informal snacks, salads, snacks and pasta dishes. Beautiful terrace in summer
Speciale NL-tip: Restaurant Café PRINCESS EMMA - with Dutch host directly opposite castle Arolsen, the birthplace of Queen Emma of the Netherlands. Very good cakes, as well as German and Dutch dishes. Big beer garden behind the house in summer. Unfortunately, with a lot of hustle and bustle they wait a long time for the food.
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Fish paradise Edersee
The Edersee and the waters in the Waldecker Land are a very popular area for fishermen. Detailed information for fishermen is HERE . .
Ferries over the Edersee
Two passenger ferries with bike transport lead over the Edersee, which in particular allow hikers and cyclists to shorten an Edersee tour.
Ferry Rehbach - Separation
(MeineCardPlus Partner) The most commonly used ferry on the Edersee. The ferry Rehbach-Scheid connects the strong tourist resorts on the southern shore with the Scheid peninsula on the northern shore. Withdrawal periods are possible during the summer holidays.Estimated opening hours:
From Easter holidays / April to the end of the Hessian autumn holidays
High season 01. May - 3. October
Monday - Friday from 11 to 17 hours (July-August Mon-Fr from 10 to 18 hours), Saturday and. Sunday, feast and bridge days from 10 to 18 hours.
Low season April and October on the weekend of 10-17 hours, Hessian Easter and autumn holidays daily.
Contact:
Tel. +49 1520-9721564 Emeil: info(at)edersee-faehre.de
www.edersee-faehre.de
Ferry from Asel nach Asel south
Estimated opening hours:Easter until early October daily from 10 am to 6 pm - suitable water level.
At low tide, the old Aseler Bridge (Edersee-Atlantis) partially replaces the ferry connection.
Tel. Administration: +49 5635 608
Tel. Ferryman: +49 5635 993652
Mobile: +49170 5900722
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National Park - Kellerwald Nature Park & Hiking
The nature park Kellerwald-Edersee The national park of the same name is surrounded by UNESCO-World heritage.
You will experience the pristine nature during a walk on the Urwaldsteig or Kellerwaldsteig around the lake and through the beech forest National Park.
The picturesque and varied natural landscape can also be experienced during a bike tour, where you should not forget the bathing clothes in the summer. The local cycling trails are among the most beautiful in Hesse and countless long-distance cycling paths cross the Edersee region.
More info about National Park & Hiking HERE
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Cycling on the Edersee & in the Waldecker Land
In the Waldecker country it is great cycling. There are beautiful tours on old railway lines, around the Edersee or along the Edertal and Twistetals, but also mountain bikers are served.
More information about cycling click HERE
>40 Family & recreational attractions in the Edersee region
Because of the variety of activities we distinguish cultural and geological attractions from a family getaway to recreational facilities.
Region Edersee and Waldecker Land offer numerous recreational attractions, among others zOmerrodel track, maize-labyrinth, Edersee passenger transport, Visitor mine, adventure wave, museum railway track, boat rental & surf schools, daisinenbaancable cars, zoos, tree canopy path etc., which we mention and describe on a separate page.
More info about all recreational attractions click HERE!
De regio Edersee: Bad Wildungen - Fritzlar - Edertal
The Edersee holiday region Of a thickness of not more than 1 mm Edertal to the medieval cathedral and the imperial city Fritzlar and the famous spa resort State Bath Bad Wildungen with the largest spa park in Europe and its beautiful buildings.
The many picturesque villages and communities in the nature park Kellerwald are also part of the Edersee region - and it is the growing diversity that makes the Edersee so popular with a wide range of visitors groups.
Culture & Sightseeing
During the Weimar Republic between the two world wars Waldeck was once the smallest free state in Germany. tombs and princes of Waldeck have shaped the region culturally since the 12th century and the symbol of their dynasty is it Waldeck Castle, thrones high above the Eder valley and the current reservoir. The castle Friedenstein in Bad Wildungen, the imposing residential castle Arolsen and the Baroque city of Arolsen, which was built with it, are also part of the cultural heritage of the Waldeck family. Queen Emma of the Netherlands also came from the Waldeck Dynasty and was born in the castle Arolsen. Since then all Dutch kings have been in the female line Waldecker.Neighbouring historic craft town of Fritzlar has much older cultural traces as an important cathedral and imperial city in the 10th-12th century.
More info about CULTURE & ATTRACTIONS Click HERE
Bad Arolsen and Twistee reservoir
Worth seeing Bad Arolsen is an independent holiday region in the Waldecker Land.The Baroque Casteel residence Arolsen is the center and landmark of the Baroque city Bad Arolsen. Castle and city were built in the years 1713-1810 by Prince Friedrich Anton Ulrich on Waldeck and Pyrmont. In 1858, the Queen Emma of the Netherlands born in the Royal Palace of Arolsen. Therefore, the castle attracts mainly guests from the Netherlands.
The Baroque city of Bad Arolsen has two boulevards in the Schlossstraat and the Great Allee. There is also a spa park and one castle park, as well as recreation pool and water park Arobella.
At the edge there is the Twistsee reservoir with the most beautiful sandy beach Waldecker Land, a 9-hole golf course and water skiing.
More info about Bad Arolsen HERE
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Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe & Grimm-weeld in Kassel
A rewarding day trip leads to Kassel - preferably Wednesday or Saturday - because on these days in the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe at 2.30 pm (May to Oct) there are the famous Water parties (UNESCO World Heritage Site). The Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe with its impressive Hercules Monument, the Wilhelmshöhe Palace and the Löwenburg Castle is Europe's largest mountain park.
Other sights of the world famous DOCUMENTA-city Kassel (modern art) are the Karlsaue with the imposing Orangery - as well as the new interactive museum GRIMM-WERELD on the fairy tales and literary work of the Brothers Grimm (UNESCO World Heritage Site). North Hesse is "Grimmheimat" and wherever you can go in the places of the region looking for world famous legends and fairy tales.
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My Card Plus
Willingen / Diemelsee
Sauerland - excursions
Kassel - Excursion
Our Holiday Tips
event calendar
Videos Waldecker Land
Webcams: Edersee-Regio
Map of the Waldecker Country / Edersee region
Videos Waldecker-Land & Grimmheimat Nordhessen
Waldecker Land - our homeland
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