Basdorf brings together an old landmark with art in the neighboring church: the court linden was planted in 1527 and is designated a natural monument. The village also has a round-arched portal and a former court site with a stone table. Next to the linden stands an open church with three altar windows dating from 1974. If you are interested in history and sacred art, you will find two distinct subjects right next to each other here.
Court Linden and Church Art in Basdorf
The court linden is notable for more than the year it was planted. A round-arched portal leads to a former court site, where there is a stone table. Together with its designation as a natural monument, this creates a clearly defined cultural theme: the tree, the portal and the site each represent a different aspect of the village. This makes the court linden a prominent landmark if you choose Basdorf for its historical heritage.
The church right next to the linden adds a more recent artistic dimension to this impression. In 1974, Marburg artist Erhardt Jakobus Klonk designed and installed three altar windows there. They depict the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. This makes it easy to distinguish the church art from the older court linden: here, the focus is on the design of the windows; there, on the natural monument with its portal and former court site. The church is designated as an open church; its opening hours may vary. Check visiting arrangements before making your plans.
Carriage and Covered Wagon Rides from Vöhl-Basdorf
Carriage and covered wagon rides from Vöhl-Basdorf through the Kellerwald offer another way to experience the landscape. Depending on the season and snow conditions, a horse-drawn sleigh ride may also be available. Regional snacks or drinks are optional. The seasonal options and additional refreshments are separate parts of the offer; do not assume they are included in every ride. Confirm the details with the provider in advance.
Traveling by public transport is another possible option for these rides: the provider can start the tour at the Vöhl-Basdorf bus stop. If you would like to start there, check the relevant connection and arrange the start of the ride in advance. This lets you plan your journey and activity together without assuming a particular timetable or that a ride will always be available.
More to Explore in the Wider Destination of Vöhl
The wider destination of Vöhl offers more cultural and nature-related attractions. The former Vöhl synagogue is a simple half-timbered building in the center of Vöhl. It was built in 1827 and inaugurated in 1829, and now serves as a venue for concerts, talks and commemorative events. Programs depend on the time of year; if you would like to attend an event, check the relevant dates.
The history of Hessenstein Castle also goes back a long way: it was built in the 14th century along the medieval trade route from Frankfurt to Hamburg. In 1922, it became the first youth hostel in Hesse. These historical milestones add to the wider destination of Vöhl without being the same as the sights in Basdorf.
In Vöhl-Asel, the bat nature trail features interactive stations and clearly signposted information. The exhibition includes an old transformer station with infrared cameras that provide live views into a maternity roost. In the evening, bat watching with a bat detector and night-vision device may be possible by prior arrangement when hunting is taking place. Since equipment availability can vary, check before your visit.
Another landmark in the wider destination is the 60-meter-long, four-arch Eder Bridge near Alt-Asel. As the water level of the Edersee falls, it is the first structure to emerge; it is also considered the best-preserved structure in the old Eder Valley. Its appearance therefore depends on the water level. For hiking, the municipality of Vöhl offers almost 50 signposted trails in addition to the Kellerwaldsteig and Urwaldsteig. When choosing a route, bear in mind that individual trails and signs may change.
Discover more destinations: Bromskirchen, Frankenau, Lichtenfels, Allendorf, Diemelstadt, Twistetal, Bad Wildungen, Hatzfeld.
To the wider travel overview: Waldeck-Frankenberg.
