In Edertal, riverside scenery, local history and distinctive structures come together in a variety of outings. The Ederauen Experience Trail runs through a varied riverside landscape between Mehlen and Giflitz and is ideal for walking and cycling. There is also a historic village trail, natural areas and experiences in Hemfurth-Edersee.

Walking and cycling in Edertal

The Ederauen Experience Trail offers a specific way to explore the riverside landscape on foot or by bike. Cyclists can also enjoy bike tours along Lake Edersee, challenging routes through the low mountain landscape and everyday journeys between the districts. This means there are different ways to cycle, from everyday trips to challenging tours.

The range of walks and hikes also extends from relaxing strolls to challenging hiking tours, including certified quality hiking trails. When planning your outings, you can first decide whether you are looking for a leisurely loop or a more demanding hike. The Ederauen Experience Trail is another option if you want to combine walking or cycling with a named route between two districts.

Local history and gold panning

In Giflitz, a historic village trail with 17 stations leads through the history and distinctive features of the village. The trail opened in 2017. Its stations offer a unique way to explore local history, while the route along the Ederauen focuses on the riverside landscape.

In Mehlen, you can pan for Eder gold under expert guidance. Together with the Ederauen Experience Trail, this offers a choice of different activities: a walking or cycling tour through the riverside landscape, or a guided gold-panning experience. Check in advance what visitor options are available.

Eder Dam and visitor centre

Built between 1908 and 1914, Eder Dam is the region’s defining structure. The illuminated dam wall is particularly impressive in the evening. You can also learn about the structure’s history at the Edersee Visitor Centre in Hemfurth-Edersee: the animated “Mythos Edersee” time-travel experience brings it to life, and a cross-section of the century-old structure tells the story of Lake Edersee.

The visitor centre offers personal advice for guests, digital information walls and an interactive terminal with information about the region. This lets you combine a visit to the exhibition with an introduction to other regional topics. Hemfurth-Edersee is also home to the Edersee Wildlife Park with its falconry centre, as well as a climbing park in Eschelberg Adventure Forest.

For visits to the falconry centre, a seasonal notice dated 26 March 2026 listed show times of 11:00 and 15:00, Tuesday to Sunday and on public holidays. Check the current schedule before visiting. This keeps the historical timetable clearly separate from planning a visit today.

Water-shaped nature and planning your stay

The Schwimmkaute and Krautwiese nature reserves are former gravel extraction sites that have developed into water-rich habitats. This history gives the landscape a different character from the local history of Giflitz or the dam itself.

When looking for hotels in Edertal, you can first consider which experiences will shape your trip: a hike, a cycling tour, local history or a visit to the attractions in Hemfurth-Edersee.

Discover more destinations

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

Back to the main travel overview: Waldeck-Frankenberg.