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Best forest trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park

Best forest trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park

4.4(421 reviews)

·

Germany
: 
#10 of 16 national parks

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The Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is located in the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg in northern Hesse. It is part of the Kellerwald forest and its beech forests have been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2011.

The 5,738 hectares of ancient beech forests here are preserved and protected. They invite you to take idyllic walks and eventful hikes that can lead to many a hilltop. The national park is the centrepiece of the green north of Hesse.

Top sights

Uhrenkopf
Uhrenkopf
Peak
Lindenberg
Lindenberg
Peak
Auf den Klippen
Auf den Klippen
Viewpoint
Hünselburg
Hünselburg
Ruins
Michelskopf
Michelskopf
Peak
Kahle Hardt
Kahle Hardt
Peak

Top trails

  1. #1 - Knorreichenstieg at Edersee

    4.6 (45)·Moderate·7.9 km·Est. 2.5–3 hr
    Popular circular route in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. This beautiful tour on the Edersee starts at the Trappenhardt car park and is doable for families with slightly older children. Due to the sometimes uneven paths, sturdy shoes are highly recommended. There are also steep climbs in some places. Most of the time, it goes through a wonderfully shady forest. Highlights of the hike: - Views of the Edersee - gnarly - Hünselburg nature reserve

  2. #2 - Kahle-Hardt-Route (Knorreichenstieg)

    4.5 (37)·Moderate·4.5 km·Est. 1.5–2 hr
    Popular circular route in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. Stony paths, primeval forest and Kellerwaldsteig trails, great views over Lake Edersee and a primeval forest with gnarled oak trees - there is never a dull moment on this short hike. Due to the short distance, the route is also suitable for children. Highlights of the hike: - Family-friendly - Views of the Edersee - Kahle Hardt

  3. #3 - Affoldern Lake Circular

    4.4 (24)·Moderate·12.6 km·Est. 4–4.5 hr
    Popular circular route in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. This is a varied round that starts on the east bank of the Eder (when arriving by bus or train: stop at the Sperrmauer Ostseite stop). From here it goes through beautiful fields, meadows, quiet forest passages and smaller villages once around the Affolderner See. A relatively short part goes along the main road. There are places to stop for refreshments. Attention: In several places the way is through e.g. fallen trees...

  4. #4 - Edersee Circular Cycle Route (ER)

    4.5 (27)·Moderate·50.9 km·Est. 13.5–15 hr
    Popular cycle tour in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. This cycle route is located in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park and starts in Waldeck. A particularly beautiful tour around the Edersee, often on forest paths. You can take a lunch break in Herzhausen about halfway along the route. You pass many campsites, so the route can also be completed in several shorter daily stages. Highlights of the route: - Views of the Edersee - Waldeck - Edersee shore near Herzhausen - Idyllic...

  5. #5 - Lindenberg route

    4.4 (13)·Moderate·9.7 km·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Popular circular hiking trail in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. Around the Edersee is one of the oldest primeval forests in Central Europe. The forest areas, known for their ancient oaks, are criss-crossed by popular hiking trails such as the Urwaldsteig long-distance trail and the Knorreichenstieg. The Lindenberg route is a great way to experience a shortened version of these two popular routes. You not only experience the picturesque forests and some beautiful views of the...

  6. #6 - Urwaldsteig Stage 6: Scheid - Waldeck

    4.9 (7)·Moderate·14 km·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Section of the primeval forest trail, Hesse The last section of the primeval forest trail also leads through mystical, ancient forests and offers wonderful views of the landscape and deep valleys. Highlights: - Waldeck Castle

  7. #7 - Ringelsberg-Route

    4.2 (24)·Moderate·10 km·Est. 3–3.5 hr
    Popular circular hike in the Kellerwald-Ebersee National Park, Hesse. This circular trail starts at the hiking car park above the national park centre. The trail is well signposted and very well developed. It goes through the Hardt and the Hundsbachgründe around the Ringelberg, with the route leading mostly through forest past streams and slopes. The way back is slightly uphill. The route mainly follows gravel paths. From time to time there are also great views of the protected area's sea of...

  8. #8 - Scheid - Knorreichensteig - Kahle Haardt

    4.5 (11)·Moderate·15.1 km·Est. 4.5–5 hr
    Popular circular hike in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. This hike takes you along the northern shore of Lake Edersee. You walk along large sections of the Knorreichensteig trail, which owes its name to the gnarled oaks in the area, some of which are more than 800 years old. Highlights of the hike: - Lake Edersee - Knorreichensteig trail - View from the Kahler Haardt

  9. #9 - Blossenberg route

    4.3 (14)·Easy·3.9 km·Est. 1–1.5 hr
    Popular circular hike in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. As an official hiking trail of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, the Bloßenberg route is well signposted (symbol: peony carnation). Despite the relatively short distance, sturdy shoes are highly recommended. An old oak forest, rare plants, the Banfeteich pond, natural hiking trails and, of course, the Edersee lake make the hearts of all nature lovers beat faster. Highlights of the hike: - Warzenbeißer art trail -...

  10. #10 - Urwaldsteig Stage 1: Waldeck - Hemfurth

    4.8 (10)·Easy·7.1 km·Est. 2–2.5 hr
    Section of the primeval forest trail, Hesse The trail starts in Waldeck - a visit to the castle is definitely worthwhile here. From Elsterberg, you have great views of the landscape around Lake Edersee and the route leads through a fairytale forest with stunted trees and lots of mosses. Highlights: - Waldeck Castle - Steep slopes on the Edersee
Showing results 1–10 of 47
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Visitor info

Accessibility
Facilities

Visitors to the Kellerwald National Park Centre can find a wealth of information. Here, a building with striking architecture, unusual exhibits and a unique 4D cinema experience awaits. There are also artistic displays and interesting exhibits that provide an insight into the wilderness of the Kellerwald. The visitor centre is open from November to March from 10 am to 4.30 pm (Tuesday to Sunday) and from April to October from 10 am to 6 pm (daily).

Frequently asked questions

Where is the best forest trail to hike in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best forest trail to hike in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is Knorreichenstieg at Edersee, which has a 4.6 star rating from 45 reviews. This trail is 7.9 km long with an elevation gain of 318 m.

What is the longest forest trail in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest forest trail in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is Jungle Trail. This trail is estimated to be 68.9 km long.

How many forest trails are in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park?

There are 47 forest trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park.These forest trails have an average 4.4-star ratingfrom 421 AllTrails community reviews.

Which forest trail has the most elevation gain in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park?

Jungle Trail has the most elevation gain for forest trails with 2,488 m of total ascent. The park's runner-up is Edersee Circular (MTB), which has 2,028 m of elevation gain.

Activities

Attractions

Suitability

Points of interest