Best wildlife trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
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 exciting hikes, which can lead to many a hilltop. The national park is the heart of the green north of Hesse.
Top sights
Top trails
- 4.0 (19)·Moderate·4.3 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrPopular circular hiking trail in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. The ox root route owes its name to the 542 m high ox root, around which this circular route runs. Other striking mountain ranges along the way are the small and large Hegekopf. In part, you hike on the popular Urwaldsteig or Urwaldpfad Edersee. The ox root route is marked with a red deer hiking symbol. Sturdy shoes and sure-footedness are recommended. Highlights of the hike: - Big Conservation Head - Oxroot head -...
- 4.2 (24)·Moderate·6.2 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrPopular circular hike in the Kellerwald-Ebersee National Park, Hesse. This circular trail starts at the hiking parking lot above the national park center. The trail is well marked and very well developed. It goes through the Hardt and the Hundsbachgründe around the Ringelberg, with the route mostly leading 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...
- 4.8 (10)·Easy·4.4 mi·Est. 2–2.5 hrSection of the Urwaldsteig, Hesse It starts in Waldeck - a visit to the castle is definitely worth it. From the Elsterberg you have great views of the landscape around the Edersee and it goes through a fairytale forest with cripple trees and lots of mosses. Highlights: - Waldeck Castle - Steep slopes on the Edersee
- 4.7 (8)·Moderate·6.9 mi·Est. 3–3.5 hrSection of the Urwaldsteig, Hesse This section is about the Ochsenbühl and on the banks of the Edersee towards Herzhausen. There are many water birds to watch. On a hillside path you finally reach the destination of this fourth stage, Asel. There are places to stop for a break. Highlights: - "Ederufer bei Herzhausen" nature reserve - "Ederfeld" - muddy bottom of the lake when the water recedes - Block rubble with historical trees
- 4.7 (2)·Moderate·7.3 mi·Est. 3.5–4 hrPopular long-distance stage on Edersee, Hesse This is the 5th stage of the popular "Urwaldsteig" long-distance hiking trail, which runs around the Edersee for a total of 68 km. The fifth stage starts in Asel and leads to Scheid. On this section you need a little surefootedness - in between it goes on narrow and sometimes stony paths over heaps of rubble and through ancient forests. The route is marked with the Elsbeerenblatt and follows the "Knorreichenstieg". You can enjoy great views of...
- 4.3 (6)·Hard·25 mi·Est. 11–12.5 hrPopular bike tour in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. From Rehbach (or any other place along the way) you cycle once around the Edersee. The tour can be completed in one day or in several shorter daily stages. There are numerous campsites and other accommodation options on the shores of the lake. Highlights of the bike tour: - Views of the Edersee - Edersee wildlife park - Huenselburg nature reserve - Detour to Waldeck Castle (optional)
- 4.2 (13)·Hard·42.8 mi·Est. 21–23 hrPanoramic long-distance hiking trail in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Hesse. The Urwaldsteig Edersee could not have a more appropriate name: The route leads through real primeval forest - one of the last in Europe. The hikers are offered a pleasant mixture of wild nature and a little luxury; There are several places to stop for refreshments and accommodation along the route. If you want to take home a souvenir of the hike on the Urwaldsteig, you can get a hiking pass and have it...
- 4.2 (10)·Moderate·5.1 mi·Est. 2.5–3 hrStart the route at the "Elsebach" national park car park near Schmittlotheim. The arnica flower leads up to the Fahrentriesch. You are accompanied at every step by the remains of heather, old trees of forest pastures and narrow paths as witnesses of historical agricultural land use. The old landscape on Fahrentriesch with its rare Nardus meadow is to be preserved in the long term.
- 4.7 (4)·Moderate·9.6 mi·Est. 5–5.5 hrStage 3 of the Urwaldsteig, Hesse This section goes through the wild and romantic Wieslohgraben to the Edersee and a piece along its shore. The hike ends in Kirchlothheim, where you can spend the night or take the bus to the next larger town. Highlights of the hike: - Five lakes view - Banfe Bay
Visitor info
Visitors can find a wealth of information at the Kellerwald National Park Center. 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 center 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).
Headed to a park?
Take AllTrails with you
Frequently asked questions
Where is the best wildlife trail to hike in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park?
What is the longest wildlife trail in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park?
How many wildlife trails are in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park?
Which wildlife trail has the most elevation gain in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park?
Activities
Attractions
- Beach trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- Easy trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- Forest trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- Hard trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- Lake trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- Long trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- Moderate trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- River trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- Trails with historic sites in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- Trails with views in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- Wildflower trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
- Wildlife trails in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park