Kellerwald-Edersee National Park

Kellerwald-Edersee National Park in northern Hesse protects one of the last large old-growth beech forests in Central Europe, rising straight from the shores of the Edersee reservoir. Its steep slopes, gnarled oaks and quiet trails earned the forest a place on the UNESCO World Heritage list in 2011. For travelers looking for things to do near Kassel that combine lake views and real wilderness, it is an excellent and still little-known choice.

Why it matters

The park was established on January 1, 2004, and after an expansion in 2020 now covers about 29 square miles (7,688 hectares) on both sides of the lake. Centuries ago much of the region was overused for grazing, charcoal and timber, but on the steep slopes above the Eder valley some forests were barely touched. These are now part of the UNESCO site "Ancient and Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe," which spans 18 countries.

Wildlife includes red deer, European wildcats, 15 bat species and rare "primeval forest relict" beetles. A curious footnote: raccoons were first released into the wild in Europe here at the Edersee in 1934.

Highlights

• Kellerwald National Park Center in Vöhl-Herzhausen: exhibits on wilderness, wildcats, lynx and wolves, plus a 4D film and a natural play area for kids.
• Urwaldsteig Edersee: a 41-mile (66 km) loop of narrow, winding paths around the lake, popular for section hikes.
• Edersee Wildlife Park: 21 native species, including red deer, wolves and eagle owls, on about 130 acres.
• Viewpoints: Waldeck Castle above the lake offers a classic panorama of the forested hills.

Tickets and opening hours

The national park itself is free and always open. The National Park Center (as of October 2026) opens daily 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from April through October and Tuesday to Sunday 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. from November through March. It is closed December 24 and 31, January 1 and on some days in January and February. Adults pay €7, children 8 to 14 €4.50, and families €15; kids up to age 7 enter free. Keep your receipt for a 20 percent discount at the wildlife park, the Treetopwalk and the Edersee visitor center.

How to get there

The park lies about 25 miles (40 km) southwest of Kassel, a stop on the ICE network. Regional trains stop at the accessible "national park station" in Herzhausen, about 1.3 km (0.8 miles) from the center, with a connecting bus. Drivers take the B 252; parking at the center is free. Note that a stretch of the lakeside road near the Edersee dam in Hemfurth is closed until the end of June 2027, according to regional road authority Hessen Mobil, so allow for detours.

Good to know

Dogs must be leashed in the park and are not allowed inside visitor facilities; free dog boxes are available at the center. All park facilities are certified under Germany's "Reisen für Alle" accessibility scheme, and the center lends free mobility scooters for a nearby accessible trail. Is it worth visiting? If you love forests and lakes, yes: spring green and October colors are especially beautiful.

Nearby

• Edersee Dam: a 1914 masonry dam and popular excursion spot.
• Waldeck Castle: hilltop castle with lake views.