Best things to do in Edersee

Edersee Essentials

Edersee is defined by its massive early 20th-century dam and the 12th-century Waldeck Castle overlooking the reservoir. The area is renowned for its 'Edersee-Atlantis,' where ruins of sunken villages, bridges, and the Bericher Hütte reappear during periods of low water. Visitors can explore the 80-hectare WildtierPark, ride the historic 1961 Bergbahn cable car, or cross the seven-arched Selbacher Viadukt. The Fünfseenblick observation point provides a unique perspective where the winding reservoir appears as five distinct lakes.

Edersee Essentials — Map

Ot / CC BY-SA 3.0

A

Schloß Waldeck

A 12th-century hilltop fortification later converted into a castle. It houses a museum and offers panoramic views of the reservoir from its terrace.

B

Kirche im See

A 1:4 scale model of the former Berich church, built as a memorial to the village submerged during the reservoir's construction in the early 1900s.

C

Bericher Hütte

Remains of a former ironworks and foundry. These ruins are part of the 'Edersee-Atlantis' and are only accessible on foot when water levels are significantly low.

BangertNo / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Wildpark Edersee

An 80-hectare wildlife park featuring native species like wolves, lynx, and bison. It includes a birds of prey station with regular flight demonstrations.

Alexander Dreyer / CC BY 2.5

E

Edersee

The Edersee, also known as the Ederstausee, is an 11.8 km2 reservoir in Waldeck-Frankenberg, Hesse, Germany with 199.3 million m3 of…

Dirk Schmidt / CC BY-SA 3.0

F

Waldecker Bergbahn

A gondola lift built in 1961 connecting the town of Waldeck with the lake shore. The small cabins provide transport up the hill toward Waldeck Castle.

Dirk Schmidt / CC BY-SA 3.0

G

Selbacher Viadukt

A 193-meter-long railway bridge with seven arches, standing 28 meters high. Formerly part of the Edersee Railway, it now serves as a scenic pedestrian and cycling path.

Ot / CC BY-SA 3.0

H

Aseler Brücke

A four-arched concrete bridge dating back to the reservoir's creation. It remains submerged most of the year, appearing only when the water level drops below 235 meters above sea level.

I

Sperrmauer, Ufer Ost

The eastern landing point for passenger ferries located at the massive Edersee dam. It serves as a central hub for boat tours and public transport across the reservoir.

J

Fünfseenblick Edersee

A 27-meter-high observation tower on the south bank. From the top, the bends of the reservoir create an optical illusion of five separate lakes.