A shoreline walk along part of the Edersee reservoir within the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, passing beneath the Baumwipfelpfad Edersee treetop walkway near Hemfurth and giving open views across the water toward the surrounding beech-forested hills.
The Edersee Lakeshore Trail follows part of the shoreline of the Edersee reservoir within the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park near Hemfurth, in northern Hesse. The trailhead is the Hemfurth dam promenade, reached by car via the L3221 with parking available near the dam, or by regional bus from Bad Wildungen train station. The 10-kilometer route gains a modest 90 meters, following paved and gravel lakeside paths with no technical difficulty and no exposure, making it accessible to a wide range of fitness levels. Shade alternates between open lakeside stretches and short wooded sections, with the beech-forested hills of the national park rising on the opposite shore. The trail passes directly beneath the Baumwipfelpfad Edersee treetop walkway near Hemfurth, a paid attraction that can be added as a detour, and continues along open shoreline giving views across the water toward the surrounding hills, particularly striking when the reservoir is at high water level in spring and early summer. The Hemfurth dam itself, one of the largest gravity dams in Germany when completed in 1914, marks the start and offers a natural turn-around for a shorter walk. Water and food are available at kiosks near the dam and the treetop walkway entrance, but there are no facilities along the more remote shoreline stretches, so hikers continuing the full distance should carry water.
| Difficulty | moderate |
|---|---|
| Best season | April to October |
Trail facts
- Trail area
- Edersee, near Hemfurth, Edertal
What to bring
Walking shoes; no technical gear required
Weather through the year in Germany
Best time Shoulder Worth avoiding
Average daytime temperature in °C. Figures are for Germany.
Highlights
- Views across the Edersee reservoir toward the national park's beech-forested hills
- Passes directly beneath the Baumwipfelpfad Edersee treetop walkway
- Historic Hemfurth dam, one of Germany's largest gravity dams
- Mostly level lakeside walking suitable for a range of fitness levels
Tips for visiting
- Combine with the Baumwipfelpfad Edersee treetop walkway for an added paid attraction near the start
- Reservoir water levels vary seasonally; spring and early summer typically offer the fullest, most scenic lake
- Carry water for the more remote shoreline stretches, where there are no kiosks
- The dam promenade area gets busy on summer weekends; early morning walks are quieter
When to visit
Spring through early summer offers the highest reservoir water level and clearest lakeshore views; early mornings avoid the busiest visitor traffic near the dam.
Accessibility
The paved and gravel sections near the Hemfurth dam are flat and reasonably wheelchair- and stroller-friendly, though more remote shoreline stretches further along have unpaved and uneven surfaces.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Edersee Lakeshore Trail suitable for families?
Yes, the 10-kilometer route has only 90 meters of elevation gain on paved and gravel paths, making it manageable for most fitness levels including children.
Can the Baumwipfelpfad treetop walkway be combined with this trail?
Yes, the trail passes directly beneath the treetop walkway near Hemfurth, which can be added as a separate paid detour.
Is there parking near the trailhead?
Parking is available near the Hemfurth dam promenade at the start of the trail.
Does the lake level affect the views?
Yes, the Edersee's water level varies seasonally, with spring and early summer generally showing the fullest reservoir.