Vacation in the Waldecker Land
In the middle of Germany, in the heart of Hesse, lies the Waldecker Land region. Here, untouched primeval forests meet the almost Caribbean-like blue of the Edersee lake, imposing knights’ castles watch over glistening waves, and charming half-timbered towns tell their stories.
The holiday region of Waldecker Land is simply ideal for hiking. Here you will find a low mountain range landscape, whose highest peak is the 843-meter-high Langenberg near Willingen.
The undisputed heart of the region is the Edersee lake. On sunny days, the 27-kilometer-long reservoir shines in the most beautiful shades of turquoise and blue. It is a paradise for water sports enthusiasts, and those who prefer things quieter can explore the lake by electric boat or aboard a passenger ferry. The lake offers a special spectacle at low water, when the ruins of old villages—the legendary “Edersee Atlantis”—emerge from the water. High above the Edersee sits the region’s landmark, Waldeck Castle, a medieval fortress with a deep well and a museum.
The Kellerwald-Edersee National Park begins right on the shores of the lake. The area has been declared a World Natural Heritage site by UNESCO. As one of the last large, contiguous beech forests in Central Europe, it is a true piece of wilderness.
Of course, relaxation should not be neglected during a holiday. Bad Wildungen is one of Germany’s most important spa towns. Stroll through Europe’s largest spa park, admire the magnificent Art Nouveau villas, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of a place that has stood for recreation and health for centuries.
Tips for excursions
The spa town of Bad Wildungen is located at the foothills of the Kellerwald. The town is one of the largest rehabilitation and spa locations in Germany, but also offers the ideal starting point for excursions into the Waldecker Land region away from the daily routine of the clinic.
One of the largest reservoirs in Europe is located in northern Hesse in the middle of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park. Nestled between rolling hills, the vacationer can discover a unique landscape.
A hike of about 10 kilometers from Kleinern led us through the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park to Hemfurth on Lake Edersee. Just the thing for nature lovers and hikers!
Stay overnight in the Waldecker Land
The Wellness & Spa Maritim Hotel in Bad Wildungen is the ideal starting point for a vacation in the Waldecker Land. Here you can relax in a stylish ambience dreamlike.
NaturBoutique Hotel RAUSZEIT
Hotel Die Sonne Frankenberg
Hotel & Ferienappartements Edelweiss
Zündstoff-City Western-Motel
Hotel Schloss Waldeck
Maritim Hotel Bad Wildungen
Travel information about Waldecker Land
Arrival
By train
The nearest ICE train station is Kassel Wilhelmshöhe. From here you can take regional trains to the stations in Bad Arolsen, Bad Wildungen, Korbach and Willingen.
The nearest train station in the south is Marburg, from there you can reach Frankenberg, Herzhausen am Edersee and Korbach.
By car
The region can be reached by car via the A5, A7, A44 and A49 freeways. In addition, the federal roads B3/485, B236, B251, B252, B253 and B450 lead through the vacation region.
Alcohol
On foot
There are numerous well-marked hiking trails in the region. These vary in length and difficulty.
By bike
Signposted bike paths lead through the Waldecker Land.
With the ship
Excursions by ship on the Edersee are offered.
Visitor Tax (Kurtaxe)
In most spa and holiday resorts in the Waldecker Land region, a visitor tax (in German: Kurtaxe, also called Kurbeitrag or Tourismusbeitrag) is charged.
The obligation to pay and the amount of the visitor tax are determined by the individual towns and municipalities. Therefore, it is not uniform for the entire region but varies from place to place.
Here are some examples of well-known places in the Waldecker Land and their visitor tax rates (as of 2024/2025, subject to change):
- Willingen (Upland): Depending on the district, between €2.00 and €3.00 per person per night.
- Bad Wildungen: approx. €2.60 per person per night.
- Edersee Region (e.g., the town of Waldeck & the municipality of Edertal): approx. €1.00 per person per night.
- Bad Arolsen: approx. €2.00 per person per night.
There is a free visitor card called “MeineCard+”. It offers free admission to over 100 leisure attractions and free travel on buses and trains in the region. You receive the visitor card directly from your host (hotel or holiday apartment) where you have booked your accommodation. This card cannot be purchased and it is valid for the duration of your booked stay (including the day of arrival and departure).