Description
Kellerwald-Edersee National Park is the first national park in Hesse, and comprises 5,738 hectares. It gets its name from the southern part of the Keller mountain crest. Protecting the last big beech forest in Central Europe, that is dissected neither by roads nor by settlements, is the main focus. The forest is characterised by an extraordinarily high share of ancient wood and remainings of primeval forest. It is home to numerous animal and plant species, providing a safe space for them to unfold and develop.
The pristine nature at Kellerwald-Edersee National Park can be explored on numerous delightful hiking paths that lead you past impressive beeches, clear springs, steep slopes, and through quiet meadows. You can either go by yourself, or take part in a guided hike with a ranger.
Find out more about the national park with an exhibition and a 4D film at the National Park Centre. Learn about beeches at the interactive exhibition of Buchenhaus. Or go for a meet and greet with lynx, wolf, and wisent at the game park.
Historical Information
In 1896, when the game damage at the adjacent agricultural lands became too much for the local farmers, a fence was built. Later, fallow deer and mouflons were successfully settled. First discussions of listing the area as a natural reserve emerged in 1934. It was designated game reserve in 1963, and forest reserve in 1990. Finally, the Kellerwald-Edersee area was classed as a national park in 2004.
How to get there
National Park Centre Kellerwald
The park centre is located 15km/9mi north of Frankenburg, and 15km/9mi south of Korbach, right off federal road B252, between Vöhl-Herzhausen and Vöhl-Kirchlotheim.
Buchenhaus
Coming from Hemfurth, follow Bringhäuser Straße (K35) towards Rehbach. After the bus stop across from Dornröschenhöh Hotel, turn right. Turn right at the next junction, and follow the road until you reach Buchenhaus on your left-hand side. Sufficient parking is available on-site.