Waldeck has all the charm of a German storybook. Stroll along streets lined with half-timbered houses and explore a centuries-old castle. The town is set on the banks of Edersee, a cobalt-blue reservoir framed by lush forests. Head down to the lake to swim, sunbathe and make a splash with water sports.
Things to do in Waldeck (Hessen)
Ride the cable car to Schloss Waldeck, a mountaintop castle built on the site of an 11th-century fortress. The castle soars over the town and commands sweeping views over the lake. It’s reimagined as a luxury hotel, complete with a fine-dining restaurant and wellness centre. Enjoy homemade cakes at the café, dine in the elegant bistro and sip whiskey in the cosy bar. Learn more about the castle’s unique narrative at the on-site museum. Exhibits cover the castle’s origins as an ancestral home for the Dukes of Waldeck and its role as a prison in the 1700s.
Whether you prefer soft sand or grassy lawns, there are plenty of places to roll out your towel on Edersee. The eastern side of the reservoir is a popular destination for water sports like sailing and windsurfing. Board a boat and enjoy a scenic cruise around Edersee for fantastic views of the castle from the water.
Discover the forests that inspired Brothers Grimm fairy tales in Kellerwald-Edersee National Park. There’s something magical about the ancient beech forest, which is a protected UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Trails wind through the park and take you deep into the woodlands. Just as you think the light is fading, you’ll emerge in a flower-filled meadow or sun-dappled clearing.
Getting around Waldeck (Hessen)
Waldeck is compact and easy to get around on foot. The town is in Hesse, a 2.5-hour drive from Frankfurt and three hours from Düsseldorf. Rental cars offer the freedom to visit Waldeck and explore surrounding sights and attractions at your own pace. Dortmund Airport is a two-hour drive away.