Kellerwald-Edersee National Park - UNESCO World Heritage

In the northern part of the Kellerwald Nature Preserve, right on the edge of Lake Edersee, a natural heritage of international stature with more than 5,700 hectare has been preserved. The so-called “Ederhöhen“ (Eder Heights) and their characteristic interplay of mountains and valleys are home to one of the last red beech forests in western Europe, unspoiled and undisturbed by roads or settlements.

In contrast to other forested areas, northern Kellerwald Forest is characterized by its unusually high percentage of older broad-leafed trees. In hardly accessible locations along the Lake Edersee slopes, even remnants of genuine ancient forests of original beauty still exist. Old stands of beech and oak form the essential livelihood for numerous large bird species, bats, and wood-resident insects and fungi, All of the six woodpecker species of Hesse are found here, as are various storks, owls, bats, and numerous beetles, too many to list them in all of their varieties.  

Deciduous forests in rough crevices, exotic oak woods on sunny and warm slops or forests fringing brook meadows in the cool valleys, all these are areas of retreat for speciali species. Hidden in the silica mountain corridors the rare field carnation grows. The untouched and clear springs and spring brooks of the low mountain range are the fresh water biotopes featuring mountain whirlpool worms, fresh water snails, and spotted salamanders.
The deciduous forests and forest valleys covered with colourful flowers are the remains of former arid grasslands and some historical villages are definitely worth a visit. They offer the visitor splendid views as well as fascinating insights. Go for a stroll through the beech forest, discover the fascination of a wildlife tour with the ranger. Let nature be nature is the motto in the “ancient forest of tomorrow.” Experience this with all your senses.
Visit the newly constructed Kellerwald National Park Centre (NationalparkZentrum) and our information centre “Buchenhaus” at the Wildlife Park Edersee or “KellerwaldUhr” in Frankenau. The experience of our fens in Altenlotheim, nature and technology at the Peterskopf or sports, wellness and culture in the areas around the nature preserve enrich the various offerings of the area.

Kellerwald-Edersee National Park - UNESCO World Heritage
Nationalparkamt Kellerwald-Edersee
Laustraße 8
34537 Bad Wildungen

Phone: +49 (0) 5621 / 75 24 9-0
Fax: +49 (0) 5623 / 75 24 9-19

info‎ @ ‎nationalpark-kellerwald-edersee.de
www.nationalpark-kellerwald-edersee.de

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