Service

What are you searching for?

GPX

PDF

Elsebach route - hiking in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park

5,26 km long
Flatly
Difficulty: easy
Hike
© Rita Wilhelmi, Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
© Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, Rita Wilhelmi | CC BY SA
© Rita Wilhelmi, Kellerwald-Edersee National Park
  • 1: 30 pm
  • 5,26 km
  • 172 m
  • 172 m
  • 274 m
  • 445 m
  • 171 m
  • Start: National Park entrance and parking lot “Elsebach” near Vöhl-Schmittlotheim
  • Destination: National Park entrance and parking lot “Elsebach” near Vöhl-Schmittlotheim
On the trail of secrets of the forest

The route connects old wood pastures, flowering meadows and impressive beech stands in a valley formed by the Elsebach stream.

At the starting point, a small recreation area with an information pavilion, pond, and rest areas invites visitors to linger. The path initially climbs through a spruce forest, leading past mighty pollarded beech trees and colorful wildflower meadows. Here, at Armesruhe, forest was cleared in 1932 to give land to poor families.

Upon reaching the national park boundary, the path narrows and the landscape becomes wilder. Storms in the 1990s and Cyclone Kyrill in 2007 have drastically altered the forests, creating space for new natural dynamics. A rest stop is recommended at the Sauhütte, where the ancient beech forests of the UNESCO World Heritage Site are reached. On the descent, signs of browsing reveal the impact of wildlife. Where spruce trees have died, the slope turns a deep purple in June.

Good to know

Path surfaces

gravel
Way
Path

Best Season

suitable
depending on the weather

Tour features

  • Accessibility

  • refreshment possibility

  • Family Friendly

  • Culturally interesting

  • Flatly

Equipment

Day hiking backpack (approx. 20 liters) with rain cover, sturdy and comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate and durable clothing in a multi-layer principle, telescopic poles if necessary, sun and rain protection, provisions and drinking water, first aid kit, pocket knife, cell phone, maps

Arrival & Parking

National park entrance and “Elsebach” car park near Vöhl-Schmittlotheim. Free parking spaces

Nearest bus stop/s: Vöhl-Schmittlotheim Elsebach

Line/s: 501, 521, AST 581.11, AST 584.3, AST 584.4, AST 585.1

NVV service phone: 0800-939-0800

All connections, including AST taxi connections, can be viewed in detail using the NVV timetable information - www.nvv.de/fahrplanauskunft

Tip for the smartphone - Download the "NVV Mobil" app in the respective app store before the tour!

In general it should "AST-Taxi" (call shared taxi) be included in the planning. With the call-to-collect taxis (AST), the NVV ensures mobility on routes that are not in such high demand. Instead of taking the bus, you can travel here in normal taxis or rental cars. AST also have fixed timetables - all you have to do is (usually) call in to request a trip up to 30 minutes before the trip. Also consider that AST only operate if no normal buses are running parallel.

Call shared taxi center: +49 (0) 5631-5062088

More information / links

www.nationalpark-kellerwald-edersee.de

Our tip

The small shelter to the right of the path near the Sauhütte (pig hut) is somewhat hidden. Shortly before reaching the main path, the trail branches off to the right. The name Sauhütte refers to a shelter for the swineherd who used to keep the village's pigs here in the woods during the beech nut harvest. In good weather, however, the sunny benches along the main path also offer a pleasant place to rest.

safety instructions

The forests in the national park are not used for forestry purposes. Old trees and those at risk of breakage will not be removed. Trees can tip over and branches fall onto the paths. Visiting the national park and using all paths is therefore at your own risk! Please do not go into the forest in strong winds, heavy rain or snowfall.

This disturbs nature

Our natural heritage is protected in the national park. People are guests here. Nature requires special consideration. Therefore, please observe the behavioral instructions.

Nature is severely disturbed by the following actions:

  1. Don't scare animals
  2. Do not deviate from the marked paths
  3. Please be quiet so as not to scare animals
  4. Do not carelessly dispose of empty cans, bottles and other rubbish in the landscape
  5. Do not pick plants
  6. Do not light fires in the national park
  7. Keep your dog on a leash so that he doesn't startle any animals
  8. Park in the designated areas
  9. Camping is not permitted in the national park. Take advantage of the official offers

Way markings

You can reach the special features of the national park via the marked hiking trails. Circular trails from the national park's hiking car parks are marked with animal or plant symbols. There are “sign trees” with place names at selected crossroads. They are landmarks for the hiker.

Rescue points

The official rescue points (e.g. KB-426) are entered/marked on the maps and signs on site in the national park. If you are injured, you can inform the emergency services (telephone: 112) of the relevant point. Unfortunately, the cell phone network is not comprehensive.

Liability

No liability is assumed for the accuracy of the information in the text and maps.

Map

Erlebnisregion Edersee - ISBN 9783866969160 (2nd edition 2018) - mr-kartographie, engineering office and publisher (1:25.000)

Hiking and cycling map Edersee - ISBN 978-3-86973-192-6 (11th edition) - Cartographic Municipal Publishing Company mbH (1:25.000)

Hiking and cycling map Kellerwald-Edersee - ISBN 978-3-86973-189-6 - Kartografie Kommunale Verlagsgesellschaft mbH (1:33.000)

author

Karuna Eckel

Nearby

Contact details

34516 Vohl
Arriving by carArrival by public transport