Habichtswald: Forest Lakes, Basalt and Cultural History

Forest lakes, basalt history and village crafts give Habichtswald several distinct themes to consider when planning a trip. Around Silbersee and Höllchen, natural lakes tell the story of former basalt mining; in Ehlen, the Schnegelsberg forge is an example of traditional village craftsmanship. The Habichtswald Cultural History Eco Path connects Dörnberg and Ehlen.

Forest, water and basalt history

The forest around Silbersee and Höllchen is shaped by the mining history of the 20th century. Former basalt quarries have filled with groundwater and spring water and are now natural lakes. In this landscape, forest, water and the history of earlier land use are intertwined. If you are interested in how landscapes are formed, this offers a clear thematic thread: the lakes cannot be considered separately from their surroundings, as they originated from former basalt mining.

The Habichtswald Cultural History Eco Path connects the towns of Dörnberg and Ehlen. Since 1972, both have been part of the municipality of Habichtswald. Route details were updated in September 2022. In Ehlen, the Schnegelsberg forge adds another perspective on local history: the building was constructed in 1893 and served as the village forge until 1970. The route and the forge offer different points of interest—connecting two towns on the one hand, and showcasing traditional village crafts on the other.

Landscape and cultural themes in the wider Kassel destination

The natural landscapes described in the wider Kassel destination vary considerably. Habichtswald Nature Park is characterized by extensive beech forests and numerous volcanic basalt hills. Reinhardswald Nature Park brings together centuries-old pollarded oaks, extensive beech and spruce forests, river valleys, natural stream landscapes, and calcareous grasslands with juniper and orchids. In Geo-Nature Park Frau-Holle-Land, deep forests alternate with meadows and fields; the area also features colorful mountain meadows and trout streams.

The activities on offer also have different focuses. Habichtswald Nature Park is considered a destination for nature lovers, hikers, winter sports enthusiasts and those seeking relaxation. Geo-Nature Park Frau-Holle-Land offers opportunities for sailing and hang gliding, water and winter sports, as well as cycling, horseback riding and fishing. These differences can help you plan your trip around the landscape or activities you prefer, rather than grouping every destination under a single nature experience.

For cultural discoveries, the German Fairy Tale Route runs through the district of Kassel and leads, among other places, to Sababurg Castle and Trendelburg Castle with its Rapunzel Tower. Trendelburg Castle has a 38 m-high keep and is surrounded by a moat and a castle wall. Along the German Fairy Tale Route, you can experience fairy tales at open-air theaters, as puppet shows or in a museum steeped in history. Nature and culture also come together on the Eco Paths in the district of Kassel: the Eco Paths in Reinhardswald and Habichtswald offer opportunities to trace history through the landscape; at Dörnberg, there is the Dörnberg Archaeology Eco Path.

Explore independently and choose your focus

The Eco Paths in the district of Kassel have no opening hours and can be explored independently at any time of day. Conditions may vary from one trail to another. Another guide is provided by the 15 audio tours in the “Hör‘ mal!” program in the district of Kassel. They follow set routes with stops and viewpoints. If you would like to put together a cultural itinerary, you can also use the discovery map published jointly by the city and district of Kassel: it lists 70 cultural sites and provides addresses, contact details, opening hours and links to their websites.

The Sababurg Zoo is another possible day trip in the wider Kassel destination. It covers 130 hectares and is home to 80 animal species and more than 900 animals; these figures may change during regular operations. The zoo is open daily throughout the year. Check the opening hours before setting out. The zoo museum offers insights into the zoo’s history and daily life, as well as the animal species represented there.

You can then search for accommodation based on your travel dates and the themes that interest you most.

Discover more destinations: Schauenburg, Wolfhagen, Kassel, Helsa, Niestetal, Fuldatal, Oberweser, Vellmar.

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