Hülsa between the plateau and Lochbach Gorge

Hülsa combines its location on a plateau with a striking gorge and its own village traditions. The village lies at the foot of the Knüll Mountains and borders the Upper Rinnetal Landscape Protection Area. Hülsaer Köpfchen reaches an elevation of 522 metres. These specific landmarks give the landscape a clear setting—and make nature an obvious focus when planning a trip.

Hiking through Lochbach Gorge

Lochbach Gorge in Knüll Nature Park is up to 15 metres deep and has 21 bridges and footbridges. The gorge can be explored on foot at any time of year. If you enjoy a longer walk, you can plan a route along the approximately 8.5-kilometre Lochbach Trail: the circular trail passes through the gorge and also follows meadow paths. Wild orchids and views towards the Knüll Mountains and Kellerwald are among the sights along the route. The trail is accessible from Homberg-Hülsa.

Two figures help put the walk into perspective: the entire circular route is approximately 8.5 kilometres long, while its gorge section measures 1.3 kilometres. This section has bridges and footbridges, as well as benches and picnic spots.

A church, an Advent market, and a song from Hülsa

The village’s history also has some tangible points of interest. The Protestant church was built in 1728 and serves as a religious centre for neighbouring villages. Hülsa’s traditional Christmas market takes place in front of the church every year on the first weekend of Advent. The hot drink locally known as “Trompetentraum” is served there. If you are travelling specifically to visit the market, check the date for the year in question.

The Knüll song “Mein Dörflein am Knüll” is also associated with Hülsa. Pastor Samuel Raith wrote the song during his time in Hülsa. Along with the church and the annual market, it is another local cultural reference, complementing the hiking trails and landscape. This gives visitors options for their stay, from planning a hike to exploring the village’s history and traditions.

Culture in the wider destination of Homberg/Efze

A cultural and historical highlight in the wider destination of Homberg/Efze is St. Mary’s Town Church. Construction of the Gothic, three-aisled hall church began around 1340. The Homberg Synod took place there in 1526, which is why the church is also known as the Reformation Church.

Hohenburg Castle rises above Homberg/Efze on a basalt cone and offers views extending to the Habichtswald, Knüll Nature Park, and the forests of Kellerwald-Edersee National Park. Among the notable historical features is the castle well: it was once dug 150 metres down into the basalt and is one of the deepest wells in Germany. A lighting system and an automatic water feature illustrate its depth.

The Hohenburg Museum presents 7,000 exhibits from different periods in the castle’s history. Its permanent exhibition covers the reconstruction of the castle, its history up to its destruction in the Thirty Years’ War, the construction and clearing of the castle well, and life at the castle.

Discover more destinations: Welferode.

Go to the wider travel overview: Homberg/Efze.