Battenberg (Eder): Eder Floodplain, Mine and History

The Eder floodplain between Dodenau and Battenberg, Burgberg with its visitor mine, and Neuburg show Battenberg (Eder) from different perspectives. There are also groomed cross-country ski trails in Dodenau in winter and evidence of village life in Laisa. The experiences also differ in terms of season and access.

The Eder Floodplain and Winter in Dodenau

The Eder floodplain between Dodenau and Battenberg is extensive, partly protected as a nature reserve, and home to a wide variety of animal and plant species. The Eder between the two towns can also be used for fishing; local conditions may vary.

In the district of Dodenau, groomed cross-country ski trails are available in winter. Check whether the trails have been groomed before you travel. The wildlife park, which covers more than ten hectares, is also in Dodenau. The two destinations offer different experiences: cross-country skiing in winter at one, and an extensive wildlife park at the other.

Underground and Up to Burgberg

The Burgbergstollen visitor mine lies on the slope of Burgberg; it is a five-minute walk from Battenberg’s market square. The 150-year-old tunnels and shafts can be visited wearing protective clothing and carrying a mine lamp, under the guidance of experienced mine guides. Visits are therefore guided tours. Check the current visiting arrangements before making plans.

Kellerburg can only be reached on foot; several hiking trails lead to Kellerburgturm on Battenberg’s Burgberg. The viewing platform is reached by climbing 88 steps. In good weather, the distant views extend as far as the Marburg Lahn Hills, Kahler Asten and Hoher Lohr. Unlike the guided underground tour, access here involves footpaths and steps; visibility also depends on the weather.

The Battenberg (Eder) hang-gliding launch site is used by hang-glider and paraglider pilots and offers views over the Eder Valley. It provides another perspective on the landscape. The Eder between Dodenau and Battenberg can also be used for fishing.

Neuburg, Garden and Local History

Neuburg in Battenberg (Eder) was built in 1732 by chief forester Karl Johann Philipp Löner von Laurenburg. Until 1768, it served as Landgrave Ludwig VIII’s hunting lodge. The building’s history is thus closely tied to a clearly defined period and offers a different historical focus from the evidence of village life in the districts.

The Baroque garden at Neuburg covers around 2,700 square metres and is laid out across several terraces. Its size and terraced design give the garden a distinctive form, setting it apart from the history of the hunting lodge. The historic walk through Battenberg is free of charge; donations are welcome. If you plan to take this walk, check the current terms in advance.

In the district of Laisa, the local history museum illustrates village life in the last quarter of the 19th century and the early 20th century. It focuses on the crafts practised in Laisa around the turn of the century. The museum thus offers a look at everyday life and work in the village, while Neuburg and the Baroque garden show other aspects of Battenberg’s history.

Getting Here by Bus

Regular bus services connect Battenberg with the railway stations in Frankenberg and Münchhausen, as well as with other communities. If you plan to use these services to get here or continue your journey, check the current timetable in advance.

Discover more destinations: Diemelsee, Frankenau, Vöhl, Diemelstadt, Willingen, Volkmarsen.

View the regional travel overview: Waldeck-Frankenberg.