Discover Diemelstadt: Half-timbered houses, forests and history

The townscapes of Rhoden, Wethen and Helmighausen, the museums in Rhoden and Wrexen, and the forest and geology themes offer different ways to explore Diemelstadt. You can then choose where to stay based on the places you would like to discover.

Rhoden: Old town and forest history

Rhoden has a medieval old town with Diemel-Saxon half-timbered ensembles from the 17th, 18th and 19th centuries. The history of forestry work is also brought to life here: the Museum of Forestry Work in Rhoden traces the development of this field. One section focuses on Germany’s oldest forestry workers’ school, from its founding in 1932 until it closed. After a move, the museum opened on May 20, 2026. Its published monthly opening schedule may change; check it before your visit.

Forest, mountain biking and geology

Four mountain bike trails run through the forests between Diemelstadt’s districts of Rhoden, Wrexen and Orpethal. Each trail is between 1.6 and 4 km long and designed for riders of all ages and skill levels. The distances give you a practical basis for planning your rides; check current trail conditions before setting out.

The Rhodener Hude forest nature trail illustrates the special features of Diemelstadt’s forests in the Rhodener Hude landscape conservation area. The area is characterized by heathland and juniper. The Quast and Eichholz Muschelkalk area adds a geological dimension and is a Natura 2000 site designated under the Habitats Directive: Quast is rich in Ice Age index fossils. Alongside forests and landscapes, rocks and fossils are also among the topics to explore.

Museums and historic village centers

The local history museum in Wrexen provides information about the village’s history and notable residents. Topics include crafts such as weaving and stone masonry, as well as paper production in the past and present. Picture panels show events such as the livestock market and marksmen’s festival; everyday household items and a general store are also on display. Visits are by appointment only.

Helmighausen is a traditional farming village with surviving half-timbered remains and a medieval church nave. A beautifully crafted Baroque entrance portal is a notable feature of the former moated castle. Wethen still has some well-preserved 19th-century half-timbered houses. The old town hall and tithe barn were built on the foundations of an old castle complex. Together, the villages offer contrasting townscapes, from a medieval church nave to 19th-century half-timbered houses.

West of Wethen, in the wider surrounding area, lies Gaulskopf. An early medieval fortification is still clearly visible there, and finds have been dated to the Neolithic period. Gaulskopf is therefore a distinct archaeological point of interest in the wider area around Wethen.

Further perspectives in the wider Waldeck-Frankenberg destination

In the wider destination of Waldeck-Frankenberg, the ancient beech forests of Kellerwald-Edersee National Park have been part of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage since 2011. The 66-kilometer Urwaldsteig Edersee trail can be hiked in eight stages or as part of a three-day ranger-led hike, with each stage covering around 22 kilometers. By comparison, the mountain bike trails in Diemelstadt are each 1.6 to 4 km long, while the Urwaldsteig is 66 kilometers long.

A geological highlight of this wider region is the GeoFoyer Kalkturm Korbach. It presents the landscape and the life around Korbach 250 million years ago, as well as an exhibition on limestone extraction and processing and its industrial use at the quarry for more than 100 years.

Discover more destinations

Wrexen, Ammenhausen, Rhoden, Bromskirchen, Frankenberg, Allendorf, Lichtenfels and Bad Arolsen.

Back to the wider travel overview: Waldeck-Frankenberg.