Gellershausen: Hiking, Beech Forest and Local History

Gellershausen offers plenty to explore, both on foot and in the village: trails lead through old beech stands, National Park grassland and agricultural landscapes. Restored half-timbered façades shape the village’s appearance; the church adds a Romanesque choir to its history.

Hiking through beech forest and cultural landscapes

The 12.23-kilometre, moderately difficult circular hike on the Traddelkopf-Locheichen route starts and ends at the “Heinrichshütte” National Park entrance and car park in Edertal-Gellershausen. It leads through beech forests, past pollarded beeches and remnants of heathland, and along the Traddelkopf area. The Traddelkopf route follows part of the National Park designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which includes ancient beech forest.

The Locheichen route from Gellershausen passes through an old beech stand that is part of the World Natural Heritage site, as well as National Park grassland and a varied agricultural landscape. The Tannendriesch Pavilion is located along this route: the historic wildlife-feeding station now serves as an information pavilion.

Another option is the recommended circular trail around the Ebachsköppel. It takes about 45 minutes and is not marked. The starting point is at a water reservoir, which you can reach via “An der Litt” at the edge of Gellershausen in the direction of Hüddingen. Since the route is unmarked, it is best to plan your navigation before setting off.

Landscape and cycling routes

The “Paradies bei Gellershausen” nature reserve is near Gellershausen. A circular trail of about 7 kilometres leading there starts at the “Spicke” recreation area near Kleinern. Specific cycling route sections are also described: from Giflitz, the Edersee Cycle Route 3 follows the Wesetal educational trail to Gellershausen and crosses Kellerwald-Edersee National Park between Gellershausen and Bringhausen. Check current route conditions before setting out.

Village character and culture

Restored half-timbered façades shape Gellershausen. A stone sculpture group depicting a shepherd and pigs stands in Schwinneplatz. The church also tells of several phases of construction: the masonry of the Romanesque choir dates from the 13th century, the nave was added a century later and subsequently altered in the Baroque style. The people of Gellershausen were once known as “Rauchhühner” (“smoke chickens”)—an unusual feature of local tradition.

The “Spielzeugeisenbahnen im Schaufenster” museum displays toy trains and accessories from the heyday of the toy train, from 1900 to the 1980s. Individual appointments can be arranged for groups of five or more.

Practical information

After a hike on the Angstberg Route 2, the footbath in Gellershausen offers a chance to cool off; a sun lounger invites you to relax. You can reach the pool via a small footbridge from “Im Erlengrund” or “Am Gersthof”. It may be dry during summer droughts. If using the footbath is important to you, check in advance whether the pool has water.

The Heinrichshütte National Park entrance near Gellershausen is accessible from the Edertal-Gellershausen, Försterei bus stop via a 650-metre footpath. Check the latest timetable information before travelling.

Discover more destinations: Anraff, Wellen, Bringhausen, Hemfurth, Mehlen, Kleinern.

For the main travel overview: Edertal.