Discover Mehlen: Forests, floodplains and Eder experiences

Mehlen offers nature experiences with a variety of focuses: the Mehler Holz Route leads through moss-rich oak and pine forests, while the Eder Floodplain Experience Trail takes in the landscape around Mehlen and Giflitz. Those wishing to explore the forest will find a clearly defined route on the 6.3-kilometre Mehler Holz Route. It starts at the car park at Dinkelsburg above Mehlen, follows a bat symbol and runs along the foot of Rabenstein.

Discover forests and waterside landscapes

Many bats live in Mehler Holz. These include the Natterer’s bat, the Nathusius’ pipistrelle, the greater mouse-eared bat and the brown long-eared bat. They find shelter in tree hollows and beneath the peeling bark of dead trees. The history of Rabenstein also makes the forest interesting: its particularly valuable area was designated a nature reserve in 1991 and became part of the national park in 2004.

The Schwimmkaute near Mehlen offers a different kind of landscape. This nature reserve lies between Mehlen and Giflitz on the Eder in the Waldeck-Frankenberg district. It was created in a former gravel extraction area that has been left to natural succession for a long time. The Eder Floodplain Experience Trail between Mehlen and Giflitz can be explored on foot or by bicycle and passes the Schwimmkaute and Krautwiese nature reserves. Both areas originated from former gravel extraction and are among the most species-rich bodies of water in Hesse. The forest route and floodplain trail thus offer different highlights: the paths at Rabenstein on the one hand, and the waters and protected areas of the floodplain landscape on the other.

Gold, bats and bees

One special experience is panning for gold at the Mehlener Goldwelten claim, where you can pan for real Eder gold under expert guidance. Mehlen’s Dinkelburg is also home to a nature observation station with a viewing platform, accessible via paved paths. A bee ball at the station offers a special glimpse into the world of bees. Alongside activities in the forests and floodplains, observing wildlife and nature is another distinct interest to include in your plans.

For planning your arrival, it is also helpful to know the walking distance to the Dinkelsburg entrance to the national park near Mehlen: it is a 1.3-kilometre walk from the Edertal-Mehlen, Affolderner Straße bus stop. Mehlen is also listed as a stop on the 166-kilometre Eder Cycle Route. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore first consider whether the Mehler Holz Route, the floodplain trail, gold panning, or observing nature and wildlife is the main focus of your trip.

Mehlen in the wider destination of Edertal

Other places in the wider destination of Edertal also offer their own themes for trip planning. In Giflitz, a district of Edertal, a historic village trail has 17 stops covering the history and special features of the village. Hemfurth-Edersee is home to the Edersee Wildlife Park with its bird of prey centre, as well as a climbing park in Eschelberg Adventure Forest. These attractions add further possible highlights within Edertal to Mehlen’s nature and trail experiences.

The Eder Dam, built between 1908 and 1914, is the region’s defining landmark. The illuminated dam wall is particularly impressive in the evening. For local information, the Edersee Visitor Centre offers personal advice for guests, digital information boards and an interactive terminal. Edertal also offers a variety of options for cycling and walking trips: cycling tours along Lake Edersee, challenging routes through the low mountain landscape and everyday paths between the districts are complemented by relaxing walks and demanding hikes. This range of options can help you decide what you would like to focus on during your trip to Edertal, without losing sight of the specific nature experiences around Mehlen.

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

Back to the overview of the wider destination: Edertal.