Frankenberg (Eder): Town Hall History and Nature

Frankenberg (Eder) combines medieval town history with nature experiences and places where you can shape your stay in different ways. The Historic Town Hall and Hexenturm tower add distinctive features to the old town; a circular hiking trail, the wildlife park and other attractions round out the picture. When planning, consider whether you mainly want to explore architectural history, spend time outdoors or combine different experiences.

Late Gothic Architecture, Carving and Town History

The late Gothic Historic Town Hall, with its ten towers, stands in the old town between Liebfrauenkirche and Steinhaus. Construction of the third town hall began in 1509; it was intended to resemble a predecessor that had burned down. At the building, take a look at the brackets—the corbels supporting the central oriels on the south, north and west sides. They are considered masterpieces of medieval woodcarving. The carillon is also part of the town hall: it was installed in 1999 and can be heard daily between 11:45 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. If you would like to time your visit to hear it, check the schedule in advance.

Another remnant of the town fortifications is Hexenturm, built in the 13th century. It is the only surviving one of the 20 defensive towers originally built. Around 50 steps lead up to the platform at its top. Check access conditions before visiting. The architectural history continues at Liebfrauenkirche: the present building dates from 1286 onward. The late Gothic Marien Chapel is accessible only from the outside. The former St. Georgenberg Monastery now houses the Museum in the Frankenberg Monastery.

Circular Trail and Outdoor Discoveries

The Frankenberger Blickwinkel premium town hiking trail is a circular route about nine kilometres long. It links the town’s sights with experiences in nature, offering a different perspective on Frankenberg than a visit to individual buildings. Its approximate length and circular route give you clear points of reference for planning your hike, without requiring you to organise your other activities around a fixed itinerary.

At the Frankenberg Wildlife Park, you can see wild boar, deer, sheep and goats up close; admission is free. The park is open 24 hours a day, every day. Near Frankenberg-Rodenbach, at the entrance to the Hohenäcker quarry, there is an information pavilion and a fossil-hammering site for children. Bring a hammer or similar tool. These offer two very different ways to spend time: one focuses on observing animals, the other on searching for fossils in the quarry’s rocks.

Ederberglandbad has an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, and is close to the “Teichgelände” recreation centre. If swimming is part of your plans, check the current opening hours before your visit. The farmers’ market is another specific option for Saturday mornings: it takes place from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 noon in the Schirn of the Historic Town Hall with its ten towers. Here, too, it is worth checking the dates if the market is important to your plans.

Frankenberg (Eder) and the Wider Travel Destination

The wider travel destination of Waldeck-Frankenberg offers more nature experiences. The ancient beech forests of Kellerwald-Edersee National Park have been a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site since 2011. For longer hikes, the 66-kilometre Urwaldsteig Edersee trail is on a different scale from the Frankenberg town trail: it can be hiked in eight stages or as part of a three-day ranger-led hike, with around 22 kilometres per stage. These attractions are part of the wider travel destination of Waldeck-Frankenberg and should be distinguished from the sights and activities in Frankenberg (Eder).

Choose Accommodation to Suit Your Stay

When looking for accommodation, it helps to first decide what you want to focus on during your stay: would you like to explore the architectural history of the old town, plan a hike, or set aside time for the wildlife park, fossil hammering or swimming? Then look for accommodation for your stay in Frankenberg (Eder) and compare the locations of the options to see which best suit your plans. If you are visiting with children, the fossil-hammering site specifically intended for children is one possible activity; remember to bring the necessary tool. If you are planning a longer hike instead, the Urwaldsteig trail in the wider travel destination of Waldeck-Frankenberg may be a separate option.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Willersdorf, Rengershausen, Röddenau, Vöhl, Rosenthal, Battenberg, Edertal, Lichtenfels.

Back to the wider travel overview: Waldeck-Frankenberg.