Breidenstein: Perfstausee Reservoir, Castle and Baking Tradition

Breidenstein combines the Perfstausee Reservoir on the edge of town with a rich architectural history and living traditions. There are also various ways to explore the surrounding area actively, whether cycling through deciduous woodland or paragliding. When planning your trip, you can decide whether to focus most on the water and landscape, cultural history or physical activity.

Perfstausee Reservoir: Recreation and Nature

The Perfstausee Reservoir lies right on the edge of Breidenstein and is a popular recreational area. In the wider destination of Biedenkopf, part of the reservoir lies within the “Im Wehr bei Breidenstein” nature reserve, which provides a protected habitat particularly for waterfowl. The reservoir thus brings together recreation and a protected habitat for birds as two distinct features.

In 2024, disc golf was available at the Perfstausee Reservoir; frisbees were provided at the “Seeblick” restaurant. Also in 2024, five stand-up paddleboards were available to hire on the grounds from a vending machine, and there was also a two-person kayak. If these activities are important for your trip, check their current availability in advance.

Cycling offers another way to take in the landscape: the Rotary Hinterland Tour passes through deciduous woodland on its way to the Perfstausee Reservoir near Breidenstein.

Castle Ensemble and Local Architectural History

The castle ensemble lies on the edge of Breidenstein, on a long ridge around which the Perf flows. It comprises a castle ruin, a Baroque palace and a late Historicist villa. The present-day palace, also called the Lower Palace, was built in the Baroque style by the von Breidenbach zu Breidenstein family between 1712 and 1714. The ensemble brings together different architectural styles, while the Lower Palace provides a clear historical reference point.

The chapel also has a long history: construction began in 1592, and it was extended in 1792. Another feature of the townscape is the Komp, with two cast-iron spouts and an integrated fountain. Flowers and a bench add to the setting, which hikers often use as a place to rest.

The bakehouse in Breidenstein is part of local tradition. It is still fired up and used for baking, and the tradition is intended to be passed on to future generations. The chapel, Komp and bakehouse thus offer three different perspectives: architectural history, a distinctive design feature and a craft that is still practiced.

Active Pursuits

The 535-metre-high summit of Endenberg offers a particularly dynamic perspective: from there, paragliders can fly into the Lahn Valley towards Wittgenstein. The Bad Laasphe Hang-Gliding and Paragliding Club operates paragliding and hang-gliding there. You can learn to paraglide at the Ederbergland Paragliding School. This offers a distinct focus for your trip alongside the reservoir, cycling route and architectural history.

Another Perspective on Biedenkopf

The wider destination of Biedenkopf offers another cultural and historical highlight: Landgrave’s Castle. Heinrich III of Hesse-Marburg had it built in the mid-15th century; today, it is considered one of the state of Hesse’s significant cultural monuments. The castle houses the Hinterland Museum, founded in 1908 as a regional museum. It presents regional and cultural history, with a focus on industry, transport, agriculture and crafts, as well as traditional dress, housing and everyday culture. While the ensemble in Breidenstein brings together different architectural styles, here the focus is on the history and culture of the Hinterland.

Discover More Destinations

Discover more destinations: Katzenbach.

Go to the main travel guide: Biedenkopf.