Helminghausen: Diemel Valley, Dam and Trails at Lake Diemelsee

Helminghausen lies below the dam in the Diemel Valley. Water, hiking trails and village history define different sides of the village: Helminghausen lido has a playground and offers boat hire. There are also circular trails at the dam and routes around Lake Diemelsee. If you are planning a stay, you can focus on activities on the water, getting active or exploring history. Helminghausen is also officially recognised as a state-approved health resort in North Rhine-Westphalia.

Dam and waterside landscape

The Diemel Dam near Helminghausen is a gravity dam of the Intze type. It is 42 metres high above its foundation. In addition to its striking location in the Diemel Valley, the technical terminology gives the structure its own cultural and historical dimension: this is not only about water, but also about the dam’s construction.

The lido adds specific on-site activities to this waterside setting. Its facilities include a playground and boat hire. Those who prefer to get around on foot can also choose from routes of different lengths: from a circular hike starting and ending at Helminghausen Church to trails that cover larger parts of the holiday region.

Hiking and cycling routes with different focuses

“Berg und Tal Helminghausen HL2” is an 8.1-kilometre circular hike. The start and finish are at Helminghausen Church. The “Berg und Tal” Helminghausen 2 hike offers panoramic views of the Diemel Valley. Both descriptions put the landscape centre stage, seen from the perspective of walking.

The 63-kilometre Diemelsteig quality hiking trail takes in the entire Diemelsee holiday region; you can join it from any of the villages along the route. In Helminghausen, the trail leads to the hiking car park and then continues towards the dam. Another local circular route, “Rund um den Weiher”, passes the dam and the power station. One of its stops is the “Ehemalige Mühle” rest area.

You can also plan a route around the lake: the ferry hiking trail lets you walk all the way around Lake Diemelsee and can be combined with a boat trip on the “MS Muffert”. The starting point is the large Diemelsee car park, Am See 8, 34431 Marsberg-Helminghausen. If you plan to take the boat, it is best to check the timetable in advance. For cycling, the 15-kilometre circular route around Lake Diemelsee is another option; it recommends the Alte Gutsgarten in Helminghausen as a stop along the way.

Play and exercise at the Alte Gutsgarten

The Alte Gutsgarten in Helminghausen brings various activities together in one place. It has a pit-pat course and a table tennis table, as well as multi-generational fitness equipment and a calisthenics area. There is also a Mensch-Ärgere-Dich-Nicht playing field. The pit-pat course is centrally located in Helminghausen, right next to the historic manor house. Together with its recommendation as a stop on the cycle route, this connects it both to the village centre and to the route around Lake Diemelsee.

Village history and buildings

Helminghausen was first mentioned in 1325 in a document from Bredelar Monastery. The year marks the village’s first documented mention. Later buildings include the Catholic church: it was originally built in 1906/07 in the Romanesque style, with a roof turret. The old school bell is housed in a bell tower erected at the memorial in 2004.

The Alte Gutshof Helminghausen dates from 1680/81. Another local stop is the “Am Birkenhof” chapel, built through the initiative of a family living there. The village’s history can also be explored along a signposted circular trail, which shares historical events and points out local attractions. Together, individual buildings and a trail focused on local history offer complementary ways to discover the village.

More places to discover in the Marsberg destination

The wider Marsberg destination also offers cultural and themed attractions of its own. In Obermarsberg, you can see remains of the old town wall, including the Wasserturm and Buttenturm towers. In Marsberg-Essentho, the bird care station has been operating for over 40 years; visits and guided tours are only possible by prior arrangement. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance.

At the Grube Reinhard leisure area (Meilerplatz) on the Diemel near Giershagen, an open-sided, roofed multi-purpose pavilion houses an information centre for biomimetics, the regional mining industry and geology. Check the opening arrangements before visiting. The Marsberg archery course is located on the site of a former copper mine and covers 5.9 hectares.

Plan your stay around your interests

The options differ in activity and scale, which can help with planning your trip: an 8.1-kilometre circular hike starting and ending at the church, a 15-kilometre cycle route around Lake Diemelsee, or the 63-kilometre Diemelsteig through the holiday region. By the water, you can add the lido and the option of combining a hike with a boat trip. If you are looking for accommodation for a stay in Helminghausen, comparing these options can help you decide what you want to focus on: the lake, hiking, cycling or the village’s history.

Discover more destinations: Leitmar, Beringhausen, Padberg, Obermarsberg, Bredelar.

Go to the main travel overview: Marsberg.