Autumn hike with friends on the pulpit route at Edersee

The Pulpit Route: Nature, History and Unforgettable Moments
The Pulpit Route in the Kellerwald National Park-Edersee offers hikers a perfect combination of impressive viewpoints, historic sites, and diverse natural scenery. At 8 to 10 kilometers long, the route is challenging but also manageable for less experienced hikers—ideal for experiencing the region at its best.

A perfect start to the hiking day
Our hike began on a sunny autumn morning on the east side of the dam. Agatha and Salva, our friends who visited us this weekend, were visiting the region for the first time and were full of anticipation for the tour. Jens and I, who have lived here for years, are familiar with the spectacular views along the route – but it is always special to experience them together with "first-time visitors." The golden autumn landscape showed itself at its best on this day: bright colors in the trees, the blue of the Edersees and the clear, fresh air that simply feels good.

For Agatha and Salva, who do not have much hiking experience, the 10 kilometers to Waldeck Castle were an ideal route - challenging, but not overwhelming, and peppered with so many highlights that the time flew by.

Viewpoints that inspire: Urenkopf and Kanzel
The first major highlight was the Urenkopf viewpoint. After about 20 to 30 minutes of steep ascent, we reached the point from which you can enjoy an incredible view of Hemfurth, the Edersee and the dam. It was a special moment for us to show Agatha and Salva how beautiful our home is—and yes, we could even see our house in the distance!

After a short break, we continued through the dense forest until we reached the Kanzel viewpoint. Here you really feel like you are above the Edersee The rolling hills and water spread out like a painted backdrop, and in the distance, Waldeck Castle towers majestically over the landscape. This spot seemed perfect for a short break—perfect for taking in the impressive view while enjoying a snack.

Waldeck Castle: History and Panorama
After the natural highlights, the path led us to Waldeck Castle. This impressive building from the 12th century is located above the Edersees and tells exciting stories from its long past. The path there led us out of the forest, through fields and the sleepy little village of Waldeck, which seemed almost magical on this Sunday.

Arriving at the castle, we not only enjoyed the fantastic view over the Edersee and the surrounding forests, but also a brief detour into the building's history. Today, Waldeck Castle houses a hotel and a museum that brings the region's medieval past to life—a fascinating contrast to the experiences in nature.

Back at Dusk: A Touch of Adventure
Time flew by and dusk was already falling as we made our way back. The path that was so familiar to us before turned into a little adventure as darkness fell. Equipped with only a flashlight, our senses were heightened: we heard the crackling of the trees, encountered raccoons and mistook a goat in the shade for a wild boar - a moment that caused plenty of laughter.

Although the darkness made us feel uneasy at first, it also gave the hike a special magic. The conversations became more intense, the atmosphere more mysterious, and the final moment was simply unforgettable: when we reached the illuminated dam, we were greeted by a breathtaking sight. Surrounded by the autumnal calm, the dam sparkled in the night, and this moment became an absolute highlight for all of us.