Gellershausen: Hiking, Cultural Landscape and Discoveries

Gellershausen is an interesting starting point for anyone who would like to combine hiking, nature and village culture. Around the village, trails lead through beech forests, National Park grassland and a varied agricultural cultural landscape. There are also historic details in the villagescape, a unique museum collection and opportunities to quietly round off an active day.

Hiking Trails between Beech Forest and Cultural Landscape

One notable tour is the 12.23-kilometre, moderately difficult circular hike on the Traddelkopf-Locheichen Route. It begins and ends at the “Heinrichshütte” National Park entrance and car park in Edertal-Gellershausen. Along the way, the route passes through beech forests, past pollarded beech trees and heathland remnants, as well as the Traddelkopf area. Anyone looking for a longer hike through varied landscapes will find a clearly described circular tour here as an important reference point for planning the day.

The Locheichen Route also passes through an old beech stand that is part of the World Natural Heritage site, as well as through National Park grassland and a historic cultural landscape. The Tannendriesch Pavilion is located along this route. It stands on the site of a historic wildlife-feeding station and now serves as an information pavilion. In this way, the trail combines nature observation with insights into the history of the landscape, without limiting you to a purely forest hike.

Further Trails and Practical Orientation

For a differently paced tour, the circular trail around the Ebachsköppel is a good option. The recommended route is not marked and begins at a water reservoir, which you can reach via “An der Litt” Street at the exit from Gellershausen towards Hüddingen. The circular trail takes about 45 minutes. The lack of markings is part of the planning and should be taken into account when preparing.

The “Paradies bei Gellershausen” nature reserve is also located in the vicinity of Gellershausen. It can be reached via an approximately 7-kilometre circular trail starting at the “Spicke” recreational facility near Kleinern. Cyclists can include Edersee Cycle Route 3 in their plans: between Gellershausen and Bringhausen, it crosses Kellerwald-Edersee National Park and, from Giflitz, follows the Wesetal Educational Trail to Gellershausen.

There is also a specific place to stop for a break after a hike. You can reach the Gellershausen foot-washing pool via a small footbridge from the “Im Erlengrund” path or from “Am Gersthof”. After a hike on the Angstberg Route 2, it offers an opportunity to cool off and relax on a sun lounger.

Village History and Unusual Discoveries

Gellershausen can also be explored away from the trails. A stone sculpture group featuring a shepherd and pigs stands on Schwinneplatz. Restored half-timbered façades characterise the villagescape. At the church, the masonry of the Romanesque chancel dates from the 13th century; the nave was added a century later and subsequently altered in the Baroque style. In the past, the inhabitants of Gellershausen were referred to as “smoke chickens” – a local detail that adds an unusual dimension to the history of the village.

Another special feature is the “Toy Railways in the Shop Window” museum. It displays toy trains and accessories from the heyday of toy railways, from 1900 through the 1980s. Individual appointments can be arranged for groups of five or more. This means that, in addition to hiking and cycling tours, a stay in Gellershausen can also be enhanced by a small cultural discovery.

Choose Gellershausen as Your Accommodation Location

When looking for a holiday apartment in Gellershausen, you can base your choice on the focus you want for your holiday. Anyone planning longer hikes should include the Traddelkopf-Locheichen Route and the trails at the Heinrichshütte National Park entrance in their plans. For shorter or differently structured excursions, the circular trail around the Ebachsköppel, the foot-washing pool or a visit to the toy museum are options. Cyclists can consider the route of Edersee Cycle Route 3 as a focus of their own. This keeps the choice of accommodation closely connected with the experiences you actually want to include during your stay.

Further Village Pages

For further orientation around the area, you can also view Bringhausen, Anraff, Wellen, Hemfurth, Mehlen and Kleinern.

To the overarching travel overview: Edertal.