Waldeck on the Edersee, 420 m above sea level, with a town charter dated 1232, whose castle gave the town and the country its name, lies in the Kellerwald Edersee Nature Park.
The scenically most impressive nature beauties such as the idyllic meadowland valleys and clear rivers and brooks exert a particular appeal in this diversified recreation area. Here you find untouched nature in diversified scenery, in a mild, extraordinarily health-conducive and stimulating climate.

Waldeck for friends of fairy tales
The old knight's castle and seat of the Waldeck Earls: “Castle Waldeck“ juts high above the Edersee lake, widely visible in the Waldecker country. It is an embodiment and landmark of the town and Waldeck country, particularly also its connection to the Edersee. Around the eleventh century there had already been a clan “von Waldeck“ known to be living in the castle. Nothing is known about the founding and earliest history of the castle. The local legend that a shepherd had recommended a "Waldeck" ("forest corner") to a knight who was seeking a location for a new castle, is a folkloristic explanation of the name. The legend has it that over a millennium may have elapsed since the builder of the castle Waldeck had concluded an agreement on the castle construction with the dwarf people who resided in the Ederberg region, particularly in the deep interior of the castle rocks. The Count of Waldeck promised Eck, the mighty sovereign of the Eder dwarves, to secure the possession of the mountain regions below his castle for all time as their undisturbed homeland, so that his people could reside in peace however long as they like under the protection of the Earl's castle. In exchange, the dwarf sovereign committed to erect and grout the foundation walls of the castle so absolutely that the castle could never drop or fall. Eck simultaneously vowed with all best efforts to uphold all rights and to revenge all injuries in his realm...

Waldeck for holiday tourists and day visitors
Take a fascinating ramble through the historical mountain town of Waldeck with its half-timbered buildings and the storybook Earl's castle, the landmark of Waldeck country. A small gem such as the Netzer Marienthal church, Freienhagener Wattenmühle mill or the Upper Werbe Monastery Ruins bestow the town with a very special character. For families, culture enthusiasts, hikers, cyclists and of course water enthusiasts, Waldeck at the Edersee is always a splendid holiday destination. In every season, anglers, sailors, surfers and divers feel especially comfortable here. Those who want to cross the lake can change to the ferry boat or one of the excursion ships. One of the finest activities in the region is hiking. The Nature and National Park Kellerwald Edersee offers an impressive cultural landscape and fascinating beauties of nature. Whether you are a passionate serious hiker or rather a comfortable pleasure walker, here on the Edersee you will find optimal conditions to meet all your desires. The beloved resort Waldeck is the ideal starting point for excursions into nature. Stop and enjoy a pause wherever it is most beautiful. Classic stops are the inns of the Waldeck region which offer typical Waldeck hospitality in a convivial atmosphere. You are served family-style fare and regional specialties in idyllic beer gardens or quaint chambers in Waldeck and environs.
High-definition panorama images of castle Waldeck, Edersee and National park in real-time!