Edersee

Edersee is a reservoir in Waldeck-Frankenberg, northern Hesse, stretching nearly thirty kilometers between forested slopes. The reservoir sits within the Kellerwald-Edersee Nature Park and fills a long, narrow valley with numerous bays and side arms.

The dam was built between 1908 and 1914, requiring three villages to be moved to higher ground. In May 1943, British bombers damaged the dam wall severely, causing floods in the valley below.

During low water periods, visitors can observe the foundations of former settlements, including the Bericher Hammer ironworks and medieval watermill structures.

The best views come from the dam wall or the many viewpoints along the shore road. Water levels change considerably throughout the year, so the appearance of the reservoir shifts significantly with the season.

When water levels drop, the foundations of the old villages reappear, including bridges and house foundations from before the dam was built. Visitors can then walk along the former village streets and explore the ruins of Asel and Berich settlements.