The Eder Dam—a giant from the Imperial Era

Monument | Building / Modern Architecture | Bridge | Industrial Heritage

GeoRadroute Ruhr-Eder / Neusta POIs / The Eder Dam—a giant from the Imperial Era

The landmark of Lake Eder, with its history stretching back over a century, is definitely worth a visit. 

Staumauer und Edersee von oben
Edertalsperre vom Wasser aus
Edertalsperre
Edersee und Staumauer Frühjahr 2024
Edertalsperre
Besucher laufen über die Edertalsperre
Edersee  Deine Region: wild, bunt, gesund.

Address

The Eder Dam—a giant from the Imperial Era

Zur Sperrmauer

34549 Edertal

URLs

Homepage
Anyone traveling to Lake Eder in Hesse cannot miss this gigantic structure. The 400-meter-long Eder Dam was built between 1908 and 1914. After being bombed in 1943, the destroyed dam wall was rebuilt that same year. To this day, it ensures the water supply for the Weser River and the Mittelland Canal, provides flood protection, and generates electricity. With a storage capacity of 200 million m³, Lake Eder is Germany’s third-largest reservoir.

The dam continues to hold the world record as the “longest structure permanently illuminated with changing colors.” In 2014, on the occasion of its 100th anniversary, 39 LED spotlights were installed in the upper outlets. Every evening, after dark, you can marvel at the magical play of colors.

The visitor center, boat dock, restaurants, and the water park make the Eder Dam and its forecourt a lively starting point for your visit.

On a leisurely guided tour across the 400-meter-long dam, our tour guides will share exciting and informative background details about the dam’s construction, the formation of Lake Eder, the bombing during World War II, and the national park—a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. Participation is free for holders of the MeineCard Edersee+ guest card; however, advance registration by phone is required.

MeineCardPlus: Free admission
AuszeitCardPlus: Free admission (once per year)

Prices

Freely accessible

Business hours

The dam is open to visitors at any time.

Directions

Directions We recommend traveling by road via Federal Highway L3086, either turning left over the bridge through Hemfurth (west side) or via the Edersee Randstraße (east side). Parking Parking lot (cars + buses*) at the Eder Dam (west side of the dam) – There is a fee for cars at this parking lot. Buses park for free. Parking lot (cars + buses*) behind the Terrassenhotel Seepromenade (east side of the dam) – There is a fee for cars at this parking lot. Buses park for free. You can purchase a day pass. The parking ticket is then valid at all other paid parking locations in the municipality of Edertal and the city of Waldeck! Public Transportation Nearest bus stop(s): East side of the dam and Aquapark (west side) Line(s): 510; 583.2; 518; 583.1 Please note that there are restrictions on bringing bicycles on buses. Bicycles may be transported free of charge in the designated areas. If operational conditions require it, transit company staff are authorized to deny transport. There is no guarantee that bicycles will be accepted. NVV Service Hotline: 0800-939-0800 All connections, including AST-Taxi connections, are listed in detail on the NVV schedule information page—www.nvv.de/fahrplanauskunft Tip for smartphone users: Download the “NVV Mobil” app from your app store before your trip! In general, you should also factor the “AST Taxi” (shared-ride taxi) into your planning. With the shared-ride taxis (AST), the NVV ensures mobility on routes that aren’t in such high demand. Instead of taking the bus, you’ll travel in regular taxis or rental cars. ASTs also have fixed schedules—you simply need to call and book your ride (usually) at least 30 minutes in advance. Also keep in mind that ASTs only operate when no regular scheduled buses are running on the same route. Shared Taxi Dispatch Center: +49 (0) 5631-5062088