Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken)
Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken)
Natural monuments around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken) are located in northern Hesse, Germany, within the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park. This reservoir functions as the lower basin for pumped-storage power plants and is designated as a nature, Fauna-Flora-Habitat, and bird protection area. The area features clear waters, gentle hills, and dense forests, providing opportunities for observing diverse wildlife and engaging in outdoor activities. A bike and footpath runs along the lake, offering views of the surrounding landscape.
Last updated: June 29, 2026
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Popular around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken)
Sattelfest am Edersee: Die 5 ER-Radwege
Hiking around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken)
Cycling around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken)
Road Cycling Routes around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken)
Gravel biking around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken)
MTB Trails around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken)
Running Trails around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken)
There are some benches to rest on overlooking the beautiful lake, a quiet location...
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Large reservoir at the hydroelectric power plant
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There was a lot going on here earlier this weekend
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An easy-to-drive section of the route with great views and rest areas
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On the bike path you roll great and is therefore recommended! A delight along the reservoir. Tip!
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The Affoldener See is just as well known to waterfowl as it is to anglers, cyclists and hikers. Along the northern side is the former railway line for the construction of the dam and is now used as a trolley line. On the north-west side is the navigable dam and on the south side is a shady path around the lake.
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The view of the Affolder See is beautiful. If you want to be a little faster on your bike, you have to brake regularly here so as not to run over anyone. On the northern side of the lake, the cycle path leads between the lake and the former railway line, which is now used by handcars. Here, however, the path is a bit bumpy due to roots (you only notice this on a racing bike).
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The region around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken) is rich in natural beauty. Highly regarded spots include the lake itself, known as Affolderner See and Lake Affoldern, which offer fantastic views and peaceful resting places. Another significant natural monument is Edersee, a larger reservoir known for its recreational opportunities and the surrounding Kellerwald-Edersee National Park. The Lower Water Trail (Nationalpark Kellerwald-Edersee) also offers a romantic, largely natural river experience.
Yes, many of the natural monuments in the area are very family-friendly. Both Affolderner See and Lake Affoldern feature flat bike and footpaths directly along the shore, with numerous benches perfect for breaks. Affolderner See (Lower Basin) also has facilities and is a great excursion destination. The wider Edersee area is also considered a top recreational destination for families, offering various water and land activities.
The region is characterized by its beautiful lakes, dense forests, and rolling hills. You'll primarily encounter the clear waters of Affolderner See and the larger Edersee. The area is part of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, renowned for its ancient beech forests, some of which are UNESCO World Heritage sites. The Lower Water Trail highlights the natural course of the Eder river, offering quiet spots to listen to the flowing water.
The area around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken) is ideal for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy extensive cycling on traffic-free paths, mountain biking through diverse terrain, or road cycling on scenic routes. For detailed routes, explore our guides for MTB Trails, Road Cycling Routes, and Traffic-free bike rides around Affolderner Lake (Unterbecken). The lakes also offer opportunities for water sports like swimming, sailing, and fishing.
Yes, the region offers numerous well-marked hiking trails. The path along Affolderner See is suitable for leisurely strolls, while the Lower Water Trail provides a more natural and romantic experience along the river. The broader Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, which encompasses these areas, features trails like the Urwaldsteig Edersee and Kellerwaldsteig, offering more challenging routes through ancient beech forests.
The area is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and autumn offer pleasant temperatures for hiking and cycling, with vibrant foliage in autumn. Summer is ideal for water sports on the lakes and enjoying the bike paths. The region's designation as a bird protection area means birdwatching can be rewarding throughout the year, especially during migration seasons.
Visitors frequently praise the fantastic views over Affolderner See and the peaceful atmosphere. The flat bike and footpaths directly along the lake, with numerous benches, are highlighted as perfect for relaxing breaks. Anglers also find the lake particularly interesting. The combination of clear waters, gentle hills, and dense forests provides a comprehensive and enjoyable natural experience.
Absolutely. Both Affolderner See and Lake Affoldern are themselves excellent viewpoints, with paths and benches offering direct vistas of the lake and surrounding landscape. The entire region, being part of the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, provides breathtaking views of rolling hills, valleys, and expansive woodlands, especially from higher points along the hiking trails.
Yes, Affolderner See is a significant bird sanctuary, housing a large number of songbirds and waterfowl. This makes it an attractive spot for birdwatching enthusiasts. The protected status of the area, including its designation as a Fauna-Flora-Habitat and bird protection area, ensures a rich diversity of avian life.
Yes, especially around the lakes. The bike and footpaths along Affolderner See and Lake Affoldern are dotted with numerous benches for taking a break. Affolderner See (Lower Basin) is noted as an excursion destination with rest stops and facilities, including the 'red house' which caters to both children and adults.
While the primary focus is on natural beauty, the region does have unique aspects. The Edersee, for instance, is a large reservoir created by a dam, and during periods of low water, the 'Edersee Atlantis' emerges, revealing the remains of submerged villages from 1914. This blends natural landscapes with points of interest related to energy generation and local history.
The Kellerwald-Edersee National Park, which integrates the Affolderner See area, is renowned for its ancient beech forests. Some of these forests are recognized as UNESCO World Heritage sites, offering a quiet, original, and impressive natural experience. You'll find untouched woodlands characterized by rolling hills and valleys, providing a habitat for diverse wildlife and breathtaking natural scenery.


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