Best attractions and places to see in Naturpark Diemelsee include a diverse landscape of mountains, valleys, forests, and the central Diemelsee lake, situated between North Rhine-Westphalia and Hesse. The region features numerous natural reserves, high heaths, and significant geological sites. Visitors can explore a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, including historic town centers and visitor mines. The park offers a wide range of experiences for those interested in outdoor activities and historical exploration.
Last updated: July 5, 2026
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Popular around Naturpark Diemelsee
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At the upper reaches of the Diemel River, in Helminghausen, we encounter the massive dam of the Diemel Dam. A 35-meter drop is used here to operate two Francis turbines. The power plant below this dam was built between 1920 and 1922. Since 2000, it has been operated by E.ON Energie AG, formerly Preußen-Elektra in Hanover. Following restructuring and spin-off measures at E.ON in 2016, Uniper SE operates the power plant, which reports directly to the Edersee utility management. The substation is housed in the four-story power plant building. Here, the three-phase current generated at a voltage of 8 kV was transformed in various ways and fed into the Hessian 60 kV line to Hemfurt am Edersee and a 24 kV line to Heringhausen (Waldeck), as well as into the 60 kV line of the Büren-Brilon Electricity Association. From here, electricity was also supplied to the local grids of Helminghausen, Padberg, and Messinghausen. Two transformers in the basement provided the conversion for the Brilon district. The oil switches were located on the ground floor, the collector slides on the first floor, and the surge protection on the second. This is where the cables entered and exited. This explains why there is no transformer house in Helminghausen, as the transformer was housed directly in the power plant's substation. The municipality of Helminghausen only had to erect 25 wooden poles, each 10 meters long and with a 20-cm diameter, for the power grid. The front section of the power plant, with its striking three-axis window front, houses two three-phase generators from Siemens-Schuckert. Today, thanks to technical improvements, they each have an output of 500 kW (760 hp). They went into operation in 1924. Behind the building are the bottom outlet tunnels of the dam, from which the inlet pipe leads, supplying 4,500 liters of water to the turbines every second. The power plant has a capacity of 1.2 MW. The substation, the first in the Hochsauerland region, was commissioned as early as August 1922. Source: https://helminghausen.net/kraftwerk/
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The hydroelectric power plant has been in operation since 1924. Inside there are two 1MW turbines that generate 2.5 GWh of green electricity.
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From the Diemelsteig you will have wonderful views of the Diemelsee. But be careful: the viewpoints are not always directly on the path, but it is always worth taking the small detour.
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There are great views from the impressive building.
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The entire complex is very impressive due to its size and force in the narrow valley.
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The Diemelsteig runs on a section of the panorama trail. Nice to walk, it overcomes a few meters in altitude and rewards the hiker with beautiful views and a springy forest floor!
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Diemeltal is quiet and not overcrowded
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Naturpark Diemelsee is rich in natural beauty. The centerpiece is the Diemelsee, a 'water paradise' offering opportunities for swimming, surfing, sailing, and fishing. You can also explore unique landscapes like the brightly blooming high heaths, such as the Hochheide Nature Reserve Neuer Hagen. The park is home to crystal-clear streams and mountains like Langenberg and Hegekopf, offering panoramic views from spots like the Dommelturm.
Yes, the park offers several impressive viewpoints. The Panorama Trail Diemelsteig – Views of Diemelsee provides fantastic vistas of the lake. Other notable spots include the St. Muffert Peak Cross, offering unparalleled panoramic views of the Diemelsee, and the Georg-Viktor-Turm on the Eisenberg, which provides expansive views of the Sauerland and surrounding areas.
Naturpark Diemelsee has a rich history. You can visit the impressive Diemelsee Dam, a listed building completed in 1924, showcasing engineering history. The region also offers insights into its geological past through visitor mines like Grube Christiane Adorf and the globally significant Korbacher Spalte, a rock and fossil deposit. Additionally, the early medieval ring wall system of Schwalenburg is one of the largest of its kind in Europe.
Absolutely! The Diemelsee itself is very family-friendly, with designated bathing beaches like the Heringhausen lido, which features a non-swimmer area, sunbathing lawn, water slide, and playground. Boat rentals are available, and the excursion ship MS Muffert offers tours. Many trails, such as those around the Diemel Dam Hydroelectric Power Plant, are suitable for families.
Naturpark Diemelsee boasts a dense network of well-maintained hiking trails. You can find everything from easy walks to more challenging routes. Popular long-distance trails like the Diemelsteig and Uplandsteig traverse the area. For easy options, consider routes like 'Charcoal Kiln Site at Heimberg' or 'View of Lake Diemelsee' which are part of the Easy hikes in Naturpark Diemelsee guide.
Yes, cycling is a popular activity. The Diemel Cycle Path offers a mostly asphalted route along the Diemel River, passing through charming natural landscapes and half-timbered houses. You can find various cycling routes, including those around the Diemelsee, in the Cycling in Naturpark Diemelsee guide.
The most popular outdoor activities revolve around the Diemelsee and its surrounding landscapes. Visitors enjoy hiking on trails like the High Eimberg Trail, cycling along the Diemel River, and engaging in water sports such as swimming, surfing, and sailing on the lake. The region's diverse terrain also makes it suitable for mountain biking and exploring nature reserves.
Naturpark Diemelsee is beautiful year-round, but the best time depends on your preferred activities. Spring and summer are ideal for water sports on the Diemelsee, hiking, and cycling, when the high heaths are in bloom. Autumn offers stunning foliage for hikers. Winter provides opportunities for winter sports in nearby Willingen, which is an internationally known winter sports paradise.
Yes, Naturpark Diemelsee is known for its significant geological history. The Korbacher Spalte is a globally important rock and fossil deposit, offering a glimpse into Earth's history with unique finds. The Adorfer Klippe also showcases fossilized marine animals and volcanic remnants over 300 million years old, making it a fascinating site for geology enthusiasts.
Visitors frequently praise the impressive views, especially from the Diemelsee Dam and along trails like the Panorama Trail Diemelsteig. The variety of well-maintained hiking and cycling paths, the tranquility of the Diemel Valley, and the opportunities for water sports on the Diemelsee are also highly appreciated. The blend of natural beauty and historical sites makes for a rewarding experience.
Yes, for those seeking more challenging hikes, the Naturpark Diemelsee and its surroundings offer options with steep climbs and varied terrain. The High Eimberg Trail, for instance, features some steep ascents and rapid descents. You can explore more demanding routes in the Mountain Hikes in Naturpark Diemelsee guide, which includes routes with moderate to difficult ratings.
Yes, the Hanseatic cities of Korbach, Brilon, and Marsberg are located near Naturpark Diemelsee and boast beautiful historic town centers. These towns feature charming half-timbered and stone gabled houses, historic churches, and remnants of old city walls, offering a glimpse into the region's rich urban heritage.


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