Via Adrina - The Eder hiking route with wonderful views

WanderPortal hikers’ portal on the Ederbrücke bridge in Arfeld. (387 m)

WanderPortal hikers’ portal on the Ederbrücke bridge in Arfeld.

Start the hike at the car park next to the bridge over the river Eder. Cross the bridge before making a steep ascent. After one kilometre, a viewing platform offers a view over the entire hiking area. The “Café Hainbach” is a good place to stop for a rest along the way. When you walk around the basin of the Mühlbachtal valley, you may meet a herd of rare red Wittgenstein highland cattle. After a long descent with views, including onto the Arfeld bend of the river Eder, cross the L 903 road. Continue walking along the edge of a steep bank of the Eder and through untouched deciduous forest. After a long descent with more views, you reach the former railway track, and follow the path that runs parallel to it. You reach the “Schwarzenauer Mühle” restaurant, with a self-service garden café. In 1708, Alexander Mack baptised himself and other fellow believers in the river Eder very close to the Schwarzenauer Schloss palace, and with this symbolic act founded a pietistic religion. A long, steep ascent follows to the town of Hüttental. A second platform offers interesting views. You then reach Arfeld with the important decanal church, which is now also a cyclists’ and hikers’ church. Next to the church is the “Alte Schmiede” (“Old Forge”) museum. An ascent takes you to the “Wittgensteiner Schieferpfad” (“Wittgenstein slate path”) premium trail. Walk along the river Eder back to the starting point.