Trendelburg, Germany: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2025

Trendelburg Castle
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Presse03

Trendelburg is a small town in the district of Kassel, in the northern part of Hesse, Germany. It is located in the picturesque region of the Weserbergland hills, surrounded by forests, meadows, and rolling hills.

One of the main landmarks in Trendelburg is the castle of Trendelburg, which is perched on a hill overlooking the town. The castle dates back to the 13th century and is now a hotel and restaurant. Visitors can tour the castle and its medieval tower and enjoy views of the surrounding countryside.

Another popular attraction in Trendelburg is the Diemel bike path, which follows the course of the Diemel river and provides stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The town also offers various outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and kayaking, as well as cultural events such as concerts and festivals.

Trendelburg is also known for its traditional half-timbered houses, many of which date back to the 16th century. The town's historic centre is a charming place to stroll, with cobblestone streets, quaint shops, and cozy cafes.

History of Trendelburg

Trendelburg: Early Origins

Trendelburg’s history dates back to the early medieval period when it was first mentioned in historical records in the 13th century.

Trendelburg: The Castle Era

The iconic Trendelburg Castle, built in the 13th century, became the focal point of the town, serving as a fortress and a residence for local nobility.

Trendelburg: Fairy-Tale Inspirations

Trendelburg Castle is famously associated with the Brothers Grimm fairy tale “Rapunzel,” adding a magical allure to its historical significance.

Trendelburg: Modern Development

In the 20th century, Trendelburg evolved into a quaint town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture and scenic surroundings, attracting tourists from around the world.

Visiting Trendelburg for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Trendelburg on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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Best things to do and See in Trendelburg

1. Explore Trendelburg Castle

Visit the iconic Trendelburg Castle, climb the Rapunzel Tower, and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

2. Discover the Brothers Grimm Route

Follow the fairy-tale trail and learn about the Brothers Grimm, who drew inspiration from this region for their famous stories.

3. Hike in the Reinhardswald Forest

Enjoy hiking and nature walks in the Reinhardswald Forest, known for its dense woodlands and scenic beauty.

4. Visit the Weser Skywalk

Experience breathtaking views of the Weser River and surrounding landscapes from the Weser Skywalk.

5. Explore the Sababurg Zoo

Discover a variety of wildlife at the Sababurg Zoo, located within the Sababurg Castle grounds.

6. Tour the Sababurg Castle

Visit the nearby Sababurg Castle, also known as the Sleeping Beauty Castle, and explore its beautiful gardens and historic interiors.

7. Enjoy a Weser River Cruise

Take a leisurely cruise along the Weser River, offering stunning views and a unique perspective of the region.

8. Visit the Local Museums

Explore local museums to learn about Trendelburg’s history, culture, and the fairy-tales associated with the region.

9. Attend a Local Festival

Experience the local culture by attending one of Trendelburg’s festivals, featuring traditional music, food, and crafts.

10. Enjoy Local Cuisine

Savor traditional German dishes at local restaurants and cafes, featuring regional specialties and hearty fare.

Best Day Trips from Trendelburg

A day trip from Trendelburg offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Trendelburg provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Hofgeismar

Hofgeismar
CC BY-SA 1.0 / Bodo Kubrak
Hofgeismar is a small town located in the north of the state of Hesse, Germany. It is situated on the banks of the river Diemel and is known for its timber-framed buildings and historic market square. The town has a rich history dating back to the Middle Ages, and was an important center of trade and commerce in the region. Today,…
Visiting Hofgeismar

We recommend to rent a car in Germany through Discover Cars, they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies. Book your rental car here.

Fürstenberg

Museum Schloss Furstenberg
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Museum Schloss Fürstenberg
Fürstenberg is a small town located in the district of Holzminden in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is situated on the banks of the Weser River, surrounded by beautiful forests and rolling hills. The town is well-known for its porcelain production, and visitors can learn more about this craft at the Fürstenberg Porcelain Museum. The museum houses a collection of porcelain…
Visiting Fürstenberg

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Trendelburg. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Adelebsen Castle

Burg Adelebsen
CC BY-SA 3.0 / Johan Bakker
Adelebsen Castle is a well-preserved medieval castle located on a sandstone cliff above the Schwülme river about 10 miles (16 km) west of Göttingen, Germany. The castle was built in the 12th century as a fortified residence for the lords of Adelebsen and served as a border fortification for the principality of Göttingen. Their line ended in 1957 with the…
Location: Burg Adelebsen, Offenser Straße, Adelebsen, Germany | Distance: 22.7km
Visiting Adelebsen Castle

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Hannoversch Münden

Hannoversch Munden
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Dirk Schmidt
Hannoversch Münden is a charming town located at the confluence of the Werra and Fulda rivers, where they merge to form the Weser River in Breman and Lower Saxony in Central Germany. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval and half-timbered buildings, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and is often referred to as…
Visiting Hannoversch Münden

Kassel

Kessel
Kassel is a city in northern Hesse, Germany, located on the Fulda River. It is the third-largest city in Hesse, with a population of approximately 200,000 people. The city has a rich cultural heritage, and it is known for its museums, parks, and historic landmarks. One of the most famous attractions in Kassel is the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a UNESCO World Heritage…
Visiting Kassel
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Göttingen

Goettingen
CC BY-SA 2.5 / Daniel Schwen
Göttingen is a city located in Lower Saxony, Germany, and it is also a stop on the Fairy Tale Route. The city is known for its historical and cultural landmarks, including the Göttingen Old Town, which is home to several half-timbered buildings and the St. Johannis Church, a Gothic-style church built in the 14th century. In terms of the Fairy…
Visiting Göttingen
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Bodenwerder

Bodenwerder
Public Domain / Rabanus Flavus
Bodenwerder is a small town in the Breman and Lower Saxony region of Germany, located on the banks of the Weser River. The town is best known as the birthplace of Baron Münchhausen, a fictional character based on the real-life nobleman Hieronymus Karl Friedrich von Münchhausen who was famous for telling tall tales and exaggerated stories. In honor of the…
Visiting Bodenwerder

Hessisch Lichtenau

Burg Ludwigstein
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hessisches Landesarchiv
Hessisch Lichtenau is a small town located in the northern part of the state of Hesse, Germany. It is situated on the edge of the vast forested area known as the Kaufunger Wald, and is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside. Hessian Lichtenau, the gateway to Frau Holle-Land at the foot of the Hoher Meißner and on the German…
Visiting Hessisch Lichtenau

Bad Wildungen

Bad Wildungen
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Flodur63
Bad Wildungen is a small town located in the northern part of the state of Hesse, Germany. It is known for its picturesque setting, charming old town, and natural hot springs. The town has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Stone Age. In the Middle Ages, Bad Wildungen was an important centre for salt…
Visiting Bad Wildungen

Hamelin

Pied Piper Fountain
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Illustratedjc
Hamelin (also spelled Hameln in German) is a town in Lower Saxony, Germany, located on the banks of the River Weser. The town is famous for its association with the medieval folk tale of the Pied Piper of Hamelin, which tells the story of a piper who lures away the town's children with his magical pipe after the townspeople refuse…
Visiting Hamelin
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Goslar

Goslar Hahnenklee
Goslar, located in the Bremen & Lower Saxony region, is a charming town nestled at the foot of the Harz Mountains, ideal for travelers who enjoy a mix of scenic beauty and cultural atmosphere. Its medieval Old Town is a delight to explore on foot, filled with narrow cobblestone lanes, half-timbered houses, and cozy squares. Landmarks like the Imperial Palace…
Visiting Goslar
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Where to Stay in Trendelburg

Trendelburg’s compact village center clusters around the old market square and the Diemel river, making it a wonderfully walkable base. Here, you’ll find traditional half-timbered houses, a handful of cafés and the parish church. Staying in this area means you’re steps from local bakeries and the ferry across the river. A cozy choice in the heart of town is Gasthof zur Traube, with its rustic dining room and friendly, family-run atmosphere.

Perched above the village, Burg Trendelburg casts its medieval silhouette over the rooftops below. If you want to wake up to sweeping valley views and explore the castle ruins at your leisure, stay close by. The castle’s former wing now serves as a youth hostel, offering simple rooms in a uniquely atmospheric setting: Burg Trendelburg Jugendherberge. From here you can hike the wooded slopes or join a guided torchlit tour after dusk.

For those drawn to waterside walks and early-morning river mist, the Diemel-ufer (riverbank) area is ideal. Meandering paths lead east toward the old timber-framed mills, and you can rent a kayak in summer to paddle the gentle current. A charming riverside stay is Pension Am Diemel, which boasts sunlit rooms overlooking the water and hearty breakfasts with homemade jams.

Just beyond Trendelburg’s boundaries, the forested hills beckon hikers and mountain-bikers. Quiet dirt roads and marked trails weave through beech woods, offering a secluded retreat from town life. Nestle into the countryside at Landhotel Waldblick, where rooms open onto a terrace with panoramic views and you can sample seasonal game specialties by candlelight.

For a genuine farm-stay experience, venture to one of the small hamlets dotting the outskirts. Picture waking to the cluck of hens and the scent of fresh hay, then setting off on country lanes lined with wildflowers. A delightful pick is Ferienhof Hainholz, where you can help feed the goats, stroll orchards in blossom, and enjoy local apple cider under a sky full of stars.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Trendelburg. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Trendelburg Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Trendelburg

Trendelburg in Spring

Spring (March–May) softens the Kinzig valley around Trendelburg with blooming wildflowers and awakening forests. In April, the Ostermarkt at the old mill brings local artisans and farmers to the riverside for hand-crafted goods, fresh produce, and Easter pastries. Mild days and fewer visitors make this the perfect time for riverside walks and exploring the burg’s historic ferry crossings without the summer crowds.

Trendelburg in Summer (Best)

Summer (June–August) is widely considered the best time to visit Trendelburg. The highlight is the annual Burgfest in July, when the medieval castle ruins host open-air concerts, jousting reenactments, and artisan markets beneath starlit skies. Long, warm evenings invite picnics on the Schlossberg and guided torchlit tours of the fortress, while kayaks and canoes glide along the gentle Kinzig.

Trendelburg in Autumn

Autumn (September–November) cloaks the surrounding hills in gold and crimson, ideal for hiking the forest trails that crisscross the Kinzig valley. In October, the Weinlaubfest celebrates the harvest season with grape-treading demonstrations, locally pressed cider tastings, and hearty stews served in rustic taverns. Crisp mornings and cozy hearths in village guesthouses add an atmospheric charm to your countryside retreat.

Trendelburg in Winter

Winter (December–February) transforms Trendelburg into a quiet, snow-dusted village perfect for cozy escapes. From early December, the Weihnachtsmarkt at the foot of the castle offers mulled wine, gingerbread, and handmade ornaments beneath twinkling lights. Brisk days are best spent warming up in a riverside inn, enjoying hearty regional fare and the serene beauty of frost-lined stone walls.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 3°C
  • February 7°C
  • March 11°C
  • April 16°C
  • May 19°C
  • June 22°C
  • July 25°C
  • August 25°C
  • September 22°C
  • October 15°C
  • November 8°C
  • December 6°C

How to get to Trendelburg

Traveling to Trendelburg by Car

Driving to Trendelburg is convenient via the A7 and A44 motorways. This mode of travel allows for flexibility and the opportunity to explore nearby attractions.

Traveling to Trendelburg by Train

Trendelburg can be reached by train with connections from major cities like Kassel. The nearest train station is in Hofgeismar, a short drive from Trendelburg.

Traveling to Trendelburg by Bus

Bus services connect Trendelburg with nearby towns and cities, providing a budget-friendly and straightforward way to reach the town.

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