LEADER funding for innovative project at Lake Edersee
The district of Waldeck-Frankenberg is setting another strong example for inclusion, sustainable regional development and sustainable tourism: In the Kellerwald-Edersee LEADER region, the project "Barrier-free access to the passenger ships - construction of a carriage" is being implemented by Personenschifffahrt Edersee GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG and funded with 200,000 euros from LEADER funds made available to the region by the European Union and the state of Hesse. The corresponding grant was approved by the district of Waldeck-Frankenberg.
Safe, comfortable and self-determined access
The funding provided will be used specifically for the development and construction of an electrically powered carriage that will enable barrier-free access to the passenger ships on Lake Edersee in the future - virtually on rails. The aim of the project is to provide safe, comfortable and self-determined access to the "Edersee Star" and "Stern von Waldeck" passenger ships at the Strandbad-Waldeck jetty, particularly for people with limited mobility, senior citizens, guests with walking difficulties and families with pushchairs.
From the shore to the ship on rails
One particular challenge at Lake Edersee is the strongly fluctuating water levels, which have often made barrier-free access to the ships difficult or almost impossible, especially from late summer onwards. The planned trolley overcomes these obstacles by transporting passengers directly from the shore to the ship. In this way, it adapts to the current water level of the Edersee. Equipped with solid rubber tyres and an electric drive, the system offers a reliable, safe and environmentally friendly solution.
Strengthening nature and rural tourism
"The project is an important building block in the overall concept for the further development of barrier-free tourism infrastructure around Lake Edersee," emphasises District Administrator Jürgen van der Horst. "At the same time, it supports the objectives of the LEADER region's Local Development Strategy 2023-2027, which is aimed at creating equal living conditions, social participation and the sustainable economic development of rural areas," adds Ralf Gutheil, Chairman of the Kellerwald-Edersee LEADER region. A particular focus is on nature and rural tourism, which preserves and develops the strengths of the region.
Total investment of over two million euros
The measure is intended to benefit not only visitors to Lake Edersee, but also the regional economy. The funding will help to increase the competitiveness of tourist offers and strengthen local businesses in the long term. In addition to the public funding, Personenschifffahrt Edersee GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG is contributing its own financial resources to the project, which has a total investment volume of over two million euros. The construction work should be completed by the end of 2026. The plan is to put the carriage into operation by the beginning of 2027 at the latest. The town of Waldeck also attaches particular importance to the sustainability and long-term impact of such projects: "Measures such as these not only strengthen regional identity, but also help to further position Lake Edersee as an attractive, inclusive and sustainable destination," emphasises Nicolas Havel, Mayor of the town of Waldeck.
Background
LEADER is a European Union funding programme for the development and strengthening of rural areas, which is implemented in cooperation with the state of Hesse. The aim is to support innovative and sustainable projects that improve the local quality of life and contribute to the economic, social or touristic development of the region. Local action groups, in which local authorities, businesses, associations and citizens are jointly represented, decide on the funding. Funding is based on a local development strategy that is orientated towards regional strengths and future goals.
Caption: Personenschifffahrt Edersee GmbH & Co. Betriebs KG is being supported in the construction of an electrically powered carriage that will enable barrier-free access to the passenger ships on Lake Edersee in future - and is receiving 200,000 euros from LEADER funds for this purpose. (Photo: District of Waldeck-Frankenberg)