The cosmopolitan university town of Marburg is beloved by students and visitors from all over the world for its unique atmosphere. Marburg’s rich history, with sites such as the old town on the Lahn river, St. Elisabeth’s Church, and Marburg Castle, combined with the university flair and the beautiful, pristine countryside surrounding the city all make it an attractive destination for visitors from Germany and abroad.
From St. Elisabeth’s Church in the valley beautifully renovated timber-framed houses and venerable old churches, traditional cafes and student bars line the way up the hill. In the upper part of the old town, it’s as if you’ve been transported into another time. Here you can really get a feeling for the Medieval city, not just the sights but experiencing it with all your senses.
Start your tour through this university town with a youthful vibe and long-held tradition in the narrow, meandering, and steep streets of the Medieval old town spread out around the city hall and the market square. The historical sights found all over the old town invite you to discover the city’s rich past, and you can really become lost in the fairytale atmosphere that seems to hang over the city when you retrace the steps of the brothers Grimm, who began work on their world-famous collection of fairytales right here in Marburg at the beginning of the 19th century.
Of course, one of the most significant forces shaping Marburg over the centuries has been the Philipps University founded in 1527, and even today, Marburg’s character can best be captured by the oft-heard saying: “Marburg doesn’t just have a university, it is one!” Today Marburg has around 80,000 inhabitants of which currently 25,000 are students from all over the world. As such, the life of the city revolves around the University and its students.
All in all, Marburg and its University offer our international guests the ideal introduction to life in Germany, in that it is a manageable size but not lacking in urban refinement, culturally diverse and at the same providing an interculturally open environment.
The state of Hesse has many facets and fascinates with surprising contrasts. Urban metropolises or charming small towns – both can be found in Hesse. Around 350 castles and palaces, more than 300 museums, abbeys, parks, and formal gardens as well as numerous cultural events await you.
In a radius of just 100 kilometers around Marburg, there are numerous excursions for daytrips and weekend tours. Above all, Frankfurt with its skyline full of the largest skyscrapers in Germany attracts numerous visitors to many high-profile events. You will also find many other interesting sights that are worth a trip such as the Frankfurt Cathedral, St. Paul’s Church, the Goethe House, and art fans can visit numerous renowned museums on both banks of the Main river.
Traveling north, you reach Kassel, home to the world-renowned documenta art festival and the UNESCO world heritage site Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, which is the largest landscape park in Europe with its Hercules Monument and baroque fountains. The art gallery in the Schloss Wilhelmshöhe palace, which has one of the most important art collections in Germany, is also a must see in Kassel.
Hesse is also known for its old-grown forests, blooming orchards, and romantic rivers, and all this unspoiled nature is found alongside pulsing urban life. Here you can embrace your active side and explore the region on bike, while hiking, or on the water.
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