9 Best Things To Do In Marburg, Germany - Updated 2024

1. Explore the earliest purely Gothic church in German-speaking areas

With Gothic-style architecture only started infiltrating German-speaking areas in the 1200s, the St Elizabeth Church in Marburg is one of the earliest purely Gothic buildings of its kind. The church has witnessed multiple historical burials such as former German president Paul von Hindenburg and his wife, and of course St Elizabeth herself. Her tomb made the church an important pilgrimage destination during the late Middle Ages. Now isn’t that a wonder to visit, explore the architecture of historical and architectural significance?

Admire the statues and sculptures housed in the church, ranging from “Mary at the Pillar”: a wooden figure of the Virgin from the fifteenth century in which Mary carries the Child on her arm to the “Altar of the Cross with the Crucifix by Barlach.” The Crucifix was made by the artist Ernst Barlach who designed it during the First World War for a war cemetery. “The French Elizabeth,” carved in wood in the fifteenth century. “Pietà” and “Altar of St. Mary.” Here’s an interesting fact about the church: it saved the city of Marburg from being bombed during WW2. Such a gem is thus a must-see for anyone visiting in Marburg.

2. Visit an old town in Marburg--Altstadt

Altstadt, although relatively small, is a vibrant old town to stroll around in. Its focal point is the Marktplatz (or marketplace); on the south side is the historic Rathaus (1512). The historic town hall and the market square remains the center of urban life despite centuries gone by. Those who visit the upper town - the old town on the Schlossberg above the river Lahn - almost always see the market. Be it for shopping on the market days Wednesday and Saturday or to watch the Gockel at the top of the town hall clock at any hour of the week, the Altstadt is always bustling and charismatic.

Take a short hike up to the Kugelkirche while in Altstadt. The small late Gothic Ball church is the result of a reformation of the 15th century and is a great spot for pictures. Alternatively, view the medieval gate! Marburg’s only medieval gate, which is accessible today, was not intended to be used to deliver slaughtered cattle, even though the name Kalbstor might suggest this. Rather, it is named after the family of knights “von Kalb”, whose court was located in the street fork behind the gate.

However, the fact that Marburg was a well-fortified small town was the only way to deter enemies in the Middle Ages. Relatively peaceful times were experienced. Want a tour around Altstadt a Marktplatz? Join a public guided tour! It is available from April to October Wednesdays at 3 p.m. and Saturdays at 11 a.m. (German) and 1 a.m. and Friday at 5 p.m. (English).

3. Check out this castle-museum hybrid, the Marburger Schloss

Built in the 11th century as a fort, the Landgrafenschloss Marburg is located on top of Schlossberg and offers an amazing view over the whole town for everyone who visits. The panoramic sights stretch over both the city and the countryside, allowing you to appreciate the best of both worlds in Marburg. The building is also used today partly as a museum, the Marburger Universitätsmuseum für Kulturgeschichte (Marburg University Museum of Cultural History), Wilhelmsbau.

Owned by the Philippe University of Marburg, the cultural history collection in the Landgrafenschloss contains the permanent exhibition of church art, objects of the national history and a collection of furniture and applied art from several centuries. In addition, you may also be lucky enough to catch exchange exhibitions are held. On the way up to the castle, do also catch the Brother Grimms’ Fairy Tale Route! It showcases paraphernalia from the famous stories of the Grimm Brothers, such as Snow White.

Marburg Schloss

Address: 35037 Marburg, Germany

4. Soak up the sun and enjoy the greenery around you in the Botanic Gardens

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The Botanischer Garten Marburg, maintained by the University of Marburg, showcases a varied selection of flora and fauna around the world. For instance, visit the Alpinum, a rock garden representing plants from the high mountains of Europe, western Asia, the Himalayas, Australia, and New Zealand. Other exhibitions also include the Arboretum, focusing on conifers, alders, ash, birches, ginkgos, hazels, maples, and willows.

Feeling a little spooky? Visit the burial mounds at the garden for the bronze age graves. They are both an interesting piece of history and a sure way to creep you out.

Otherwise, the fern collection, containing 80 fern species is also wonderful for those with a botany interest. Check out the Forest collection, showing spring-blooming plants, or the Medicinal and Useful Plants collection, including cereals and other carbohydrates, succulents, vegetables, fiber plants, tobacco plants, rubber plants, and dye plants. Finally, do enjoy the fresh air and the presence of nature all around in you in the Botanischer Garten Marburg.

Botanischer Garten Marburg

Address: Karl-von-Frisch-Str., 35032 Marburg, Germany

5. A gathering of jazz lovers, with open-stage nights and frequent concerts

Enjoy traditional jazz on a leisurely night in Marburg at the Jazzclub Cavete, where on Monday, there are open-stage nights for you to flaunt those saxophone skills! Otherwise, lounge around during one of the club’s frequent concerts, usually on Tuesday nights. The club is commendable for its good wine and a large collection of Malt Whisky, for those of you who want a drink with the amazing music. A largely local and hidden jazz club, you can experience Marburg and its great music authentically, without squeezing in with the hordes of tourists that may flood iconic tourist locations.

Jazzclub Cavete

Address: Steinweg 12, 35037 Marburg, Germany

Facebook: Jazzclub Cavete

6. Visit the iconic Philippe University of Marburg

The University of Marburg makes Marburg what it is, a Universitat Stadt or university town. Any visit to Marburg is thus lacking without a trip down to the university. Founded in 1527, the architecture and namesake of the University itself is also a sight to behold.

The UOM, while being a place of education, also has multiple collections sure to interest its tourists. Some collections include the Forschungsinstitut Lichtbildarchiv älterer Originalurkunden bis 1250 (Collection of photographs taken from medieval charters in 1250) or the Religionskundliche Sammlung (Collection of religious objects). Alternatively, check out the Mineralogisches Museum (Museum of Mineralogy) and the Museum für Kunst und Kulturgeschichte (Museum of Arts). The Botanischer Garten listed above also belongs to the University, making your trip down extremely fruitful in visiting multiple places of interest at once.

University of Marburg

Address: Biegenstraße 10, 35037 Marburg, Germany

Website: University of Marburg

7. Explore the nearby castle ruins of Frauenburg

Although not strictly in Marburg, Frauenberg is a municipality nearby in the Birkenfeld district, that is famous for its castle ruins. Along the left bank of the Lahn River, sandstone hills rise and extend to the edge of the community of Ebsdorfergrund, culminating in a natural peak upon which stand the ruins of the Castle Frauenberg. The ruins date possibly from the early 14th century and include a girding wall, four round corner towers, round tower in northeast wall, twin-halled cellar, partial moat and nested walls.

The ruins of the castle also have a deep historical connection. In 1248 Sophie von Brabant, daughter of St. Elizabeth of Hungary and widow of Duke Heinrich von Brabant, came to Marburg to claim her late husband’s Thuringian inheritance. Sophie had the castle built in 1252 on the basalt peak that became commonly known as the Frauenberg, or, the woman’s peak. By the year 1489, the castle lay in ruins and the site was used as a quarry.

Today the site remains are a popular destination, enjoyed for the grand panoramic sights. On clear days one has an incomparable view in all directions and can spot nearly forty villages and cities before the horizon. The Vista can reach as far as the mountains Hohe Meissner or Feldberg in Taunus. Frauenberg is one of a total of seven Huguenot villages in Hesse that were founded between 1686 and 1706.

Ruins of Frauenburg

Address: Frauenburg, Birkenfeld, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany.

8. Experience fairy tales coming to life through the Grimm Path

Inaugurated in 2012, the German fairy tale road is a hiking route. This route enables visitors to go on a self-guided tour o the idyllic cities and villages that reveals places connected to the magical tales by the Brothers Grimm. The path includes locations where the beloved Brothers lived or wrote their stories. Installations of the fairy tale figures mark the route, adorning walls, houses, and steps. There are also road signs depicting the heart-shaped head of a pretty, fairy-like creature. Fascinating facts about the tales also accompany the tour. A QR-coded, smartphone-compatible map is available at the Marburg Stadt und Land Tourismus GmbH.

9. Get a relaxing aroma massage at Village Stadthotel (from USD 140)

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Exploring everything Marburg has to offer can be tiring. How about heading for massages and spa treatments to help you relax after a day of walking around? Village Stadthotel offers all that and more. Situated right in the city center, it’s the ideal base for visiting Medieval sites and major attractions. This accommodation has single, double, and triple rooms - which are all very spacious and cozy. There’s a scrumptious breakfast buffet as well, which includes farm-fresh eggs and homemade jams. The friendly, family-run ambiance will make you feel like you have a home away from home in Marburg.

Experience the beautiful Marburg now!

With a plethora of activities ranging from history to academia, Marburg is sure to exercise your intellectual faculties and excite you for its beautiful sights! Hop on a plane to Marburg now and check out these interesting sights.

Tired after all the exploring and sightseeing? Consider booking a stay at the Village Stadthotel. It’s right in the city center, so it’s the ideal base for visiting Medieval sites and major attractions. This accommodation has single, double and triple rooms - which are all very spacious and cozy. There’s a scrumptious breakfast buffet as well, which includes farm-fresh eggs and homemade jams. Aroma massages and spa treatments are also available to help you relax after a day of walking around. The friendly, family-run ambiance will make you feel like you have a home away from home in Marburg.