11 Reasons Why You Should Visit Marburg, Germany

Between 1802 and 1805, the Brothers Grimm studied at Marburg University. Even though neither Jacob nor Wilhelm ever completed their degree, the city’s enchanting atmosphere has inspired many of their fairy tales. A themed pathway weaves its way through Marburg and commemorates their stories with giant sculptures at 15 stops.

The Lahn River quietly flows through Marburg, cutting the town in half. Boat rentals have canoes and rowing boats available in the summer months, but most people enjoy the warmer days by lingering on the Lahn meadows, having picnics and BBQs or snatching a shady spot at a riverside café or beer garden.

Throughout the year, between 200 and 250 events take place at the train station-turned-cultural centre Waggonhalle. Guests can expect to see everything from plays, improv, dance, circus shows, cabaret and wrestling on the agenda. Even if you’re not here to catch any of the performances, the on-site Rotkehlchen restaurant lures with fantastic food, a charming rustic interior and courtyard seating.

Waggonhalle, Rudolf-Bultmann-Straße 2A, Marburg, Germany, +49 6421 690626

Marburg’s old town, or Oberstadt, sits on a hill and is as picturesque as it gets. Staircases connect the winding cobblestoned streets and alleys, which are home to quaint cafés, shops and restaurants. To this day, the historic market square is the focal point and marked by the 1512 town hall that overlooks the plaza.

Oberstadt, Marburg, Germany

Many German villages such as Rothenburg ob der Tauber give off a medieval flair with their cobblestones, ancient city walls and half-timbered houses, and Marburg isn’t stingy with historical timber-framed vistas. Stroll along Barfüßerstraße, Markt and Wettergasse for endless Instagrammable photo opportunities.