Marburg is a typical student town, shaped very much by the higher education institutions and all the people who work and study there. Student parties are a regular fixture on the town's varied cultural agenda. In the picturesque Altstadt with its steep steps, narrow streets and fine half-timbered houses, you feel almost like a character in a medieval fairytale.
The castle perched on the top of Schlossberg is visible from a long way off. You reach the Südstadt via Hirsefeldsteg. One of the town’s most prominent landmarks is the St. Elizabeth’s Church, which dates back to the 13th century. The Marktplatz with its 16th century town hall is another especially beautiful part of town. In the winter, a Christmas market is held here.
In the early 19th century, Marburg was the home of two famous law students, the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. In 1812, they published one of the most important books in the German language: „Children’s and Household Tales“. This is why this small town on the river Lahn is today part of the Deutsche Märchenstraße, or The Fairy Tale Route. From Steinweg up to the Landgrave Castle, you can follow the Grimm-Dich-Pfad and look for signs of times long gone.
Near the main station are the grounds of the former Waggonhalle. Today, these old halls house an extensive cultural centre with a theatre, café, climbing wall and regular open air flea markets. Old things have been transformed into new things and used to create an interesting new venue for cultural events and social meetings. This is typical of Marburg: history exists here side by side with a younger scene made up of students, artists and film-makers.
Marburg attaches great importance to a rich cultural scene. Whether you want to explore the Grimm-Dich-Pfad, take in a theatrical performance at the Waggonhalle or Hessisches Landestheater or attend a concert: student life here is never boring. There is regular live music at some places, while other locations host concerts and poetry slams.