Once upon a time, there was a town climbing up a hill, step by step, as if reaching for the sky. At the top, a castle watched over the rooftops and towers, while the River Lahn flowed peacefully below.
Walk through Marburg’s historic streets and you can almost hear the voices of those who once studied, searched and dreamed here – including Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.
One of Marburg’s most enchanting attractions is the Grimm-Dich-Pfad, a fairytale trail that brings the stories of the Brothers Grimm to life throughout the city. Fairytale characters appear high above the streets, on houses, stairways and historic walls – a magical discovery for children and adults alike.
Look out for highlights such as the Blue Light at the castle fountain and the Star Talers light installation at the University Church. Both can be discovered on guided city tours.
And keep your eyes open: one of the installations brings The Wolf and the Seven Young Goats to life. But one little goat is still hiding. Can you find it?
The Brothers Grimm spent their university years in Marburg from 1802 to 1806. In letters, they admired the castle above the town, describing how it could appear “gilded by the evening sun”.
Jacob Grimm once joked that Marburg seemed to have more stairs in its streets than in its houses. The brothers would regularly climb the steep streets from their home on Barfüßerstraße to their professor’s house on Ritterstraße.
Today, you can follow in their footsteps through the historic old town.
High above the town stands Marburg Landgrave Castle, one of the city’s most important landmarks. Explore its historic rooms and the Museum of Cultural History, and enjoy spectacular views across Marburg and the Lahn Valley.
The nearby St. Elizabeth’s Church is another architectural highlight and an important place in the history of Marburg.
The fairytale atmosphere doesn’t end in Marburg. The surrounding countryside inspired local artist Otto Ubbelohde (1867–1922), whose illustrations helped shape the visual world of the Grimm fairy tales.
A trip into the Marburg countryside takes you to places that inspired his artwork. Discover the landscapes behind his illustrations and experience the fairy tales where they were imagined.
For a deeper insight into his life and work, visit the Otto Ubbelohde House in Lahntal-Goßfelden. His former home and studio is now a museum featuring changing exhibitions of his work.
From the Brothers Grimm and their university years to hidden fairytale characters, a hilltop castle and the landscapes that inspired Otto Ubbelohde, Marburg is a place where history and storytelling meet.
Take your time, climb the steps, follow the fairytale trail and discover Marburg at your own pace.
