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.
Facts
77,129 Inhabitants ¹
22,933 Students ²
3 Higher education institutions ²
WELCOME TO MARBURG
Marburg is a small but vibrant town in the heart of Germany. Situated on the river Lahn not far from , it’s a place that attracts all kinds of „scenes“: artists, new agers, hipsters, punks and frat students. „Other towns have a university, Marburg is a university“ – this is a popular saying in Marburg. Students make up a good quarter of the population. The higher education institutions shape the townscape and cultural scene and are also one of the region’s biggest employers.
You’ll be struck not only by the many different kinds of people here, but also by Marburg’s distinctive architecture: „Venice is famous for its thousands of bridges, Marburg for its steps and alleys,“ people say. The path up to the Landgrave Castle is very steep. On your way up through the upper town, you’ll walk through lots of narrow alleyways past well-kept half-timbered houses. A stroll through Marburg becomes a journey through 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.
Tip
Get to know the town’s culinary specialities. These include the „Rostiger Nagel“, a schnapps served at a certain pub, a beer on the Lahntreppen in front of the canteen and an „Auflauf“, or baked dish, as a main meal!
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.
Interview
JOSÉ FROM MEXICO
LIVING IN MARBURG
Even though tourists flock to Marburg, you can still live here relatively cheaply. It’s not always easy finding the right kind of accommodation, but the higher education institutions are happy to help you.
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.
And for a small town, the night life here is pretty good too. Many bars serve their own traditional schnapps, one of which is the „Rostiger Nagel“ (or „rusty nail“). Studying in Marburg wouldn’t be half as enjoyable without the legendary student house parties! If you get an invitation, be sure to go!
In the summer months, Marburg benefits from its rural surroundings which are ideal for cycle tours. Canoeing or paddle boat trips on the Lahn are another fun way of spending a day. Your Semesterticket also allows you to travel other places in the state of Hesse quickly and easily.
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