Discover Cölbe: Hiking, history and nature

Hiking trails, local history and nature give Cölbe its varied character. The Junkernpfad introduces visitors to topics in regional history and geology, while the Eibenhardtpfad passes notable places such as a Celtic ring fort. Half-timbered houses, a historic church and distinctive landscapes offer further inspiration for planning a trip.

Circular trails with different themes

The Junkernpfad is a premium hiking trail that begins in Schönstadt. This circular route, around 9.5 kilometres long, starts and ends on the outskirts of Schönstadt and runs mostly along the edge of the Junkernwald. Eight information boards cover a Linear Pottery settlement, mills, regional geology and local history. Along the way, topics ranging from early settlement to the landscape and history of the region come into focus.

The Eibenhardtpfad is a certified circular trail in Reddehausen. Its notable features include the Riesenstuhl, the Riesenhöfchen, a Celtic ring-fort complex and the former Forsthaus spring. This gives the route a different thematic focus from the information boards and regional history along the Junkernpfad: here, named places and historical traces along the trail take centre stage. Before setting out, it is advisable to check local access conditions.

Church, half-timbered houses and local history

The Old Church in Bürgeln is one of Cölbe’s listed historic buildings. Its history began around 1100 with a chapel. In Schönstadt, meanwhile, the historic centre is known for its well-preserved half-timbered houses. Together, these sites offer a glimpse of different aspects of local history: the early origins of a church building and the traditional appearance of a village centre.

The Junkernwald also has its own historical story: in 1798, a family burial ground was established there at the request of the Milchling family. It is another point of interest for anyone curious about the history of these named places. The forest is also a defining feature of the landscape along the Junkernpfad, which runs mostly along its edge.

Landscape and nature on the Goldberg and at the mouth of the Ohm

While hiking through the park-like landscape on the Goldberg, you can see Marburg Castle. Visibility depends on the season and weather. The Goldberg is also home to the Waldweide nature conservation project, which uses extensive grazing to recreate the historic form of a semi-open pasture landscape. Here, experiencing the landscape and caring for it meet a theme from regional history.

At the mouth of the Ohm, gravel banks provide nesting habitat for little ringed plovers and common sandpipers. Birdwatching can therefore offer a different perspective on nature from the views of the Goldberg landscape; the presence of these species varies with the seasons. If you are planning a hike or hoping for particular viewing conditions, check local conditions before your visit.

When choosing accommodation in Cölbe, it helps to decide in advance what you would most like to do: hiking, exploring local history and observing nature each offer a different focus.

More places to discover in the wider Marburg-Biedenkopf destination

The wider Marburg-Biedenkopf destination is also home to the Perfstausee reservoir. Non-motorised boats are permitted there, including stand-up paddleboards and canoes. A walking path around the lake is open year-round and suitable for pushchairs. Facilities at the lake also include e-bike charging stations, a bicycle repair station and plenty of free parking.

Other hiking destinations in Marburg-Biedenkopf include the Himmelsbergtour and the Galgenbergtour. The 18-kilometre Himmelsbergtour is a premium hiking trail in the Burgwald region. It passes through Burgholz and Himmelsberg, as well as forests, meadows and fields in a Natura 2000 protected area. The 13.2-kilometre Galgenbergtour is also a premium hiking trail; it passes through Gemünden and by the historically significant Jewish cemetery. For comparison, the Junkernpfad is around 9.5 kilometres long. These distances show the different lengths of the routes mentioned; the two longer trails are in the wider Marburg-Biedenkopf destination.

Discover more destinations

Kirchhain, Weimar / Lahn, Rauschenberg, Gladenbach, Breidenbach, Rauischholzhausen, Bad Endbach

For the wider travel overview: Marburg-Biedenkopf.