Lahntal: Hiking trails, Ubbelohde landmarks and historic sites

In Lahntal, hiking trails lead through woods and fields, while historic sites and traces of art invite you to take a closer look. In Goßfelden, a circular trail connects the work of Otto Ubbelohde with scenes from village life; in Caldern, you can choose from a range of hiking routes.

Following Ubbelohde’s footsteps in Goßfelden

Opened in June 2010, the “In the Footsteps of Otto Ubbelohde through Goßfelden” circular trail starts at the museum in the Lahn meadows. Stretching about 1.5 kilometres, it has 16 stops and runs mostly through old Goßfelden. Ubbelohde’s drawings, illustrations and paintings can be seen at the village locations where the depicted scenes can still be recognised today—or appear to be recognisable. These include fairy-tale illustrations. The route is therefore not just about the artworks, but also about looking at the places they evoke.

If you are planning a Sunday visit, check in advance whether the seasonal opening hours of the Otto-Ubbelohde-Haus are currently in effect: the listed hours are 1 to 4 pm from November through February and 11 am to 5 pm from March through October.

Hiking trails between woods and fields

The Wollenberg, which is entirely wooded, lies north of Lahntal. It is directly accessible from almost all of Lahntal’s districts, and numerous circular trails wind through the forest. The more than 20-metre-high Schenk Oak also stands here. It is named after forest warden Johannes Schenk, who looked after the Wollenberg forest until 1928.

In Caldern, two circular trails offer different lengths and landscapes. The family-friendly L3 is 6.7 kilometres long and follows paved paths through fields and woods, with views of Caldern along the way. The 12.9-kilometre L1 runs from Caldern to Dilschhausen and back to Caldern. Stops and viewpoints along the route include two churches, the “Paradise” and the historic Rimberg Tower spire. The L3 is therefore the shorter of the two routes described, while the L1 connects the sights mentioned.

Near Brungershausen, a signposted hiking trail also leads to a striking natural landmark: the “Wichtelhäuser,” a group of massive rocks. Set slightly off the forest path, the rocks invite you to climb and offer views across the Lahntal, towards Kernbach and the Rimberg opposite. These rocks and far-reaching views add a distinctive landscape experience to the forest trails on the Wollenberg and the field and woodland stretches near Caldern.

Bridges, churches and monastic history

The old bridge in Goßfelden is a local landmark. The year 1802 can be seen in Roman numerals on its eastern side. The bridge can only be crossed on foot or by bicycle—a distinctive local feature that also determines how the structure can be used.

In Sterzhausen, the present-day church nave is a Neoclassical hall built in 1936, with distinctive semicircular windows. Traces of Caldern’s monastic history can be found in several places: part of the former monastery wall has survived beside St Nicholas’s Church and has been restored. The monastery mill has been mentioned as a mill since 1389 and originally belonged to the Cistercian monastery.

Lahntal in the wider Marburg-Biedenkopf destination

The wider Marburg-Biedenkopf destination brings together a variety of upland landscapes, numerous half-timbered villages, and historic and modern towns. The Perfstausee reservoir offers more ways to enjoy an active day: non-motorised boats are permitted, including stand-up paddleboards and canoes. A walking path that is suitable for pushchairs runs around the lake and can be used all year round. The lake also has e-bike charging stations, a bicycle repair station and ample free parking.

If you are looking for another hiking option in the wider region, the 18-kilometre Himmelsberg Tour in the Burgwald region is one to consider. This premium hiking trail passes through Burgholz and Himmelsberg, by woods, meadows and fields, and through a Natura 2000 protected area. The Grenzgang in Biedenkopf offers a different cultural experience: this three-day festival is held at historic forest sites every seven years, bringing together locals and visitors from around the world.

Sarnau is also one of Lahntal’s destinations to consider when planning the rest of your trip.

Discover more destinations: Ebsdorfergrund, Dautphetal, Stadtallendorf, Weimar / Lahn, Rauischholzhausen, Angelburg, Gladenbach.

For the overview of the wider destination: Marburg-Biedenkopf.