Discover Lohra: Pilgrim Trail and Horseshoe Church

At the Horseshoe Church in Altenvers, local history meets a connection to a special route: the church is a stop on the Elisabeth Trail, which passes through Altenvers. The pilgrimage route follows the path taken by Saint Elisabeth from Marburg to Altenberg. There is also a natural monument at the old churchyard—another facet of this place in Lohra.

Altenvers: Route, Church and Natural Monument

For travelers interested in pilgrimage routes and their historical connections, the route itself offers a tangible point of interest: the Elisabeth Trail passes through Altenvers, and the Horseshoe Church is one of its stops. The church is also an official wedding venue for the municipality of Lohra. In addition to its connection with the pilgrimage route, it therefore serves a municipal function as a wedding venue.

At the old churchyard of the Horseshoe Church stands the mountain elm, which was designated a natural monument by the Marburg-Biedenkopf district in 2023. The route, church and tree each offer a different point of interest: the Elisabeth Trail connects Altenvers with a historical route, while the elm’s designation draws attention to a single natural monument.

More travel ideas in the wider Marburg-Biedenkopf destination

The wider Marburg-Biedenkopf destination includes diverse low mountain landscapes, numerous half-timbered villages, and historic and modern towns. The following examples from this broader area offer different ways to enjoy water, outdoor activities and culture.

Water and trails at Perfstausee

Non-motorized boats are permitted at Perfstausee in the wider Marburg-Biedenkopf destination, including stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing. A walking trail around the lake is open year-round and suitable for strollers. For those arriving by bike, there are e-bike charging stations and a bicycle repair station; ample free parking is also available. Water activities, a walk and cycling facilities offer a range of options for planning your day.

Hiking trails of varying lengths

In the Burgwald region, the 18-kilometer Himmelsberg Tour runs through Burgholz and Himmelsberg. Forests, meadows and fields line the route, which also passes through a Natura 2000 protected area. The 13.2-kilometer Galgenberg Tour is also in the wider Marburg-Biedenkopf destination. It runs through Gemünden and passes the historically significant Jewish cemetery there. Both trails are designated premium hiking trails. Their lengths offer a practical comparison for planning, while their landscapes and connection to the Jewish cemetery provide different thematic impressions.

Culture and tradition in Biedenkopf

Those interested in cultural history will find a presentation on the cultural history of the Hinterland over the past 900 years at the Museum in Biedenkopf Castle, covering 1,000 square meters. The more than 300-year-old Schartenhof in Biedenkopf-Eckelshausen, one of the region’s historically significant half-timbered buildings, offers a different focus. Today, it is a center for art, culture and music, with seasonal exhibitions featuring work from the region as well as painting, photography, graphic art and sculpture. Marionette theater performances of classical operas are also held there.

Another cultural highlight in the wider Marburg-Biedenkopf destination is the Grenzgang festival in Biedenkopf. This three-day festival is held every seven years at historic forest sites, bringing together local residents and visitors from around the world. The museum, Schartenhof and Grenzgang represent different cultural experiences—from exhibitions and performances to a recurring festival tradition.

When looking for accommodation in Lohra, it helps to decide what you want to focus on first: should Altenvers, with its Horseshoe Church, Elisabeth Trail and natural monument, be the main focus, or would you also like to visit different destinations in the wider Marburg-Biedenkopf area? Compare accommodation options based on which experiences matter most to your plans.

Discover more destinations: Caldern, Angelburg, Stadtallendorf, Kirchhain, Bad Endbach, Fronhausen, Ebsdorfergrund, Biedenkopf.

Back to the wider travel overview: Marburg-Biedenkopf.