Discover Wehrda: castle, Lahn Cycle Route and indoor swimming pool

Wehrda offers a range of topics to consider when planning your trip: the history of St. Martin’s Church and Weißenstein Castle, paths through the forest and along the Lahn, and facilities at the indoor swimming pool. Each place and activity has its own focus. You can choose what to look for based on what interests you most about your trip.

Weißenstein Castle and Wehrda’s Church History

Weißenstein Castle is a hilltop castle dating from the 9th to 11th centuries. Its castle hill lies north of Marburg-Wehrda, on a forested, yellowish-white sandstone crag at an elevation of 260 metres. The crag drops steeply towards the Lahn; the easiest access to the castle hill is from the northwest. The elevation, forest and sandstone together shape the landscape around this historic structure.

St. Martin’s Church also offers a glimpse into the history of the area. It was probably originally a filial church of the royal baptistery in Michelbach. Anyone interested in Wehrda’s history will therefore find a point of reference in church history as well as the hilltop castle.

Forest, Cycle Route and Barbecue Area

There are several distinct options for outdoor activities. The Burgwald Trail runs above Marburg and Wehrda through a forest area that includes the Teufelsgraben nature reserve. The cycle path along the Lahn between Kaufpark Wehrda and the Afföllerwiesen is part of the Lahn Cycle Route.

The City of Marburg also has its own barbecue area in the district of Wehrda, in the “Weißer Stein” cadastral area. This is another place to consider when planning time outdoors. You can decide which topics to prioritise: the forest and nature reserve along the Burgwald Trail, the Lahn along the cycle route section mentioned above, or the barbecue area in Weißer Stein.

The Lahn Cycle Route extends beyond this section: along its route from source to mouth, it follows the Lahn through the Marburg-Biedenkopf district, with Marburg serving as a possible stop along the way. This makes it possible to view the section between Kaufpark Wehrda and Afföllerwiesen as part of a longer cycle route, while it also remains a distinct section in its own right.

Swimming at Wehrda Indoor Swimming Pool

Swimming lessons for beginners and baby swimming sessions are held regularly at Wehrda Indoor Swimming Pool. Aqua jogging is also available: the class takes place in the swimming pool, and swimming proficiency is required. The activities mentioned therefore differ in their content and participation requirements. Check the current class times before making plans.

Marburg as a Broader Travel Destination

Marburg also offers its own cultural and urban experiences. St. Elizabeth’s Church is Germany’s oldest Gothic hall church. It was built from 1235 to 1283 over the tomb of St. Elizabeth (1207–1231) and was formerly a pilgrimage church because of the tomb. Marburg Castle was the first residence of the Landgraves of Hesse and is considered the cradle of Hesse. Since 1981, it has housed the Museum of Cultural History; its permanent exhibition in the Wilhelmsbau presents ecclesiastical art, territorial rule and Hessian cultural history through a diverse range of exhibits.

Another way to explore the city’s history is through Marburg’s Upper Town, a medieval ensemble of half-timbered houses and venerable churches. The Marburg Castle Railway travels through the historic old town and the district of Weidenhausen, along narrow lanes and cobbled streets past picturesque half-timbered houses. During the ride, passengers can enjoy views of Landgrave Castle towering above the city and the Kaiser Wilhelm Tower opposite; stories and anecdotes about Marburg’s past and influential figures are also told.

On the Grimm-Dich-Pfad in Marburg’s Upper Town, visitors can use a smartphone to access the fairy tales associated with the fairy-tale characters via permanently installed QR codes. On the Lahn, the Elisabeth II boat passes riverside meadows, giving passengers views of the university city of Marburg and its sights. Marburg thus offers a choice of different cultural and experiential activities, including exploring the city, reading fairy tales and taking a boat trip on the river.

The churches, castle and urban experiences mentioned above are part of the broader travel destination of Marburg and offer a distinct cultural focus. Marburg’s cultural attractions mentioned here can help guide your travel planning.

For the broader travel overview: Marburg on the Lahn.