Obermarsberg: History on the Mountain Plateau

The former town of Obermarsberg is situated on a mountain plateau that drops steeply on three sides. The plateau is framed by the Diemel to the west and the Glinde to the east. This setting gives the town a distinctive landscape backdrop; churches, remnants of the town wall and historic paths offer further ways to explore its history. Visitors to Obermarsberg can discover the landscape and architectural history as separate points of interest.

Traces of a Long History

Obermarsberg is one of the oldest continuously inhabited places in the Hochsauerland district. The Eresburg, Charlemagne, a royal Basilica-style Church of St. Peter and the Benedictine monastery of Obermarsberg, founded by Charlemagne, are all associated with the town. These connections give the town’s history several facets, spanning early settlement, evidence associated with Charlemagne, and buildings that reveal different periods.

The Catholic Church of St. Nicholas was first mentioned in 1247 and is one of the most significant early Gothic buildings in Westphalia. Its architecture is clearly defined: it is a Gothic hall church with two bays and an octagonal west tower. The collegiate church offers a different accent, with its magnificent Baroque interior by the workshop of Heinrich and Christophel Papen. Haus Böttcher adds to these historic landmarks: dating from 1589, it is the oldest surviving house in the town of Marsberg.

Town Walls, Towers and Views

The town’s history of fortification is also evident. The remains of Obermarsberg’s circular wall are parts of the fortifications on the Eresberg, which were destroyed in 1646. Two of the seven towers of the former fortifications are partly preserved. Remains of the old town wall can be visited, including the Water Tower and Buttenturm. Buttenturm combines a far-reaching view with a historic detail: it offers views across the Diemel Valley, and its five-metre-deep cellar was once used as a prison.

Historic Routes Through Obermarsberg

A historic circular trail highlights the distinctive features of the Obermarsberg district. The Sagenweg, established in 2008, offers a different focus: it passes historic witnesses to the past and winds through historic Obermarsberg. When planning your exploration, these different routes can guide your choice: one focuses on the district’s distinctive features, the other follows a route past historic witnesses to the past. The landscape, churches and remnants of the fortifications add to these perspectives, without any one aspect telling the town’s entire story on its own.

More Places to Visit in the Marsberg Destination

The wider Marsberg destination offers other attractions, too. In Marsberg-Essentho, the bird care station has been operating for over 40 years; visits and guided tours are possible only by prior arrangement. Be sure to arrange your visit in advance. By the Diemel near Giershagen, an information centre for biomimetics, the regional mining industry and geology is housed in an open-sided, roofed multipurpose pavilion at the Grube Reinhard recreation area (Meilerplatz). Check the visiting arrangements before your visit. The Marsberg archery course is located on the site of a former copper mine and covers 5.9 hectares.

Planning together makes it possible to take different interests in architecture, views and historic routes into account.

Discover more destinations: Beringhausen, Bredelar, Leitmar, Padberg, Helminghausen.

Go to the main travel overview: Marsberg.