Things To Do in Marburg

The most beautiful illustrations in the Grimm fairy tales were done in Marburg -- the Brothers Grimm studied here at the university from 1802 to 1805, and Jacob once remarked of the town, "I think there are more steps in the streets than in the houses." Today there are more than 100 pubs, many quaint and rustic, catering to the student population.

Most of the restaurants, bars, and student cafes center around the Marktplatz or Obermarkt, with some of the best-preserved houses, especially no. 14 and no. 21, dating from the mid-16th century. The oldest preserved house, which is still inhabited, dates from 1323 and stands at no. 18 on the square.

Phillips University of Marburg is not exactly a tourist attraction, although its life dominates the town today. From St. Elisabeth's church follow Steinweg, Neustadt, Wettergasse, and Reitgasse to reach the university.

The main part of the university was founded in 1527 by Landgrave Philipp of Hesse, becoming the first German Protestant university. Except for a church from the 14th century, most of its buildings are from the latter 19th century, including the largest university library in western Germany. A professor here from 1892 to 1917, Emil von Behring, won the Nobel Prize in 1901 for discovering a vaccine for diphtheria.

On Pilgrimstein you can take an elevator from below to the highest peak in Marburg, where the Marburg Schloss stands in Schlosspark, with panoramic views in all directions. Luther and Zwingli debated in this castle in 1429, and today it is part of the university buildings.

Students gather to catch up on the latest gossip around a fountain dedicated to St. Georg. Also opening onto the Marktplatz is the 16th-century Gothic Rathaus, known for its mechanical cock crowing the hours from its gable. Allow at least 2 hours for a walking tour of the Old Town.

Stack 'Em Up -- As amazing as it sounds, some of Marburg's houses can be reached only through a skylight, as some of them are stacked one on top of another. That means that in some cases a house will have a back door five floors above the front door.