Overview
Marburg offers the Germany from the tour books—a labyrinth of narrow cobblestone streets lined with 17th and 18th century Hessian architecture, church bells tolling overhead, all without the tourist crowds of bigger cities. The Philipps-Universität (founded 1527) is the oldest Protestant university in the world, giving the town of 76,000 residents an unusually young, vibrant character where students make up a third of the population.
Architecture · Budget Travel · Day Trips · History · Museums
Before you go
Budget
Budget travelers can eat affordably at the Mensa (student cafeteria) or find meals for 8-15 EUR at local restaurants. Youth hostel beds available.
Culture
University town atmosphere dominates—many cafes, bars, cultural events, and a young population create a lively environment year-round.
Language
English is widely spoken among the large student population. German is the primary language. Locals are famously friendly and helpful.
Transport
Marburg is a compact walking city. Regional trains connect to Frankfurt (1 hour) and Kassel. Deutsche Bahn tickets available at the station.
Weather
Marburg experiences typical central European weather. Best visited spring through early autumn for comfortable walking conditions.