Southeast of historical Marburg is the Hessian town of Ebsdorfergrund. Never heard of it, right? Well, after reading this page you’ll be getting the number of your local travel agent booking the first plane to Germany.
All right, maybe that’s a tad of an overstatement. You might book the second plane to Germany. ;-)
Upon arriving in Ebsdorfergrund the first thing you might notice is there are a lot of framework houses; even Castle Rauischholzhausen (that’s a tongue twister, isn’t it?) has an entire half-timbered wing. The castle is now used by the University of Gießen, but its gardens are simply lovely with waterfalls, ponds, and sculptures.
The gardens are where you’ll come for the annual Castle Festival in August, or to enjoy concert and theater performances.
Another castle that you need to see isn’t a castle at all. I mean it was at one time, but since the late 15th century Castle Frauenberg has been in ruins. It might seem like a sad end to a majestic 13th century castle that was built on a site used by the Celts, but no, it adds mystery and magic.
Castles aren’t the only thing from the Middle Ages. In the Old Town Center in the village of Ebsdorf there’s an amazingly beautiful Romanesque Church, built around 1200.
Not exactly medieval, yet also worth a visit, the half-timbered constructed church in the village of Roßberg was built in 1753. So is the Warte in Wittelsberg. What’s a Warte? A watchtower; and this one was built in 1431 — although back then it wasn’t a nature reserve area like it is today.
This nature area is perfect for quiet hiking trails; and there’s an extensive network of cycling tracks. Don’t worry about them being crowded, there’s plenty of room for everyone. But, come mid-September when more than 30,000 walkers, cyclists, and skaters converge on the area for Car-Free Sunday.
Other festivals in Ebsdorfergrund include the Art & Culture Market in mid-December, which is NOT the Weinachtsmarkt (Christmas Market) — that’s usually on the 3rd weekend of Advent around here.
For a warmer weather good time, come to the Summer Fun Festival which happens right before school lets out for the summer, usually around mid- to late June.
Doesn’t it just sound lovely here in Ebsdorfergrund? If you don’t have a travel agent at hand to book that first plane to get here, here’s mine. :-)
