Elisabethpfad 2 (Eisenach – Marburg)

At a Glance

• Start / Finish: Eisenach (Wartburg) → Marburg
• Length: 193.99 km (Camino de Santiago route: approx. 178 km)
• Duration: about 9–10 days on foot
• Marking: Red Elizabeth symbol, also a blue scallop shell
• Character: A low-mountain trail between two towns named after Elizabeth, which is also part of the Way of St. James

Overview

The Elisabeth Trail 2 is the easternmost of the three Elisabeth Trails and connects the two central locations in the life of Saint Elizabeth: Wartburg Castle near Eisenach, where she lived as Landgravine of Thuringia, and her tomb in Marburg. It was inaugurated in 2007 to mark the 800th anniversary of Elizabeth’s birth.

The trail is signposted as part of the Way of St. James and also helps to close a gap in the network of European routes to Santiago de Compostela. At just under 194 kilometers, it is the longest of the three trails.

Who This Route Is Ideal For—and Who It's Not

This is ideal if the life story of St. Elizabeth resonates with you and you want to hike a longer, peaceful trail through the low mountain range from Wartburg Castle to St. Elizabeth’s Tomb—a trail that serves a dual purpose as both the St. Elizabeth Trail and the Way of St. James.

Not the best choice if you rely on consistently perfect trail markings: In forests and along the section crossing the Green Belt, signs are sometimes missing. A pilgrim’s guide (published by the association) and a good sense of direction are recommended.

Route & Landscape

Starting at the foot of Wartburg Castle in Eisenach, the trail leads through Creuzburg and across the Hessian-Thuringian mountainous region. Near Lüderbach, it crosses the Green Belt, the former inner-German border.

Continuing through Waldkappel, Spangenberg, Homberg (Efze), Schwalmstadt (Ziegenhain and Treysa), Stadtallendorf, Kirchhain, and Amöneburg, the route finally reaches Marburg and the Elisabethkirche.

Stages, Terrain & Difficulty

The route is divided into nine sections (Eisenach–Creuzburg–Waldkappel–Spangenberg–Homberg–Spieskappel–Treysa–Kirchhain–Marburg). The terrain is consistently low-mountainous, with steady ups and downs through forests and across open highlands. The trail is marked in red (Elisabethpfad); where the Way of St. James forms its own variant, it is additionally marked in blue.

Wartburg Castle and Saint Elizabeth—the Heart of the Trail

No place embodies Saint Elizabeth quite like Wartburg Castle: She lived here as a young landgravine before—following her husband’s death—devoting herself entirely to serving the poor and the sick and moving to Marburg. The Elisabeth Trail 2 thus spans the arc from her princely life (Wartburg) to her grave (Marburg).

• Plane in Eisenach Time for the Wartburg — the perfect start.
• The crossing over the Green Belt Take a leisurely walk near Lüderbach—a journey through both nature and history.
• Before setting out, check the club's latest notices regarding detours (e.g., due to bridge closures or construction sites).

Highlights Along the Way

• Eisenach / Wartburg – Birthplace of Saint Elizabeth (UNESCO World Heritage Site).
• Creuzburg – a medieval town on the Werra River.
• Green Ribbon – the former inner-German border as a natural area.
• Spangenberg – A town with half-timbered houses and a castle.
• Amöneburg – A mountain town with sweeping views of the Marburg region.
• Marburg – St. Elizabeth's Church, with the tomb of St. Elizabeth.

How Pilgrims Find Their Way onto This Path

The starting point below Wartburg Castle is connected to a prominent pilgrimage route: The route runs through Eisenach Via Regia– If you're heading west on the old Königsstraße, you can switch to the Elisabeth-Spur here.

The Elisabeth Trails are a family of three: The Elisabeth Trail 1 (Frankfurt – Marburg) and the Elisabeth Trail 3 (Cologne – Marburg) lead to the saints' tomb—can be combined as a round trip.

Continue the pilgrimage?

All three Elisabeth Trails converge in Marburg, and the destination—the tomb of St. Elizabeth—is reached. Since the route is also signposted as part of the Way of St. James, it can be integrated into the European Way of St. James network; from Marburg, the Elisabeth Trail 1 (toward Frankfurt) and the Elisabeth Trail 3 (toward Cologne) continue onward.

Preparation & Practical Information

The best time to visit is from spring through fall. Accommodations are available at guesthouses, inns, and private homes—it’s a good idea to have a pilgrim’s passport to collect stamps. The association publishes its own pilgrim’s guide and provides lists of accommodations.

What the journey will cost you

Germany is more expensive than Spain. Roughly speaking, budget €45–75 per day for lodging and meals; simple accommodations and self-catering will help keep costs down.

Getting There

The starting point is Eisenach, which has good rail connections.

• Getting to Eisenach: on the Frankfurt–Erfurt rail line. Deutsche Bahn– Connections and tickets.
• Return trip from Marburg: Marburg is located along the Main-Weser Railway. Deutsche Bahn– Connections from Marburg.