Elisabethpfad 3 (Köln – Marburg)

At a Glance

• Start / Finish: Cologne → Marburg
• Length: 167.5 km
• Duration: about 8 days on foot
• Marking: Red Elisabeth sign, pointing toward Cologne; also a scallop shell
• Character: A low-mountain trail through the Bergisches Land and Siegerland regions to the Tomb of St. Elizabeth

Overview

The Elisabeth Trail 3 is the westernmost of the three Elisabeth Trails and runs from Cologne to Marburg, to the tomb of Saint Elizabeth. It was established in 2007.

From Marburg toward Cologne, the route is also marked as part of the Way of St. James—thus connecting the Rhineland with the Central German pilgrimage network. The route leads out of the Rhine metropolis into the Bergisches Land and continues through the Siegerland to the Hessian Bergland.

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

This is ideal if you’re starting in Cologne and looking for a varied low-mountain trail through the Bergisches Land and Siegerland—with Cologne Cathedral as a grand starting point and the Tomb of Elizabeth as your destination. It takes about a week to complete.

Not the best choice if you prefer flat terrain: the Bergisches Land and Siegerland regions involve constant ups and downs. As with all Elisabeth Trails, be sure to bring a pilgrim’s guide or a map.

Route & Landscape

From Cologne Cathedral, the route leads out of the city via Köln-Brück into the Bergisches Land region, passing through Marialinden and Denklingen. Continuing on through Oberfischbach, the route reaches the Siegerland region, including Siegen.

The route takes you through Niederdielfen, Hainchen, and Ewersbach into the Hessian hinterland, and finally via Dilschhausen to Marburg and the Elisabethkirche.

Stages, Terrain & Difficulty

The route is divided into about eight sections (Cologne–Cologne-Brück–Marialinden–Denklingen–Oberfischbach–Siegen/Niederdielfen–Ewersbach–Dilschhausen–Marburg). The terrain is low-mountainous: the Bergisches Land and Siegerland regions feature steady, moderate climbs. The trail is marked with the red Elisabeth symbol; in the direction of Cologne, it is additionally marked with the scallop shell.

Saint Elizabeth and the Start of the Pilgrimage in Cologne—the theme of the journey

Like all St. Elizabeth Trails, this route also leads to the tomb of St. Elizabeth in Marburg. Its starting point, however, is both urban and magnificent: Cologne Cathedral, one of Europe’s most significant churches. Starting in the Rhineland, the trail winds its way through the hills of the Bergisches Land and the Siegerland into the tranquil Hessian mountains.

• Plane in Cologne Let's start with a visit to the cathedral.
• And Victories (Siegerland) is a good place to stop for a break.
• Use a map or pilgrim's guide (new edition, with QR codes) for the highlands of the Bergisches Land.

Highlights Along the Way

• Cologne – Cologne Cathedral (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the starting point of the trail.
• Bergisches Land – a wooded, hilly landscape with Marialinden.
• Victories – A town in the Siegerland region, the birthplace of Peter Paul Rubens.
• Hessian Highlands – Quiet hills near Marburg.
• Marburg – St. Elizabeth's Church, with the tomb of St. Elizabeth.

How Pilgrims Find Their Way onto This Path

Cologne Cathedral is one of Germany's major pilgrimage sites: The The Westphalian Way of St. James ends here, and anyone coming from the North Sea via Schiermonnikoog – Münster When you get there, just keep going straight through. Instead of heading upstream along the Rhine, you can also turn east at the cathedral toward Elisabeth.

The Elisabeth Trails are a family of three: The Elisabeth Trail 1 (Frankfurt – Marburg) and the Elisabeth Trail 2 (Eisenach – Marburg) lead to the tomb of the saint in Marburg.

Continue the pilgrimage?

All three Elisabeth Trails converge in Marburg, marking the end of the journey. Since the route toward Cologne is also signposted as the Way of St. James, it connects St. Elizabeth’s tomb with the Rhineland and European Way of St. James networks; from Marburg, the Elizabeth Trail 1 (toward Frankfurt) and the Elizabeth Trail 2 (toward Eisenach) continue onward.

Preparation & Practical Information

The best time to visit is from spring through fall. Accommodations are available at guesthouses, inns, and private homes—a pilgrim’s passport is useful for collecting stamps. A newly published pilgrim’s guide (with QR codes) and the association’s lists of accommodations are available for this route.

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 keep costs down.

Getting There

The starting point is Cologne, an international transportation hub.

• Getting to Cologne: Long-distance rail service and the airport. Deutsche Bahn– Connections and tickets.
• Return trip from Marburg: Marburg is located along the Main-Weser Railway. Deutsche Bahn– Connections from Marburg.