Discover Lohra: Horseshoe Church and St. Elizabeth’s Way
Accommodation in Lohra
In Lohra, Altenvers offers a distinctive point of reference for a trip combining a pilgrimage route, local history and a natural monument. The Horseshoe Church and a wych elm in the old churchyard give the village specific points of interest. The wider travel destination of Marburg-Biedenkopf offers further highlights relating to landscape, culture and active recreation. When looking for a holiday apartment, you can decide whether to focus your stay mainly on Altenvers and the pilgrimage route or also take other regional themes into account.
File:Evangelische Pfarrkirche Lohra fm810559.jpg
Photo: Ludwig Bickell via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Horseshoe Church and St. Elizabeth’s Way
St. Elizabeth’s Way follows the route taken by Saint Elizabeth from Marburg to Altenberg and passes through Altenvers. The Horseshoe Church is a stage point on the pilgrimage route. For travelers interested in pilgrimage routes and Elizabeth of Thuringia, this offers a tangible connection between the route and a historical figure.
The Horseshoe Church is also an official wedding venue for the municipality of Lohra. Couples considering getting married there should ask the municipality directly about current booking arrangements.
Natural monument in the old churchyard
A wych elm stands in the old churchyard of the Horseshoe Church in Altenvers. It was designated a natural monument by the Marburg-Biedenkopf district in 2023. Alongside the pilgrimage connection, this is a specific natural site. Travelers who also take natural monuments and places of cultural and historical interest into account when planning their trip will find two distinct points of interest at the church.
More to explore in the wider travel destination of Marburg-Biedenkopf
Marburg-Biedenkopf district encompasses diverse upland landscapes, numerous half-timbered villages, and both historic and young, modern towns. The Burgwald, Gladenbacher Bergland, Amöneburger Becken and Lahn Valley, along with their settlements, are known for their geological, cultural and historical, developmental, artistic and folkloric features. The range therefore extends from landscape experiences to culture and history.
Two premium hiking trails showcase different highlights. The 18-kilometer Himmelsbergtour passes through Burgholz and Himmelsberg in the Burgwald region. Its route crosses forests, meadows and fields, as well as a Natura 2000 protected area. The 13.2-kilometer Galgenbergtour passes through Gemünden and takes in the historically significant Jewish cemetery there. The trail lengths and the specified landscape and cultural features offer concrete points of comparison when choosing your own route.
Non-motorized boats are permitted on the Perfstausee reservoir, including stand-up paddleboarding and canoeing. A walking path runs around the lake and can be used year-round; it is suitable for strollers. Cyclists can use e-bike charging stations, a bicycle repair station and ample free parking. Water activities, a walk and cycling facilities each offer a different way to enjoy the area.
Culture and tradition are also part of the wider travel destination. In Biedenkopf, the Grenzgang festival is celebrated every seven years: a three-day event held at historic woodland sites, bringing together locals and visitors from around the world. As the Grenzgang takes place at this interval, it is best to check the specific event dates when planning your trip.
The Schartenhof in Biedenkopf-Eckelshausen, which is more than 300 years old, is one of the region’s historically significant half-timbered buildings and is now a center for art, culture and music. Its program includes seasonal exhibitions featuring works from the region, as well as exhibitions of painting, photography, graphic art and sculpture. The Schartenhof also presents performances of classic operas using marionettes.
Discover more destinations
Discover more destinations: Marburg an der Lahn, Stadtallendorf, Lahntal, Amöneburg, Angelburg, Fronhausen, Breidenbach, Rauschenberg.
Back to the wider travel overview: Marburg-Biedenkopf.
