Marbecktal Recreation Area

Naturally, the surroundings of Korbach would have been covered by forests. However, over the past centuries, humans have increasingly cleared these forests to create agricultural land. As a result, a variety of new habitats such as pastures, meadows, and fields emerged. Among the ecologically valuable biotopes created were the so-called "calcareous grasslands." These areas have historically been used exclusively for grazing sheep, goats, or cattle without heavy fertilizer or pesticide use. One of these calcareous grasslands can be found on the slopes of the Marbeck stream, southwest of Korbach.

Due to the geological subsoil with good drainage conditions (permeable Zechstein limestone) and its south-facing position, numerous warm-loving and drought-resistant plant species thrive here, such as the German gentian, golden thistle, and field pansy. Calcareous grasslands also provide habitat for numerous endangered animal species. With a bit of luck, you may spot the Great Green Bush-cricket (Tettigonia viridissima) along the way. It is one of our largest grasshopper species, reaching a body length of up to 4.5 cm. Due to its outstanding importance for nature conservation, the slopes of Marbeck have been proposed for inclusion in the EU-wide network of protected areas "Natura 2000." These designated Special Areas of Conservation (SAC) aim to safeguard the preservation of biological diversity in Europe.

Tip: Two circular hiking trails explore the Marbecktal and the neighboring Schanzenberg (nature reserve), also a limestone semi-dry grassland. The paths in the Marbeck valley are also suitable for pushchairs and children's vehicles.

A folding map with further information on the circular routes and the surrounding nature and landscape is available from the Korbach Tourist Information (Prof.-Bier-Str. 15, 34497 Korbach, Tel. 05631 53-232).

A brochure accompanying the GeoPfad Korbach (Korbach GeoPath) explains the geology and landscape history of the Marbeck Valley (also available at the Korbach Tourist Information and the GeoFoyer Kalkturm Korbach, www.korbach.de/fossilien).