At Erlensee, Kirchhain shows its nature-oriented side: the lake provides habitats for a diverse range of wildlife. Great crested grebes use it as a breeding site, while cranes and many other migratory birds use it as a stopover. The distance from the town hall is also useful for getting your bearings: you can reach Erlensee on foot in just under 20 minutes. The walking time is approximate. All paths around Erlensee are wheelchair-accessible and have no inclines. There is also a circular trail through nature that is well equipped for blind people.
Erlensee and town history
The circular trail connects the natural surroundings of the lake with straightforward walking directions from the town hall. When it comes to wildlife, breeding and resting are two distinct aspects: great crested grebes use Erlensee as a breeding site, while cranes and other migratory birds use it as a stopover. This offers two ways to experience the place: through its habitats and through the changing bird species.
Kirchhain town hall stands in the market square. It was built in 1533, and its spiral-staircase tower was added in 1562. The two dates mark different stages in the building’s history. The Hexenturm, in turn, incorporates sections of the well-preserved town wall and draws attention to the town’s fortifications. The town hall and Hexenturm thus represent different aspects of Kirchhain’s history: one is a town hall with a later-added tower and a documented date; the other is a tower associated with the town wall.
In Kirchhain’s district of Großseelheim, the local history museum showcases domestic life, agriculture and crafts in the early 19th century, as well as traditional costumes and local history. Visits are possible by appointment. The exhibits give the museum visit a distinct focus, ranging from everyday life to work and crafts, and the history of the village. If you plan to visit, arrange it in advance.
Cycling, parks and swimming
The Hessian long-distance cycle route R 6 crosses Hesse for 405 kilometres, from the Waldecker Land in the north via Kirchhain to Lampertheim in the south. The route offers a different scale from the walk to Erlensee: it is a long-distance cycling route through Hesse, not just a local loop. When planning your trip, the key question is whether cycling will be a main focus or whether you would rather allow time for Kirchhain’s attractions.
In Annapark, in addition to the war memorials, there is a playground, exercise equipment for seniors and several boules courts. The park’s varied facilities make it possible both to be active and to spend time outdoors. There are two different swimming facilities for water sports, each with its own features: Kirchhain outdoor pool has a combined non-swimmer and swimmer pool, including a 50-metre pool, a one-metre diving board and two water slides. Phönix indoor swimming pool in Kirchhain has a sauna area and a non-swimmer pool kept at a constant 30.5°C. The facilities therefore differ in their pools and additional amenities; opening hours are not part of the planning information here.
Kirchhain within the wider destination of Marburg-Biedenkopf
Those who also explore the wider destination of Marburg-Biedenkopf will find another regional perspective there. The district encompasses diverse low mountain landscapes, numerous half-timbered villages, and historic and modern towns. The Route of Industrial and Working Culture focuses on the history of work and industry and on the historic and modern capabilities of local businesses. Its sites are designed as extracurricular learning venues, with numerous interactive stations. This is a different subject from the wildlife at Erlensee or Kirchhain’s architectural history: the focus here is on work, industry and the region’s development.
When searching for hotels in Kirchhain, you can first decide what you would like to focus on during your stay: wildlife watching and the circular trail at Erlensee, the town hall and town wall, cycling on route R 6, or a visit to the park or one of the swimming pools.
Discover more destinations: Cölbe, Neustadt, Marburg an der Lahn, Ebsdorfergrund, Weimar / Lahn, Lohra, Breidenbach, Rauischholzhausen
View the wider travel overview: Marburg-Biedenkopf.
