Netze Monastery Church, the half-timbered houses in the village centre and the Ederseebahn Cycle Path each offer a different experience for visitors. Several historical dates can be distinguished at the church; for cyclists, the closure in 2026 of the section between Netze and Buhlen is an important detail to bear in mind when planning a trip.
Marienthal Monastery and the Monastery Church
Marienthal Monastery near Netze was occupied by Cistercian nuns in 1228 and dissolved in 1527 as a result of the Reformation. Netze Monastery Church is a two-aisled hall church built for the Cistercian nuns and was consecrated around 1280. Its accessible Romanesque west tower was built between 1100 and 1150 and is the oldest part of the building. The much older tower makes the different stages in the complex’s history visible.
One of the monastery church’s three bronze bells is among the oldest in Germany. It was cast on site by itinerant monks in the early 12th century. Frieda Trappmann is listed as the contact for enquiries about tours of St Mary and the Four Crowned Ones Monastery Church. Check the contact details before making an enquiry and confirm whether an appointment is possible.
Village Centre and Panel Painting
Netze’s village centre features numerous well-preserved half-timbered houses and is associated with the former Cistercian nunnery of Marienthal and its church. The Netze Altarpiece is also part of the village’s cultural history: it is housed in the first monastery founded in Netze, in Waldeck, and is considered one of the most significant examples of German panel painting.
Cycling: Route and Closure in 2026
The family-friendly Ederseebahn Cycle Path follows a former railway line between the Hanseatic town of Korbach and Buhlen on Lake Edersee. Due to construction work in the Waldeck municipal area, the cycle path is closed between Netze and Buhlen from 16 May to 27 November 2026; a diversion is signposted. The closure affects this section, not the entire route described between Korbach and Buhlen. If your ride falls within the stated period, plan to use the signposted diversion. After 27 November 2026, check the conditions again.
Bus Connection
Bus route 515 connects Waldeck-Sachsenhausen, Netze and Buhlen with Affoldern. Check the timetable before travelling, as service information can change.
Waldeck: Castle and Historic Old Town
In the wider destination of Waldeck, Waldeck Castle has its own historical significance: it is a castle-like fortress dating from the 12th century. Waldeck’s historic old town is distinguished by its impressive house facades and includes a medieval town wall. In Waldeck, the Waldecker Schlossbahn runs from Lake Edersee up to Waldeck Castle and back. During the ride on the Waldecker Schlossbahn, passengers receive entertaining information about the region and its residents. The Waldecker Schlossbahn operates seasonally; check its timetable and service before travelling.
Discover more destinations: Nieder-Werbe, Dehringhausen, Ober-Werbe, Scheid
Back to the main travel overview: Waldeck.
