Marth
Accommodation in Marth
Marth was established shortly after 1125 as a market town beneath Rusteberg Castle. The combination of a historic village centre, the distinctive hilltop and several cycling and hiking trails gives the town different facets: you can explore village history and architecture, or get to know Marth as part of a longer route.
Rusteberg and the landscape around Marth
The hilltop of the same name shapes the landscape and lies within the 17 ha Rusteberg Landscape Conservation Area. The protected area lies entirely within the municipal boundaries of Marth. Rusteberg is listed as a sight of interest in Marth for its beautiful views. The hilltop is therefore a distinctive landmark for anyone interested in the landscape around the town.
Another designated area within the municipal boundaries is FFH site no. 2, “Wiesenmühle Marth”, with EU no. 4625-304. It lies directly on the B 80. In addition, part of the municipality forms the northern edge of the Eichsfeld-Hainich-Werratal Nature Park. These different designations refer to distinct landscape features around Marth.
Village character, church and history
The village centre is characterised by a very well-preserved historic building fabric. This includes St. Aegidius Church, which stands slightly elevated, as well as farmhouses and farmsteads, some of which have partly well-preserved half-timbering. Anyone interested in historic village architecture will find more than just a single building here: the church, farmsteads and houses together shape the character of the centre.
The Catholic branch church of St. Aegidius is legally protected, along with its artistic furnishings, churchyard and enclosure. The Stations of the Cross with the grotto of the Virgin Mary is also protected. The municipality lists the grotto of the Virgin Mary as a sight of interest. These sites give an exploration of Marth a religious and cultural-historical dimension, without overlooking the town’s wider history.
Today, only ruins remain of the fortification on Rusteberg, which dates back to the 12th century and is associated with the Chapel of St. Michael at the castle. The chapel belonged to a former late medieval fortification. The official seat of the Electoral Mainz administration for Eichsfeld was once located there. Thus, early local history meets the later history of administration and fortification at Rusteberg; the ruins preserve the historic character of the complex.
Cycling routes and pilgrimage route
Cyclists can choose between two long-distance routes. The Leine-Heide Cycle Route passes through the municipal boundaries of Marth. The “Iron Curtain” European Cycle Route comes from Burgwalde and passes through the village. Several local cycling and hiking trails also run through the municipality. If you are planning a cycling trip, these routes may be a reason to consider Marth as a stop or destination.
A pilgrimage route also passes through the village: the 13.3 km route from Kirchgandern to Uder goes via Marth. The stated distance refers to the route between these two places. Marth can therefore also be considered in the context of a longer journey, rather than focusing your stay exclusively on the village centre.
Planning your stay in Marth
Your travel interests can guide your choice of a holiday apartment in Marth: if local history and historic buildings are your main focus, the village centre offers a particular point of interest. If you would like to include cycling or hiking trails in your trip, several routes pass through the municipality, and one of them goes through the village. Bus connections are another practical consideration: Marth was part of the transport area served by Eichsfeldwerke EW-Bus GmbH and could be reached by regional bus routes. There are two bus stops in the community centre; one of them has been made accessible.
Other places on the same level: Buhla, Helmsdorf, Geismar, Asbach-Sickenberg, Mackenrode, Breitenworbis, Kirchworbis and Hohengandern.
For the regional travel overview: Eichsfeld.
