Marbecktal recreation area

Naturally, the area around Korbach would be covered in forest. However, over the past centuries, people have increasingly cleared this forest to gain agricultural land. This has created a variety of new biotopes such as Weide, meadows and fields. Among the most ecologically valuable of these newly created biotopes are the so-called "calcareous grasslands". They have always been used only extensively, i.e. without heavy use of fertilizers or pesticides, as grazing land for sheep, goats or cattle. One such calcareous grassland can be found on the slopes of the Marbeck stream southwest of Korbach.

Due to the geological subsoil with its good drainage conditions (well-drained Zechstein limestone) and the south-facing location, many heat-loving and drought-adapted plant species such as German gentian, golden thistle and cat's paw thrive here. However, calcareous grasslands also provide a habitat for numerous endangered animal species. With a bit of luck, you may spot the green haymaker (Tettigonia viridissima) along the way. With a body length of up to 4.5 cm, it is one of our largest grasshopper species. Due to their outstanding importance for nature conservation, the Marbeck slopes were proposed for the EU-wide "Natura 2000" network of protected areas. These so-called FFH areas (Flora-Fauna-Habitat) are intended to ensure the preservation of biodiversity in Europe.

Tip: Two circular hiking trails (M1 and M2) open up the Marbecktal valley and the neighboring Schanzenberg (nature reserve), also a limestone semi-dry grassland. The paths in the Marbeck Valley are also suitable for baby carriages and children's vehicles.

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

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