Marburg, Germany’s fairy tale town, is an old city with a population of more than 70,000. With over 800 years of history, it retains its medieval houses and half-timbered architecture, and it harbors one of the earliest purely Gothic churches in Germany, the Elizabeth Church, built in honor of St. Elizabeth of Hungary. At the highest point of town sits the Landgrave Castle, built in the 12th century. From its ramparts, visitors are treated to a panoramic view of Marburg’s rooftops, winding streets, and the lush vegetation surrounding the town. Narrow walkways connect the old streets, making it easy to explore on foot or by bicycle. Cycling has become a way of life here, supported by a subscription-based bicycle company that allows students to ride freely for 30 minutes at a time—an affordable and sustainable mobility option in a city shaped by its university community. Marburg is perhaps best known today for its vibrant student population. Philipps University of Marburg, founded in 1527, is one of the oldest Protestant universities in the world. It has been a beacon of intellectual life for centuries, producing Nobel laureates and attracting scholars and students from across the globe. This international character extends beyond academia: refugees and foreign students alike find Marburg not only a place to study but also a place to belong. Its strong accessibility initiatives, especially for the visually impaired, have earned it the nickname “the blind town,” making it Germany’s most inclusive city for people with visual impairments. Life in Marburg thrives on contrasts. The Elizabeth Church stands in solemn devotion while the bars and cafés by the river lahn buzz with youthful laughter late into the night. In summer, the Lahn becomes the heart of the city—canoes drift along its waters, students gather on its grassy banks, and festivals fill the air with music, theatre, and open-air celebrations. The castle courtyard transforms into a stage, blending Marburg’s history with its vibrant cultural present. Food and drink are woven into this atmosphere. The Döner Kebab, brought to Germany through the Turkish diaspora, is a staple of student life, affordable, quick, and delicious. And as in much of Germany, beer flows freely. Marburg’s own NICSE Craft Beer, known as “the beer with the mermaid,” adds a local flavor to evenings by the river. Marburg is more than just a preserved medieval town; it is a living, breathing community where history, inclusivity, and modern vibrancy meet. Whether walking through the Grimm Brothers’ old haunts, cycling through cobblestone streets, savoring a Doner after class, or sharing a bottle of craft beer with friends by the lahn, Marburg offers something timeless—belonging. It is not only Germany’s fairy tale town. It is a town where history breathes, cultures intertwine, and the present is always alive with possibility.