Netze – Monastery Church, Half-Timbered Houses and Cycle Path

In Netze, the history of the former Marienthal Cistercian nunnery, its church and the many well-preserved half-timbered houses in the village center are key points of interest.

Monastery history and church architecture

The Marienthal monastery near Netze was occupied by Cistercian nuns in 1228 and dissolved in 1527 as a result of the Reformation. Netze Monastery Church was built for the Cistercian nuns and consecrated around 1280. It is a two-aisled hall church. A visit to the complex therefore brings both the history of the monastery and the architectural form of its church into focus.

The accessible Romanesque west tower was built between 1100 and 1150 and is the oldest part of the church. One of its three bronze bells is among the oldest in Germany; passing monks cast it on site in the early 12th century. The tower and bell thus add distinct historical details to an exploration of the monastery church.

The Netze Altar is another cultural point of interest in the village: it is located in the first monastery founded in Netze, in Waldeck, and is considered one of the most significant examples of German panel painting. In the village center, you will also find many well-preserved half-timbered houses. Netze is also associated with the former Marienthal Cistercian nunnery and its church.

Planning cycle routes and connections

The family-friendly Ederseebahn Cycle Path follows a former railway line between the Hanseatic town of Korbach and Buhlen on Lake Edersee. The section between Netze and Buhlen is closed from May 16 to November 27, 2026, due to construction work in the town of Waldeck; a diversion is signposted. If cycling during this period, allow for the signposted diversion. For rides after November 27, 2026, check the route conditions again.

Bus route 515 connects Waldeck-Sachsenhausen, Netze and Buhlen with Affoldern. It is a separate planning consideration alongside the cycle route. Check connections and travel times before setting off, as timetables may change.

Frieda Trappmann is listed as the contact for tour enquiries about St. Mary and the Four Crowned Ones Monastery Church in Netze. Before making an enquiry, please check whether the contact details are current and whether a tour is available.

More historical sights in the destination of Waldeck

The wider destination of Waldeck offers further historical points of interest. Waldeck’s historic old town includes a medieval town wall and is also distinguished by its impressive house façades. Waldeck Castle is a castle-like fortified complex dating from the 12th century.

The Waldeck Castle railway runs from Lake Edersee up to Waldeck Castle and back. During the ride, passengers receive entertaining information about the region and its residents. As the service operates seasonally, please check current departure times before your trip.

When planning your trip, you can weigh up different priorities: in Netze, the monastery, church and half-timbered houses take center stage, while the Ederseebahn Cycle Path offers a specific route option. Allow for the closure notice when planning cycling stages, and check the relevant travel times for bus or castle railway journeys. Other historical sights in the wider destination of Waldeck should be considered separately.

Discover more destinations: Scheid, Ober-Werbe, Dehringhausen, Nieder-Werbe.

Back to the overview of destinations: Waldeck.