Leitmar combines a distinctive valley landscape with a specific hiking option and its own cultural attractions. The village lies at the head of the flat, basin-shaped valley of the eastern of the Glinde’s two source streams. Visitors who want to plan their stay around a particular interest will find a range of themes here: a walking route, a church with a notable history, and a folk dance group that meets regularly for rehearsals. Landscape, architecture and tradition shape the local character, without any one theme defining the place on its own.
Landscape and hiking
The generally only moderately hilly terrain has several shallow spring hollows in the Buntsandstein (Bunter Sandstone) area. At the northwestern exit of the village, the valley gives way to the Zechstein limestone area, where there is a valley slope about 35 m high. North of Leitmar, the “Leitmarer Felsen” nature reserve encompasses steep limestone cliffs, some of which are naturally free of woodland. This brings two landscape features together: the spring formations and geological transition in the valley, and the limestone cliffs north of the village.
The 5 km circular nature trail “Around Leitmar” invites you to hike, discover and explore. Its circular route offers a clearly defined option alongside the wider landscape of the valley, spring hollows and cliffs.
Church and architectural history
The Catholic Church of St. Sturmius dates from 1914 and is listed as a historic monument. The plastered building is an example of the traditionalism promoted by the Heimatstil movement, which drew on the established forms of Sauerland Baroque churches. The slightly projecting bell tower is topped with a Welsche Haube (onion-shaped dome). The church therefore has a specific historical context, a distinct stylistic direction and a striking architectural detail on its tower.
Folk dancing in Leitmar
The Leitmar folk dance group has held regular rehearsals in the former school since 1984. Its repertoire includes dances from Germany, Denmark, Estonia, Hungary and other countries. This brings together a local rehearsal venue and a dance repertoire spanning several countries. The group also regularly invites visitors to its folk dance festival. If you would like to plan a trip around the festival, check the event date in advance.
More to explore in the Marsberg destination area
The wider Marsberg destination area also has its own attractions. In Obermarsberg, you can see remains of the old town wall, including the Wasserturm and Buttenturm towers. The bird sanctuary in Marsberg-Essentho has been operating for more than 40 years; visits and guided tours are possible only by prior arrangement. Check in advance whether you can arrange a visit before planning your trip there.
On the Diemel near Giershagen, an information centre for bionics, the regional mining industry and geology is housed in an open-sided, roofed multi-purpose pavilion at the Grube Reinhard recreation area (Meilerplatz). The Marsberg archery course is located on the site of a former copper mine and covers 5.9 hectares.
Discover more destinations: Bredelar, Obermarsberg, Beringhausen, Padberg, Helminghausen.
See the destination overview: Marsberg.
