Experience the Magic of The Brothers Grimm’s Germany

Fairy tale characters like Cinderella, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel and Gretel, Sleeping Beauty, and Rapunzel are all familiar names in today’s world of pop culture. But what part did the Brothers Grimm play in preserving the magic of these folk stories?

Get inspired and travel to some of the enchanting destinations in Germany that inspired Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm’s legendary Fairy Tales.

Once upon a time…

In 1812, the Brothers Grimm first published their collection of Children’s and Household Tales, more commonly known as Grimm’s Fairy Tales, which contained 86 captivating stories. From the first edition onwards, the Brothers Grimm gathered together countless classics that are still being enjoyed (and adapted) more than two centuries later.

The evocative – and sometimes spooky – landscapes that inspired the Brothers Grimm fairy tales are still out there, waiting for adventurous travelers to find them. Germany’s Fairy Tale Road, spanning 370 miles (600 km) of scenic beauty north of Frankfurt , takes travelers on a magical journey through enchanted forests, majestic castles, quaint villages, and beyond.

Below, we’ve gathered a few highlights along the road. So, buckle up and keep an eye out for witches, big bad wolves and wicked stepsisters.

Steinau

Start your trip in Steinau by paying a visit to the house of the Brothers Grimm, a stately structure where the Grimm Family moved to in 1791. Today, the traditional half-timbered building is home to a fascinating museum that traces the brothers’ lives and gives keen insight into the origins of their fairy tales.

You’ll also want to explore Castle Steinau, an imposing renaissance palace that must’ve stoked the imaginations of the young Brothers Grimm when collecting tales of Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. Inside, you’ll also find further exhibitions about the town, as well as more information on the Brothers Grimm.

Schwalm

Follow in the footsteps of Little Red Riding Hood through the forests of the Schwalm region. This area is also called Rotkäppchenland, or “Little Red Cap” country (“Little Red Cap” being the original English translation of “Little Red Riding Hood”). Enjoy a hike along the winding trails that lead through the mystical forests – the shadows of towering trees might just have you looking over your shoulder for a big, bad wolf.

You’ll also want to see the nearby Museum of Schwalm, situated within the moat-encircled fortress of Ziegenhain. Inside, you can learn about local history and marvel at examples of traditional clothing that Little Red Riding Hood and her grandmother would have worn.

Kassel

The city of Kassel is affectionately known as the capital city of the German Fairy Tale Road. Here, the Brothers Grimm began collecting and preserving the folklore that would make up their Children’s and Household Tales.

Opened in 2012 to celebrate the bicentennial of the publication of the book, Kassel’s GRIMMWELT (GRIMM WORLD) is a must-visit for anyone who’s loved any of the Grimm fairy tales – which is pretty much everyone. The state-of-the-art attraction features an array of interactive exhibits, as well as some amazing artifacts – including the Brothers Grimm’s personal copy of Children’s and Household Tales.

Castle Sababurg

The legend of Sleeping Beauty has enchanted audiences for centuries, from the Grimm Brothers’ original to the classic Disney cartoon, and more recently, the 2014 film Maleficent and its 2019 sequel, starring Angelina Jolie.

Discover the place where it all began – Castle Sababurg, a romantic palace with a history dating back to 1334. You’ll immediately see why it’s associated with Sleeping Beauty, thanks to the towering, thorny hedge at the foot of the castle. You can also climb to the top of the castle tower – is this where Sleeping Beauty pricked her finger and fell into eternal slumber?

Don’t miss extravagant theater performances in the castle's courtyard if visiting between April to October.

Trendelburg

Sticking with the theme of castle towers, another fairy tale princess is said to have made her home in one, within the charming town of Trendelburg. Her name was Rapunzel, and an evil witch famously imprisoned her in the town’s fortress tower. Her only hope for escape? Growing her hair out for a young prince to climb up.

The scene is re-enacted in Trendelburg regularly, with Rapunzel’s legendary hair dropping down from a high castle window. But you can also head up the legendary tower yourself – if you’re happy to climb the 130 steps to the top. It’s well worth the extra effort for the views alone, with two telescopes available so you can see more of the Kassel countryside below.

For those looking to spend the night in Trendelburg, what better place to stay than the castle itself? Hotel Burg offers 22 fairytale-inspired rooms for you to choose from, each furnished with four-poster beds, antique decor and all the home comforts you could need. 

Ready to embark on your own Fairy Tale Road adventure? Reserve car rental in Germany with Hertz and check out other fun day trips in and around Frankfurt.