The German Fairy Tale Route: Highlights Along the Way

Germany, a country with a fairytale atmosphere and a rich cultural heritage, offers a unique route for travelling with children: the Fairy Tale Route. This exciting route, also known as the “Märchenstraße”, leads through the country's most enchanting corners, where reality and fairytale intertwine.

Hanau

You can begin your fairytale journey with a visit to the Brothers Grimm's home city, Hanau. It is a charming city that has preserved a vivid imprint of history and literary heritage. In the very centre of the city, you will encounter a monument to the brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, who gave the world countless captivating fairytales. This symbolic moment will remind you of their great role in world literature and folklore.

Hann. Münden

The town stands where the Werra and Fulda rivers join to form the Weser and is famous for its more than 700 half-timbered houses. The travelling doctor Eisenbart, hero of German songs and tales, lived and died here: there is a monument to him, and in summer street performances tell of his "miracles".

Oedelsheim (Oberweser)

After an incredible stay in Hann. Munden, your journey along the Fairy Tale Route continues to the charming town of Oberweser-Oedelsheim. Here, you will meet a character from a favourite fairytale: Puss in Boots. You will find a wooden sculpture that transports you to the world of Puss in Boots and his fantastic adventures.

Bodenwerder

Bodenwerder is the home town of Baron Münchhausen, a real person whose tall tales became a literary legend. His former manor house is now the town hall, there is a museum dedicated to the baron, and sculptures recall his adventures, including the ride on a cannonball.

Sababurg Castle

Sababurg Castle in the Reinhardswald forest, founded in the 14th century, is considered the castle of Sleeping Beauty from the Brothers Grimm tale. Next to it is the Sababurg Tierpark, one of the oldest animal parks in Europe, founded in 1571.

Trendelburg Castle

Continuing along the route, we come to Trendelburg Castle, where legend says Rapunzel was imprisoned. Here, you can feel the fairytale aura and enjoy enchanting views. Majestic walls, ancient towers and interior chambers decorated with antique details create an atmosphere that transports you into the past.

Everstein Castle

In the small town of Polle on the Weser stand the ruins of Everstein Castle, which are associated with the tale of Cinderella. In summer a play based on the tale is staged here, and the ruins offer a view over the Weser valley.

Hamelin

Hamelin is known for the legend of the Pied Piper, who led the town's children away. From May to September a play about him is staged every Sunday on the terrace of the Hochzeitshaus, and on Bungelosenstraße, the street the children are said to have taken, music is still not played.

The Fairy Tale Route ends in Bremen at the statue of the Town Musicians of Bremen. In total the route stretches about 600 km from Hanau to Bremen, so it is best driven in sections over several days.

Frequently asked questions

How long is the German Fairy Tale Route?

About 600 km from Hanau to Bremen.

When is the best time to travel the Fairy Tale Route?

From May to September, when Hamelin, Polle and other towns stage plays based on the fairy tales.