Have you ever been captivated by the magic of Cinderella’s tale? Perhaps you’ve been drawn to the mystery of the Iron Hans, or the dark forests of Little Red Riding Hood? Maybe you dream of uncovering the secrets of Sleeping Beauty’s castle.
Ever wonder what the world of the Brothers Grimm was like? How did they weave their magical stories? We often hear about the German penchant for order, yet it was on this very land that such enchanting tales were born.
Following the Footsteps of the Brothers Grimm
The Brothers Grimm Monument, Hanau
In the heart of Hanau, stands a monument to the Brothers Grimm. Their eyes, full of wisdom and imagination, seem to whisper stories to passersby. The air seems to murmur with tales of Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, as if the entire world is steeped in fantasy. 
Philippsruhe Castle, Hanau
Near the statue is Philippsruhe Castle, a majestic tower overlooking the green hills of Hanau. It’s like a magical castle from a fairytale. Each brick seems to bear witness to history and dreams. The baroque architecture is simply enchanting. Stroll through its ancient courtyards and gardens, and you’ll almost hear the echoes of old stories.
The Grimm Fairy Tale Festival
Every year, from May to July, Hanau transforms into a fairytale carnival for the Grimm Fairy Tale Festival. The streets become a dreamy market with characters like Little Red Riding Hood and Snow White. The atmosphere is filled with magic and sweetness. Stalls overflow with fairy-tale crafts and treats, making visitors feel like they’ve stepped into an enchanting storybook.
Alsfeld: A Living Fairytale
A little over an hour’s drive from Hanau is Alsfeld, another town that inspired the Brothers Grimm. In its well-preserved medieval old town and narrow streets, every step seems to tell a chapter from their tales.
Timber-Framed Houses
Each timber-framed house in Alsfeld looks like something out of a fairytale, combining old-world charm with modern aesthetics. Their rooftops and decorative carvings seem like spells woven by a wizard.
The Fairytale House (Märchenhaus), Alsfeld
The Fairytale House is a magical palace on Alsfeld’s streets. Its wooden frame and colorful doors look like entrances to a fantasy world. Inside, you’ll find depictions of Little Red Riding Hood’s woodland adventure and Snow White’s cottage.
The Wedding House (Hochzeitshaus), Alsfeld
Dating from the 16th century, the Wedding House is a romantic landmark in Alsfeld. This elegant structure seems to tell stories of love and grand weddings. The ground floor is now a cafe.
Walking Through the Old Town, Alsfeld
As you wander, you might encounter fairytale characters. Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White, and the Frog Prince seem to have stepped right out of the pages. Live fairytale performances add to the magical atmosphere.
The Old Town, Alsfeld
A walk through the old town is an adventure into history and dreams. From the old town hall, stroll down the scenic streets to the monastery gardens, where you might catch a performance of Little Red Riding Hood.
Kassel: The Cradle of Grimm’s Fairy Tales
An hour from Hanau or Alsfeld is Kassel, where the Brothers Grimm did much of their work. Here, every street seems like the forest of Little Red Riding Hood, and every old building seems to echo Cinderella’s lost slipper.
GRIMMWELT Kassel (Grimm World Museum)
GRIMMWELT Kassel, a museum, feels like a page out of an ancient fairytale. Each exhibit is like a treasure from a storybook, telling the tales through artifacts, paintings and interactive exhibits. It is a place to revisit your childhood dreams and to be amazed.
Wilhelmshöhe Park, Kassel
Wilhelmshöhe Park is like a painting, with the Wilhelmshöhe Palace perched at the top like a kingdom fortress. Gardens, lakes, and waterfalls complete this natural masterpiece. It’s a haven for nature lovers seeking peace.
Hesse’s Famous Green Sauce
Green sauce is a famous sauce made with seven different herbs. It’s often served with boiled eggs and potatoes, but also with meat or fish. Each spring, Kassel celebrates the Green Sauce Festival, highlighting this traditional delicacy.
Kassel’s Old Sausage
Kassel Old Sausage is a long-dried sausage, renowned for its unique taste and rich flavor. It’s typically sliced and served as a cold dish or with bread.
Sababurg: Wake Up in Sleeping Beauty’s Castle
Half an hour from Kassel is Sababurg Castle, the real-life version of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. It’s located in the Reinhardswald forest and is believed to have inspired the story. From its fairytale-like setting to its live performances, Sababurg is a real-life dream.
Sleeping Beauty’s Castle Hotel
The castle dates from the 14th century. Legend has it that Sababurg was the cursed castle where the princess slept until a prince’s kiss awakened her. Today, visitors can explore the castle and its lavishly decorated rooms.
Sababurg Forest and Nature Reserve
The forests around Sababurg, especially the Reinhardswald, are ideal for hiking and birdwatching. The ancient trees and morning mists create a magical atmosphere, and every tree seems to hold a story.
The Castle Restaurant, Sababurg
The castle restaurant offers traditional German and Hessian cuisine. Due to the surrounding forests, game meats such as venison and wild boar are often on the menu, served with local sauces and vegetables.
Hamelin: The Pied Piper’s Haunting Tale
Just under an hour from Kassel and Sababurg is Hamelin, famous for the legend of the Pied Piper. The story dates from 1284 when a piper rid the town of rats, but was then denied payment. Enraged, he played his pipe again, leading 130 children away, never to return. This dark tale is one of the Brothers Grimm’s more haunting stories.
The Pied Piper’s House
This ancient house stands in the heart of Hamelin. It’s said to mark where the Pied Piper’s story took place. Today, it’s a restaurant where visitors can enjoy local cuisine while absorbing the town’s mystical atmosphere.
The Pied Piper Fountain
The Pied Piper Fountain statue in the city center is a popular spot for photos. The Piper, frozen in time, is a symbol of Hamelin’s folklore.
The Pied Piper Open-Air Play
Every weekend from May to September, Hamelin’s market square becomes a stage for a free open-air play of the Pied Piper’s tale.
The Pied Piper Trail
The Pied Piper Trail winds through Hamelin’s old town, connecting various sites related to the legend. Signs and landmarks guide visitors through the magical path, immersing you in its enchanting tales.
The Pied Piper Mechanical Clock
Every day at 1:05 pm, 3:35 pm, and 5:35 pm, the Hamelin Town Hall clock tower comes to life. The figures move, creating a short, mesmerizing performance, bringing the story of the Pied Piper to life.
The Old Town, Hamelin
Hamelin’s old town, with its timber-framed houses and winding streets, is like stepping into the pages of a medieval book. It is a place where you will find history mixed with legend.
Hamelin Rat Bread
Rat bread is baked in the shape of rats, a fun homage to the local legend. With its sweet dough and raisin eyes, it’s a popular souvenir for visitors.
Göttingen: Where the Grimm Brothers Studied
Just an hour from Hamelin, Göttingen is known for its academic excellence and is also a charming destination on the fairytale trail. The Brothers Grimm studied and worked here, and here you can explore both knowledge and beauty.
The Gänseliesel Statue
The Gänseliesel statue at the old town hall is a local landmark, and it’s said to be the most-kissed girl in the world, though only doctoral graduates are officially allowed to kiss her.
The Brothers Grimm Houses and the University of Göttingen
The Brothers Grimm, especially Jacob, are stars in the history of the University of Göttingen. They lectured here, and although their homes and workplaces are no longer standing, the university is a monument to their achievements. Exhibitions and archives document their research and work.
Göttingen’s Autumn Literature Festival
Every autumn, the Göttingen Literature Autumn festival transforms the city into a literary dreamland. Storytelling and Grimm-themed events are featured.
Kale and Pinkel Sausage
Kale and Pinkel is a classic winter dish from Lower Saxony, made with kale and a special sausage. It’s a warming and comforting meal, reflecting the local landscape.
