Exploring Enchanted Destinations on the German Fairytale Route: Recommended Towns and Imaginative Experiences
Celebrate 50 Years of the Enchanting German Fairytale Route
Get ready to embark on a magical journey through Germany as the German Fairytale Route celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. This 595-km (370-mile) journey, connecting around 70 locations that inspired the Brothers Grimm's fairytales, promises an immersive experience in the enchanting landscapes and cultural heritage that brought beloved stories like Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Sleeping Beauty to life.
The adventure begins in Hanau am Main, the birthplace of Jacob Grimm. As you travel northward, the first stop is Alsfeld, 96 km onwards, a preserved half-timbered town that looks straight out of a fairytale book. Known as the gateway to "Little Red Riding Hood" country, Alsfeld's Fairytale House finds imaginative ways to bring the Brothers Grimm stories to life.
The fourth stop on the route is Marburg an der Lahn, 48 km away, featuring the Grimm Path with larger-than-life fairytale characters created by Pasquale Ippolito. Further along, Steinau an der Straße, 48 km away, is home to the Brothers Grimm House, one of the largest museums dedicated to the brothers.
The fifth point on the itinerary is Kassel, 92 km away, where the Grimms lived for almost 30 years and compiled a significant part of their "Children's and Household Tales." The originals are displayed at Grimm World, which opened in 2015, and is part of UNESCO’s "Memory of the World" program. A highlight will be a magical fairytale festival weekend at Sababurg in Kassel, known as the home of "Sleeping Beauty."
The penultimate stop on the German Fairytale Route is Hamelin, 97 km away, known for the "Pied Piper of Hamelin" and its Weser Renaissance buildings. The old town includes the Pied Piper House from 1602 and dozens of performers at the Sunday Pied Piper open-air play. Goettingen, 52 km away, was where the Brothers Grimm worked at the Georg August University as librarians and professors from 1829 to 1837. Here, you can visit the Sleeping Beauty Castle of Sababurg and Rapunzel's tower in Trendelburg on your way north.
The final stop on the German Fairytale Route is Bremen, 182 km away, home to the bronze sculpture of the Bremen Town Musicians from the fairytale. Bremen Town Hall houses a sculpture of the Bremen Town Musicians, and the story is told once a week in Domshof town square.
Throughout the journey, visitors can look forward to a spectacular calendar of special events, including musical shows, vibrant parades, themed markets, and engaging interactive storytelling sessions in cities along the route. Whether you choose to explore the route by car, bike, or eco-friendly transportation options, with EV charging stations available, this anniversary year promises to be a truly enchanting experience. So, pack your bags and get ready to step into the world of fairytales on the German Fairytale Route!
[1] German Fairytale Route Official Website [2] Grimm World Official Website [3] UNESCO Memory of the World Register [4] German Fairytale Route 50th Anniversary Events
Indulge in self-development with educational resources about the Brothers Grimm at the Grimm World Official Website (link: 2). Experience captivating entertainment through musical shows, parades, and interactive storytelling sessions on the German Fairytale Route 50th Anniversary Events (link: 4). To complement your travel (link: 1), immerse yourself in the realm of education-and-self-development by delving into the works of the Brothers Grimm.
