Plan a Brothers Grimm route through Germany

Once upon a time the Brothers’ Grimm released their iconic collection of folk stories Children’s and Household Tales, inspired by the fantastical German landscape.

For an alternative introduction to Germany, take the official Fairy Tale Route and stop by some of the places that inspired The Pied Piper and Little Red Riding Hood, and spin yourself a Grimm tale of your own – just with a happier ending.

Birthplace of the Grimms in Hanau, Hesse

The birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, Hanau is also the beginning of the Fairy Tale Route, which spans 600 kilometres from the central Hesse region to Bremen in the north. A yearly celebration of the Brothers, the Brothers Grimm Festival includes ballet versions of Hansel and Gretel, plays and readings inspired by their stories. At the city’s centre, you’ll find the Brothers Grimm Monument, the two men silently looming over the main square. Start with a light dabble in Grimm history at the festival before heading back to Haus Anna.

Hansel’s Cage in Steinau an der Strasse, Hesse

Around 50 kilometres up the road from Hanau is Steinau an der Strasse – the temporary childhood home of the Grimms. The half-timbered Brothers Grimm House is a museum focused on the Grimm’s home life and stories. Highlights include a mock recreation of the cage Hansel was locked in by the witch in Hansel and Gretel lurking ominously outside. Children can creep up close and poke Hansel and see if he’s plump enough to eat, but best leave before the witch turns up. Instead, head to Burgmannenhaus, which amusingly specialises in game dishes from the local area.

Little Red Riding Hood Country in Schwalm, Hesse

An area known for its history of textiles, Red Riding Hood’s garb is a nod to the cherry red cap of the traditional Schwalm costume. More than simply clothes though, it’s the landscape that earns this area its name of Rotkäppchenland (Red Riding Hood country); gnarled beech trees creak alongside leafy trails carpeted in a burnt orange sheen, while branches and tendrils form arches overhead, for routes that wind into forests unknown. Head to nearby Alsfeld and the Märchenhaus (the fairy tale museum) and catch Rumpelstiltskin leering over woven gold. Or you might catch him in the act of visiting the Queen when you stay at Hotel Schloss Romrod, a 12th-century castle.

Snow White’s Cottage in Bergfreiheit, Hesse

Bergfreiheit (or Snow White Town) is the home of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. The story goes that the Grimms inspiration for the dwarves stemmed from the children of the village, who had to work bent over in the mines, which stunted their growth. Meanwhile the character of Snow White was based on the beautiful local girl Margaretha von Waldeck, poisoned at the age of 21 after falling in love with a prince for not being quite royal enough. Visit Snow White’s cottage and then head to Petite Paris for the night, but stay clear of any lone apples lying about.

Sleeping Beauty’s Castle in Sababurg, Hesse

A trip up to Sababurg before sunset is a must when visiting Sleeping Beauty’s Castle. Once a sweep of stone and blue turrets, surrounded by lush woodlands and thickets of roses, the castle was deserted in the 19th century and left to fall into disrepair. Now the ruins are even more evocative, as ivy wraps itself around weary stone towers and the setting sun leaves the castle’s wooded enclave draped in a golden, autumnal glow. Linger around for views of rolling hillsides, grazing animals and impromptu performances of Sleeping Beauty, then end the night at Gasthaus Brandner.

Rapunzel’s Tower in Trendelburg, Hesse

A little further north and you’ll reach Trendelburg and its castle, rumoured to be the inspiration for Rapunzel. Approach from a distance and the tower is the first thing you’ll see – a stone column leaping towards the sky – but look a little closer and you’ll notice Rapunzel’s lonely braid swaying in the wind. Kids will love the staged Rapunzel show performed outside, but it’s worth daring to head down to the former torture chamber below the tower, before climbing up it. At the top, you’ll be greeted with fairy-tale views of the Reinhardswald Forest and should you really want to try your hand at being Rapunzel, the castle is now a hotel too (though no need to fear being locked up in the tower).

The Pied Piper in Hamelin, Lower Saxony

Follow the sound of music (or simply your map) and you’ll end up in Hamelin, home to the legendary Pied Piper. Unlike many of the Grimms’ other tales, the Pied Piper is loosely based on a real historical rat-catcher, though it’s unlikely his methods in charming both rats and children away were quite as later relayed. Stroll past patchworks of colourful half-timbered homes as you follow your tour guide, an energetic version of the Piper, before stumbling upon the a statue of the Piper himself and Hamelin museum. Lull your kids and yourself to sleep at the 17th-century Historik Hotel Garni Christinenhof.