Most visitors to Germany have heard of the Brothers Grimm and their stories. The German Fairytale Route, created in 1975, links the places where the brothers lived, worked and found inspiration.

The Brothers Grimm House at Steinau an der Straße on the German Fairytale Route

The Brothers Grimm did more than write fairytales; they shaped the very essence of storytelling, inspiring the world long before Disney added its magical makeover on film. But it’s not just for folklore fans - this scenic route winds through forests, castles, and cobbled towns that still whisper real fairytale magic.

The German Fairytale Route was created to celebrate this legacy of the Brothers Grimm. The idea was to bring their fairytales to life by linking towns, castles, forests, and landmarks that inspired their stories - many of which were already rich in folklore, medieval charm and scenic beauty.

 The Brothers Grimm worked in the magnificent city of Göttingen

Stretching over 600 kilometres (370 miles) and winding through more than 60 towns and cities, the route begins in Hanau, Hesse and ends in Bremen in northern Germany. Along the way, you can experience the magical settings behind some of the world’s most famous fairytales, from Rapunzel's tower to the castle where Sleeping Beauty lay for 100 years.

Highlights of the German Fairytale Route

Hanau

Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were born in Hanau am Main in 1785 and 1786 respectively. The Brothers Grimm National Monument commemorates them and marks the starting point of the German Fairytale Route. Not far away lies Philippsruhe Castle with the ‘Grimm Fairytale Empire’, a hands-on museum and castle garden where the Brothers Grimm Festival takes place each year.

Marburg

The Brothers Grimm attended university in Marburg and the Grimm trail in the town is a fantastic way to learn about their most famous fairytales. From the Frog Prince to Snow White's high heels, larger-than-life figures have been scattered around the old town, below the Landgrafen Palace, which is home to countless historic half-timbered houses.

The university town of Marburg

Kassel

The Grimms lived in Kassel for almost 30 years and compiled a large part of their 'Children's and Household Tales' here. As the world's most widely read German-language book, it's even listed on the UNESCO Memory of the World Programme. The originals are on display at Grimm World, which opened in Kassel in 2015. Here, visitors can learn even more about the life and work of the Grimms.

Hamelin

This beautiful town is famous as the setting for the 'Pied Piper of Hamelin'. If you need to refresh your memory, dozens of performers at the Sunday Pied Piper open-air play will help you out, as well as the humorous musical 'Rats'. Enjoy a stroll through the old town with its alleyways and medieval buildings. One of the most magnificent buildings is the Pied Piper House from 1602.

The Pied Piper of Hamelin

Explore by bike

The German Fairytale Route is also great to explore by bike. For example, you could start in the beautiful medieval town of Hamelin and follow the River Weser on well-marked and traffic free trails all the way towards the North Sea coast past Bremen.

As you do, you’ll cycle past historic towns and lush countryside, with postcard views at every turn. And with services available to transfer your luggage between overnight stops, it’s an effortless way to experience the magic of the route on two wheels.

The enchanting town of Hamelin

Take the train

Millions of passengers could soon benefit from quicker and more convenient travel across Europe as the UK and Germany establish a joint taskforce to explore a new direct rail link between the two countries.

The landmark partnership, agreed as part of a bilateral treaty signed by the UK Prime Minister and German Chancellor Merz will pave the way for direct international rail services that could boost tourism to the UK and support jobs within the next decade.

A delightful statue in Bremen, the end point of the German Fairytale Route

Direct services might be a while off yet, but if you want to experience Germany, it’s only a relatively short train journey from central London – worth the trip if you are visiting from North America.

Why not discover Germany for yourself as part of a UK-centred trip or on a tour to Europe, professionally arranged by Janet Redler Travel. To find out how we can help, contact our friendly team today.

Credit for all photos: Francesco Carovillano