The German Fairy Tale Route is Celebrating its 50th Anniversary

This 600 kilometre trek is where our childhood fantasies find their magical footing

Whilst the castles along the route perfectly represent the fairy tales of our dreams, they are also significant historical landmarks with real backstories dating back centuries (The German Fairy Tale Route)

There is a place where storybook dreams intertwine with reality, where dense forests shroud ancient castles and quaint villages echo with legends. Welcome to the German Fairy Tale Route — a journey through the heart of Germany, where centuries-old folklore comes alive. Stretching over 600 kilometres, it starts in Hanau and meanders its way through the country up to Bremen. This legendary route invites travellers to lose themselves in the enchanting tales of the Brothers Grimm, who immortalised these stories over 200 years ago. The story of the route celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. 

It was first established in 1975 as a tribute to the legacy of the Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, who were born in Hanau and spent much of their lives collecting and transcribing folklore. As pioneering linguists and folklorists, they traveled through German towns and villages, listening to local stories and transforming them into written tales that continue to captivate readers worldwide. 

The association’s then chairman realised the potential cultural significance of retracing their lives through the settings of the most beloved fairy tales. Throughout the years, the route has evolved to weave together history, myth, and natural beauty into an immersive cultural experience.

Along the route, travellers will come across some core reminders of their favourite childhood stories (The German Fairy Tale Route)

The German Fairy Tale Route is not only a trekking experience. It leads travellers through five main stations via the lives of the famous Brothers Grimm with the possibility of stopping at over fifty other places celebrating fairy tales and legends. Museums, monuments, fairy tale-inspired parks and remote villages all make part of the enchanting experience. 

The trail meanders through numerous mystical forests which will make you second guess if princesses really do live there. This one is in the Waldeck National Park (The German Fairy Tale Route)

The Landscape 

One of the most enchanting aspects of the German Fairy Tale Route is its ever-changing natural landscape, where mystical forests, rolling hills, and serene rivers set the stage for fantastical stories. About halfway through the route in the Reinhardswald Nature Park for example, travellers will come across the Sababurg Primeval Forest, the oldest protected area in Hesse. 

The bizarre formation of trees, unique flora and dense fauna make it the perfect landscape for fairly myths and legends. It is therefore no surprise that princesses and giants are said to roam this land. As an added bonus, the castle where Sleeping Beauty slept is also just a stroll away.

You can't take part in the fairy tale route without visiting the Sleeping Beauty Castle in Sababurg  (The German Fairy Tale Route)

The Castles 

The entire 600 kilometre route is dotted with castles and romantic ruins. From the Philippsruhe Castle in Hanau to get you in that fairytale mood just before you set off on the journey to the Plesse Castle near Bovenden, these are crucial stops to make. However, the most enchanting area dedicated to the fairytale realm of castles is in the Weser mountain region. Here, seven castles line the landscape, showcasing courtly history and impressive architecture dating back centuries. 

For those more enchanted by the fairy tale landscape, the Trendelburg fortress represents Rapunzel’s tower. The romantic atmosphere makes it possible to experience the legends that intertwine the old town and its castle. Every Sunday, Trendelburg welcomes Rapunzel who puts on a short performance for the most young at heart. This isn’t the only folklore which travellers can relive, however. 

Quaint towns and villages across the German landscape make the perfect overnight stops along the journey, for example in Nordhessen (The German Fairy Tale Route)

Legendary Stops to Discover

The German Fairy Tale Route has legendary stops that feel like stepping into a storybook. One must-visit destination is the UNESCO World Heritage Site Corvey Abbey, where history and myth meld seamlessly. Founded in the 9th century, this Benedictine abbey’s baroque architecture and sprawling grounds are steeped in history, offering a tranquil escape into an era shaped by monastic life and medieval legends.

In the charming town of Polle, travellers will find themselves in Cinderella’s realm. The ruins of Polle Castle overlook the Weser River, and every year, the town comes alive with reenactments of the beloved tale. It’s a place where imagination effortlessly intertwines with the rugged beauty of the landscape.

Further along the route lies the iconic Little Red Riding Hood Country, encompassing nineteen towns that pay homage to the famous tale. The town of Schwalmstadt, in particular, is a quaint gem with half-timbered houses and charming folklore traditions, offering guided walks that reveal the darker nuances behind the cheerful facade.

There are numerous annual events which happen along the route, so start practising your German (The German Fairy Tale Route)

Events and Celebrations

Throughout the year, the German Fairy Tale Route hosts numerous events that breathe new life into age-old stories. Visitors can revel in folk festivals, medieval markets, and storytelling evenings where local performers recount tales in captivating fashion. Among the most anticipated are the Brothers Grimm Festival in Hanau and the Steinau Puppeteering Day in Steinau — celebrations that immerse visitors in the very essence of German folklore.

Traveling the German Fairy Tale Route is not just a journey through picturesque landscapes and cobblestone towns; it’s an immersion into the heart of storytelling itself. Whether you are down for a few weeks of hiking or just want to relive the stories that shaped childhood dreams, this escape into nature is the best kind of getaway.