A Fairy Tale Journey Through Germany In the Footsteps of the Brothers Grimm 8 Days – 7 Nights

·8 Days, 5 Destinations·Starts from Frankfurt
Free Cancellation
Full refund up to 30 days before the tour
Early Booking Advantage
Only 25% prepayment until 30 days before departure

Duration

8 days

Max Group Size

40

Departure Type

Scheduled

Guiding Method

Fully guided

Physical level

easy

Operated In

English

Age Requirement

11 - 99 Ages

Tour Overview

Embark on a magical self-drive journey along Germany’s iconic Fairy Tale Route, tracing the real-life footsteps of the Brothers Grimm. This unforgettable itinerary takes you through medieval towns, enchanting forests, legendary castles, and the charming villages that inspired world-famous tales such as Rapunzel, Sleeping Beauty, and the Pied Piper. Discover UNESCO World Heritage sites, historic old towns, and authentic German folklore while enjoying complete freedom and comfort with your rental car. The perfect blend of culture, history, storytelling, and scenic landscapes awaits.

ExplorerDiscoveryHistoricalIn-depth CulturalPhotographySightseeing

Route

Starts from

Frankfurt

Ends in

Frankfurt

Pickup Location

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Dropoff Location

Frankfurt Airport (FRA)

Tour route map

Highlights

Drive the legendary German Fairy Tale Route, following the stories of the Brothers Grimm from Frankfurt to Bremen, Kassel, Hameln, Marburg, Trendelburg, and more. Visit the childhood home of the Brothers Grimm in Steinau, including the iconic Brothers Grimm House Museum. Explore UNESCO-listed Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe in Kassel, home to grand palaces, water cascades, and the towering Hercules monument. Step inside Grimmwelt Kassel, Germany’s most important fairy-tale museum, dedicated to the life and works of the Brothers Grimm. Walk through Hannoversch Münden, one of Germany’s most beautiful half-timbered towns. Discover Hameln, home of the Pied Piper, and explore the historic Old Town full of medieval legends. Experience Bremen’s famous Town Musicians, UNESCO Town Hall, and the charming Schnoor quarter. Stay in Trendelburg Castle, the real inspiration behind the tale of Rapunzel (subject to availability). Visit Sleeping Beauty’s Castle – Sababurg, deep in the mystical forests of Reinhardswald. Explore the magical medieval town of Marburg, where the Brothers Grimm studied and found inspiration for many stories.

Itinerary

Welcome to Germany and to Frankfurt! Once at the airport, get to the rental car area and pick up your reserved car. Drive to the hotel in this cosmopolitan city and have the rest of the day free for private activities. Start your journey by immersing yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of this cosmopolitan city. Begin with a visit to Römer, the historic city hall located in the heart of the Altstadt (Old Town). Admire its picturesque medieval architecture and learn about its fascinating history. Don't miss the opportunity to sample local cuisine in Sachsenhausen, known for its traditional apple wine taverns (Apfelweinlokale). Overnight in Frankfurt.

Breakfast at the hotel. As you journey from Frankfurt to Kassel along the Fairy Tale Road, make a stop in the charming town of Steinau an der Straße. This picturesque town  holds a special place in the hearts of fairy tale enthusiasts as it was once home to the Brothers Grimm themselves. Your first stop in Steinau an der Straße is the Brothers Grimm House Museum, where you'll step into the world of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Explore the restored 18th-century half-timbered house where the brothers spent their formative years and gain insight into their lives and works through fascinating exhibits and interactive displays. After visiting the museum, take a leisurely stroll through the historic streets of Steinau, where the atmosphere seems frozen in time. Admire the well-preserved medieval architecture and quaint charm of the town, which served as inspiration for many of the Grimm Brothers' beloved fairy tales, an old town that really hasn’t changed a lot since the time of the Grimms. Before continuing your journey, be sure to visit the Steinau Castle, a stunning Renaissance fortress overlooking the town. Marvel at its imposing towers and picturesque courtyard, and perhaps enjoy a moment of reflection in the castle gardens. With its rich history and connection to the Brothers Grimm, Steinau an der Straße is a must-visit destination for anyone embarking on a fairy-tale adventure through Germany. Continue to Kassel. Check-in and overnight at the selected hotel. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Kassel is a city brimming with cultural heritage and home to the renowned Brothers Grimm. Spend the day discovering the enchanting Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its baroque landscape design and spectacular water features. Marvel at the towering Hercules statue overlooking the park and enjoy a leisurely stroll through its picturesque gardens. Delve into the world of fairy tales at the Grimmwelt Kassel museum, where interactive exhibits and multimedia installations bring the timeless stories of the Brothers Grimm to life. Kassel is the so-called Capital City of the German Fairy Tale Route though not because of this museum but because it’s where the Brothers spent most of their lives. It was here where they did most of their work not only on the fairy tales but also the dictionary and it’s from Kassel and nearby regions where a majority of the original tales first originated. Kassel is at the heart of the Fairy Tale experience in Germany, even being recognized by UNESCO for the fairy tales and their place on the World Document Heritage list. But today the GRIMMWELT is the center of fairy tale life in Germany and you will be anxious to visit. Overnight in Kassel. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Venture today to Hannoversch Münden, a picturesque town nestled at the confluence of the Fulda and Werra rivers. Lose yourself in the maze of cobblestone streets lined with beautifully preserved half-timbered houses dating back to the Renaissance period. Take a relaxing stroll along the riverbanks and soak in the tranquil ambiance of this idyllic setting. Don't forget to visit the charming market square and admire the ornate facades of the historic buildings that reflect the town's rich architectural heritage. Continue your journey to Hameln, immortalized in the famous legend of the Pied Piper. Explore the quaint streets of the Old Town, where every corner seems to echo with echoes of the past. Discover the fascinating story of the Pied Piper at the Rattenfängerhaus (Pied Piper's House) and delve deeper into the town's history at the Hameln Museum. Don't miss the opportunity to witness the captivating reenactments of the Pied Piper story that take place throughout the year, adding to the town's magical allure. And the best of all, follow the steps the Pied Piper used to get rid of children. Overnight in Hammeln. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. Drive to Bremen, a city steeped in maritime history and folklore. Explore the historic Schnoor quarter, a labyrinth of narrow alleyways and medieval buildings that exude old-world charm. Marvel at the iconic Bremen Town Musicians statue, a beloved symbol of the city's rich cultural heritage. Don´t forget to hold both legs of the donkey and make a wish. The musicians of Bremen will help your wish come true. And step back in time as you wander through the UNESCO-listed Town Hall, a stunning example of Weser Renaissance architecture, and soak in the grandeur of its ornate interiors. Overnight. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel.  On our return journey from Bremen along the enchanting German Fairy Tale Route, we make a delightful stop in the village of Trendelburg, home to the iconic Tower of Trendelburg, which served as the inspiration for the timeless tale of Rapunzel, immortalized by the Brothers Grimm. As we arrive in Trendelburg, we are immediately captivated by the village's whimsical charm and the wildly romantic landscape that surrounds it. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush forests, Trendelburg exudes an enchanting atmosphere straight out of a fairy tale. Upon arrival, we will check-in at the hotel. If you book with plenty of time, we will book your night at the Hotel Burg Trendelburg, for an unforgettable stay. Our first destination is the Tower of Trendelburg, located next to the Hotel, a towering fortress that stands as a testament to centuries of history and legend. As we approach the tower, we can't help but feel a sense of awe and wonder, knowing that it was here that the Grimm brothers found inspiration for one of their most beloved tales. With a sense of excitement, we "let down our hair" and ascend to the top of the tower, where we are greeted by panoramic views of the picturesque countryside below. From this vantage point, we see the world through the eyes of Rapunzel, imagining her gazing out from her lofty perch with a mixture of longing and hope. As we take in the breathtaking scenery, we can't help but marvel at the timeless allure of fairy tales and the enduring power of imagination. Our visit to Trendelburg is a magical journey into the heart of folklore, where every moment is filled with wonder and enchantment. Overnight. (B)


Breakfast at the hotel. Today you will start your journey with the Sleeping Beauty Castle Sababurg - an insider tip for fairytale fans and culture enthusiasts. It's a place you won't find anywhere else like it. It is the fairytale castle of the Brothers Grimm and impresses with its mighty location in the Reinhardswald forest in the Hofgeismar district of Sababurg. Then, prepare to be transported back in time as we journey to the medieval town of Marburg, a charming town steeped in history and known for its association with the Brothers Grimm where they attended university and where their interest in preserving all aspects of the German language and associated traditions was first piqued. It was here where they were introduced to the Romantics and where they picked up the skill sets that would define their lives. Explore the fairy-tale-like Marburg Castle perched on a hill overlooking the town. Inside, delve into the castle's rich past and enjoy panoramic views of Marburg and the surrounding countryside. Wander through the narrow streets of the Altstadt, lined with half-timbered houses and medieval buildings. Make sure to visit the Elisabethkirche, a magnificent Gothic church named after Saint Elizabeth of Hungary, with its impressive architecture and captivating atmosphere. Marburg is an interesting mix of reality and fiction, which is, after all, the hallmark of a great fairy tale. There’s a lot to see and do here and spending the night is not only to enjoy the history but also to enjoy the spirit of the city. (B)

Breakfast at the hotel. As your fairy-tale journey draws to a close, drive to the Frankfurt Airport for your return flight. Keep in mind, that driving the German Fairy Tale Route has been a lot of fun, no doubt about that. You won´t forget the castles, small towns and villages, great food and outdoor adventures that were both unexpected but also exciting. Bid farewell to Germany with fond memories of your enchanting adventure through the land of the Brothers Grimm. Safe travels! End of our services (B)

Trip includes

Included

7 nights in selected hotels

Hotel

local english-speaking tour guide.

Guiding Method
Fully guided

English

breakfast

Vegan Jain Vegetarian Halal Meat

All excursions and transfers mentioned in the program 

Coach / BusMini-coachPrivate Vehicle

Entrance fees for all visits in Museums and Monuments.
24 h. support via Whatsapp.

Excluded

International and local flights

Local city taxes
8-days rental car in the category of your choice. We will help you with pleasure selecting the car you want.
Parking fees at the hotels and visits
Tips for Guides, drivers and Porters
Personal expenses
Optional tours
Other services not mentioned here

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