The Brand “German Fairy Tale Route”

Since its founding in 1975, the German Fairy Tale Route has quickly developed into one of the few German holiday routes that are truly known worldwide and attract guests from all over the globe. This success is rooted in the “Children’s and Household Tales” of the Brothers Grimm, which have been translated into more than 100 languages across all continents. For over two hundred years, these stories have fascinated people around the world and created a romantic image of Germany in their minds—characterized by castles, half-timbered houses, and forests.

The global significance of the Brothers Grimm’s fairy tales was underscored by their inclusion in UNESCO’s “Memory of the World” register in 2005. The international appeal of the “German Fairy Tale Route” brand is also reflected in awards such as the “European Chinese Tourists Welcoming Award” in 2006 and its eight placements among the “Top 100 Sights in Germany,” based on an annual, unaided survey of international travelers conducted by the German National Tourist Board (DZT). The decision by the DZT to highlight the 50th anniversary of the German Fairy Tale Route as one of two focal themes in its global marketing campaign for 2025 further emphasizes its importance.

In addition, the German Fairy Tale Route ranks among the top three holiday routes in Germany. The strong response from national and international media during the current anniversary year also demonstrates the popularity and recognition of this enchanting travel destination.

The Association “German Fairy Tale Route e.V.”: Origins, Members, Purpose, and History

The history of the German Fairy Tale Route began over 50 years ago in Russia. While visiting a large library in Saint Petersburg, the then District Administrator of Kassel, Dr. Herbert Günther, realized that the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm were known and cherished worldwide. He concluded that this global recognition could also be used to promote the homeland of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.

As a result, the German Fairy Tale Route was established in 1975, initially as a working group and, since 2007, as a registered association. The association’s statutes make clear that its goals extend beyond economic value creation and sustainable positioning as a cultural tourism brand. Its mission also includes preserving and promoting German fairy tales, legends, and sagas, and contributing to the cultural heritage of the Brothers Grimm.

Currently, 65 towns and municipalities from Hanau to Bremen are members of the association. Under the motto “Fairy Tales, Legends, and Sagas,” they either have direct connections to the stories or life stages of the Brothers Grimm, or to other storytellers such as Wilhelm Busch, Baron Münchhausen, or Theodor Storm.

The Network “German Fairy Tale Route”

In addition to its 65 member towns and municipalities, the German Fairy Tale Route works closely with selected partners from the hotel and leisure sectors. Thirteen partner hotels offer travelers particularly enchanting accommodations, ranging from family-run country inns to five-star castle hotels. Selected leisure facilities along the route from Hanau to Bremen allow visitors of all ages to immerse themselves in the world of fairy tales, legends, and sagas. Living symbolic figures, storytellers, and actors further enrich the network.

Products and Experiences of the German Fairy Tale Route

Whether musicals, theater performances, or festivals; storytelling sessions or fairy tale hikes; museums or guided city tours—along the route, which spans over 1,000 kilometers with numerous branches between Hanau and Bremen, visitors of all ages have been able to experience the world of the Brothers Grimm, fairy tales, and legends for fifty years.

Travel guides and fairy tale books also focus on this popular holiday route, such as the recently published guide “52 Small and Large Escapades along the German Fairy Tale Route” by DuMont Verlag. In addition, numerous national and international tour operators and travel platforms offer packages along the route.

Motorhome travelers can explore specially designed routes along the German Fairy Tale Route, while e-bike enthusiasts can choose from four routes with suggested stages through the land of fairy tales, legends, and sagas, using existing cycling paths. The routes are described on the official website (including downloadable tracks) and in a dedicated “bikeline” guide.

A wide range of informational materials, coloring sheets, a multilingual website, and social media channels on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn complete the information offering of the German Fairy Tale Route.

Press Contact

Sylvia Stock
Press and Public Relations
German Fairy Tale Route e.V.
Kurfürstenstraße 9
34117 Kassel
Phone: +49 173 7343147
Fax: +49 561 920479–30
Email: sylvia.stock@deutsche-maerchenstrasse.de
Website: www.deutsche-maerchenstrasse.de