Located at the foot of the Hoher Meißner mountain along the German Fairy Tale Route, Hessisch Lichtenau is known as the Gateway to Frau Holle Country. This romantic half-timbered town, surrounded by enchanting scenery, is an ideal holiday destination. Visitors are captivated by the beautifully preserved ensemble of half-timbered buildings in the historic town centre, the Old Town Hall (built in 1665), which has housed the Holleum – the Frau Holle Museum – since 2011, and the impressive Gothic parish church dating from 1415.

Hessisch Lichtenau for Fairy Tale Enthusiasts

The area surrounding the Hoher Meißner is regarded as the home of one of the Brothers Grimm's best-known fairy tales: Frau Holle. According to legend, she shook out her feather bed from the summit of the Hoher Meißner, causing snow to fall upon the earth.

Here, fairy tales, myths, and legends are still very much alive. The fascinating stories surrounding Frau Holle—also known as Hulda, Perchta, Freya, and Frigga, ancient female deities associated with the earth and nature—continue to shape the region throughout the year.

A visit to the Holleum or a guided walk along the Frau Holle Trail brings these legends vividly to life. The trail is also designed to be accessible for deaf visitors through QR-code videos in German Sign Language and guided tours accompanied by a sign language interpreter.

Hessisch Lichtenau for Holidaymakers and Day Visitors

Outdoor enthusiasts will find endless opportunities for recreation in and around Hessisch Lichtenau. Whether on foot, by bicycle, or on horseback, the surrounding countryside offers countless ways to explore a landscape that has retained its natural beauty and provides a habitat for many rare plants and animals.

The town, with more than 700 years of history, also offers a wide range of attractions and leisure activities, including:

• Guided town and themed tours
• Indoor swimming pool
• Extensive cycling and hiking trails
• A year-round cultural events programme
• Gliding
• Squash and tennis
• Wellness and fitness facilities
• Cross-country ski trails in winter
• Two ski lifts for alpine skiing
• Fishing and horse riding
• A high ropes course
• Motorhome parking facilities
• Youth hostels and a campsite
• The former monastery and Teutonic Order church in Reichenbach (1207), together with its archaeological site and the keep of Reichenbach Castle ruins
• The Hoher Meißner nature area, including the Frau Holle Pond, the Kitzkammer rock formations, and many other natural attractions.

Whether you are looking for fairy tales, outdoor adventure, cultural heritage, or relaxation, Hessisch Lichtenau offers unforgettable experiences for visitors of all ages.