Kneipp Spa Town – Experience Fairy-Tale Wellbeing in Little Red Riding Hood Country
Nestled in the heart of Little Red Riding Hood Country, on the southern slopes of the Knüll Mountains, lies the Kneipp spa town of Neukirchen.
Neukirchen for Fairy Tale Enthusiasts
Step into the magical world of the Brothers Grimm at the Fairy Tale House in Neukirchen. Housed in a beautifully preserved 16th-century half-timbered building, the museum displays treasures dating back more than 150 years. Lovingly created fairy-tale scenes delight visitors of all ages and bring the Grimm stories vividly to life.
The Fairy Tale House can be visited during the opening hours of the Tourist Information Centre. A special highlight is the opportunity to enjoy storytelling sessions by a professional fairy-tale narrator, available by prior arrangement. Visitors can also view the charming wedding room, which has become a popular alternative venue for civil wedding ceremonies.
A stroll through Neukirchen's historic town centre reveals many more fairy-tale-inspired artworks and installations.
Neukirchen for Holidaymakers and Day Visitors
The newly created Kneipp Spa Garden provides a peaceful place to relax and unwind in the spa town.
The varied Nuff und Nopp Trail, certified as a Quality Trail – Wanderbares Deutschland, leads through forests and open countryside surrounding Neukirchen. The nearby Fable Trails—Bächeweg, Babiller Ausguck, Mühlengrund, and KinOrem—in the Knüll Nature Park offer diverse opportunities to experience nature, while numerous additional walking routes complete the extensive network.
The small town, located directly on the Little Red Riding Hood Country Railway Cycle Route, is also renowned for its lovingly restored half-timbered houses.
Originally a village, Neukirchen was granted town status in the 14th century, and its protective town walls were completed around 1396. Since the 15th century, the impressive St Nicholas' Church, a three-aisled Late Gothic hall church, has dominated the town skyline. Climbing the 132 steps to the gallery of its 36-metre defensive tower rewards visitors with magnificent panoramic views, while the historic tower keeper's room can also be explored.
The market square is home to the Fairy Tale Fountain, the Local Heritage Museum, and the Tourist Information Centre.
Throughout the year, Neukirchen offers a varied cultural programme including concerts, church music, cabaret performances, lectures, and literary readings. Traditional celebrations such as the Babiller Whitsun Fair and the Christmas Market, held amid the town's charming half-timbered streets, make Neukirchen an attractive destination in every season.
