In the Heart of Habichtswald Nature Park
The municipality of Schauenburg, with around 11,000 inhabitants, is beautifully situated in the scenic Habichtswald Nature Park in North Hesse. The municipality takes its name from the Schauenburg Castle Ruins, located west of the district of Hoof, around which the individual villages were united.
Although just a short distance from the cultural city of Kassel, Schauenburg offers a peaceful setting surrounded by nature. Thanks to its wide range of leisure activities and excellent quality of life, it has earned a reputation as an especially family-friendly community.
A visit to the Fairy Tale Guardhouse (Märchenwache) in Breitenbach should be high on every itinerary, as should an excursion to the Schauenburg Castle Ruins, where magnificent panoramic views reward every visitor.
Schauenburg for Fairy Tale Enthusiasts
An extensive network of hiking trails leads through the varied landscapes of Schauenburg, following in the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm. The Schauenburg Fairy Tale Trail connects the municipality's most important historical and cultural sites—places closely associated with the origins of many Grimm fairy tales.
The Fairy Tale Guardhouse was inspired by an idea from the artist Albert Schindehütte, who was born in Breitenbach and later lived in Hamburg.
The building commemorates Marie Hassenpflug and Johann Friedrich Krause, both of whom lived in Schauenburg and were important contributors to the Brothers Grimm's famous collection of fairy tales. Albert Schindehütte artistically redesigned the building, creating a lasting memorial to these two remarkable storytellers.
One particularly fascinating feature is the tale of The Water Nixie, contributed by Marie Hassenpflug. The text is engraved upside down and in mirror writing on a plaque in front of the Fairy Tale Guardhouse. Only when reflected in the surface of the adjoining fountain does the story become readable.
Inside the Fairy Tale Guardhouse, visitors can admire original illustrations from Grimm publications, engravings, woodcuts, and documents relating to the lives of the fairy-tale contributors.
Schauenburg for Holidaymakers and Day Visitors
Schauenburg's numerous hiking trails lead through peaceful forests and valleys. The 85-kilometre Habichtswaldsteig Premium Trail and the certified 17-kilometre "On the Throne of the Landscape" Extra Tour both pass through the municipality.
This section of the trail is especially appreciated for its varied combination of woodland paths, open meadows, and gentle climbs and descents. A hike to the Schauenburg Castle Ruins rewards visitors with spectacular views across the Bauna Valley and far into the Wolfhager Land.
Other highlights include the Habichtswaldsteig Throne, the Fairy Tale Guardhouse in Breitenbach, and the Martinhagen Leisure Lake. The lake has recently gained another attraction with the addition of a nine-basket disc golf course set around its shores.
After a rewarding day exploring the countryside, visitors can relax in one of the many restaurants and traditional inns located throughout Schauenburg's villages, where regional hospitality and local specialities await.
