7 Days Roadtrip - City-hopping, castles and a green heart

Follow the German Fairy Tale Route from Hanau, the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm, to Bremen and the famous Town Musicians. This seven-day road trip combines historic towns, half-timbered villages, castles, forests and river landscapes with the stories and legends that inspired generations.

Hanau – Steinau: ca. 50 km / ca. 45 Min.
Fairytale Accommodation: Grimm’s Hotel Hanau

Start where the Grimm story began. Discover the Brothers Grimm National Monument, Philippsruhe Palace and the GrimmsMärchenReich in Hanau before continuing to Steinau, where Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm spent their childhood. Explore the Brothers Grimm House, the historic old town and Steinau Castle.

Seasonal highlight: From May to July, enjoy the Brothers Grimm Festival in Hanau; in September, the Steinau Puppet Theatre Festival offers entertainment for all ages.

Steinau – Alsfeld: ca. 70 km / ca. 1 h
Alsfeld – Frau-Holle-Land / Hoher Meißner: ca. 95 km / ca. 1,5 h
Recommended Accommodation: Hotel Kloster Haydau in Morschen or Hotel Sonneck in Knüllwald

Explore Alsfeld, the gateway to the Little Red Riding Hood region, with its beautiful half-timbered old town. Continue through the Schwalm and Knüll landscapes before heading to the Hoher Meißner and the legendary world of Mother Hulda.

Don't miss: Short walks, panoramic views and the seasonal cherry and poppy blossom.

Morschen/Knüllwald – Marburg: ca. 70–90 km / ca. 1–1:15 h
Marburg – Bad Wildungen/Bergfreiheit: ca. 55 km / ca. 1 h
Bad Wildungen – Schloss Waldeck: ca. 20 km / ca. 25 Min.
Recommended Accommodations: Hotel Marburger Hof or Göbel’s Hotel Quellenhof Bad Wildungen

Discover romantic Marburg, its medieval old town and Landgrave's Castle. Continue to Bad Wildungen and Bergfreiheit, associated with Snow White, before ending the day high above Lake Edersee at Waldeck Castle.

Best time to visit: Autumn brings spectacular colours to the forests around Lake Edersee.

Waldeck – Kassel: ca. 55 km / ca. 1 h
Kassel – Sababurg: ca. 35 km / ca. 45 Min.
Sababurg – Trendelburg: ca. 15 km / ca. 20 Min.
Übernachtungsempfehlung: Renthof Kassel or Hotel Burg Trendelburg

Discover Kassel and the GRIMMWELT, then head into the Reinhardswald forest. Visit Sleeping Beauty's Sababurg and the nearby Sababurg Zoo before continuing to Trendelburg Castle, the legendary home of Rapunzel.

Summer highlight: The Brothers Grimm Festival in Kassel combines fairy tales, music and theatre.

Trendelburg – Wesertal/Höxter/Polle: ca. 35–70 km / ca. 45–75 Min.
Weiter Richtung Hameln: ca. 70–95 km / ca. 1–1:30 h
Übernachtungsempfehlung: Hotel Kronenhof in Wesertal or Flair Hotel Stadt Höxter

Take a slower day along the Weser and Diemel rivers. Discover half-timbered towns, castles, ferries and peaceful woodland paths – perfect for walking or cycling.

For an extra stop, visit Polle, associated with Cinderella, or Höxter and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Corvey.

Weserbergland/Höxter – Hameln: ca. 70 km / ca. 1–1:15 h
Hameln – Schloss Münchhausen/Aerzen: ca. 15 km / ca. 20 Min.
Recommended Accommodation: Schlosshotel Münchhausen

Explore Hamelin, the legendary home of the Pied Piper, with its magnificent Weser Renaissance architecture, historic old town and guided tours. Then discover nearby Hämelschenburg Castle or enjoy a stay at Schlosshotel Münchhausen.

Seasonal highlight: From May to September, the Pied Piper open-air performance and guided tours bring Hamelin's famous legend to life.

Hameln – Bremen: ca. 170 km / ca. 2–2:15 h

End your journey in Bremen, home of the Town Musicians. Explore the UNESCO-listed Town Hall and Roland, wander through the picturesque Schnoor Quarter and enjoy the riverside atmosphere along the Weser.

Take your time to savour the final evening – perhaps with a walk through the old town or along the river promenade.

Travel tip: Allow extra time in Bremen if you want to explore the city beyond the highlights.