Tucked away among the hills and forests of the Kinzig Valley lies Steinau an der Straße – a charming little town where the childhood memories of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm still seem to linger around every corner.
This is where the Brothers Grimm spent part of their childhood, and where their mother’s storytelling helped spark their lifelong fascination with stories and legends. Today, Steinau invites visitors to step into that world for themselves.
The Brothers Grimm House was once the official residence of the Grimm family. Today, the museum brings their lives, work and famous fairy tales to life through fascinating exhibits and interactive experiences.
See, hear and experience the world of the Grimm fairy tales – and discover another side of the family through the works of their brother Ludwig Emil Grimm, a celebrated Romantic-era artist.
One of the most magical ways to discover Steinau is on a guided walking tour in the company of a fairytale character.
Instead of a conventional tour guide, your host may appear as Puss in Boots, a Queen or Mother Goat – one of the best-known characters from the local tours.
For English-speaking visitors, most tours are led by Mother Goat, who brings her own story to life as she guides you through the historic town. Along the way, you’ll discover Steinau’s sights while hearing both familiar and lesser-known tales and anecdotes.
It’s a playful way to experience Steinau – especially for families and anyone who has never quite lost the magic of fairy tales.
Rising above the historic town centre, Steinau Castle is an impressive Renaissance residence built between 1525 and 1560 for the Counts of Hanau.
Explore the castle museum and its Grimm exhibition, then climb the 41-metre tower for panoramic views across Steinau and the Kinzig Valley.
The castle is surrounded by a wide moat, the Hirschgraben, which today is home to a playground – making it a great stop for families.
Every autumn, Steinau comes alive during the Steinau Puppet Theatre Festival. Theatre companies from across Germany perform for audiences of all ages, with everything from traditional marionettes and hand puppets to shadow theatre and imaginative object theatre.
Steinau is more than a stop on the German Fairy Tale Route. It is a place where the childhood world of the Brothers Grimm, historic architecture and living storytelling come together.
Take a stroll through the old town, meet Mother Goat, climb the castle tower and step into the stories that helped shape the world of fairy tales.
