Once upon a time in Germany… The Fairytale Road

Depart the UK

Travel to Dover to take the ferry across the Channel to Calais. From there, continue through France to Germany, stopping overnight on the way.

Arrive in Bad Wildungen

Continue through Germany, down to Bad Wildungen, your base for the next 5 nights.  At your hotel, enjoy a Welcome Cocktail. on arrival. Perhaps take a stroll around this beautiful old town before dinner.

Kassel, Capital of the Fairytale Route

Step into the world of the famous brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm behind the stories on a special guided tour around the city.  They lived in Kassel for many years collecting stories and transforming them into written creations. Spend the afternoon in the Brothers Grimm Museum where the authors’ annotated copies of the fairytales are displayed or indulge in a spot of shopping in the city. Worth a look is Wilhelmshöhe Palace with the landmark Hercules Monument situated in the surrounding parkland.

Then, visit the historical Knallhütte Brewery where Dorothea Viehmann worked. She collected stories from travelling merchants, many of which provided inspiration for the Brothers Grimm when she passed them along. Enjoy a fairytale hour where ‘Dorothea’ shares her art of storytelling with your group, accompanied by a buffet meal.

Back at the hotel, why not use your coupon for a free drink at the bar to start off the evening?

Sleeping Beauty

Drive through the Fulda Valley to Hann. Münden, where you will find around 700 colourful and beautifully-preserved half-timbered houses and a Town Hall dating back to the 14th century. At the confluence of three rivers, it is here that the legendary Dr. Eisenbart, a famous ‘kill or cure’ doctor of the baroque era, lived and practised. Marvel at the Glockenspiel which recounts the story of the Doctor and his patients. There is plenty to discover in Hann. Münden whether you’d like to learn the witches and scoundrels of the town’s past, or admire the quaint town on a river cruise.

From here, continue to Sababurg Castle, founded in 1334, the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s Castle with its romantic gardens. Here, enjoy a tour of the castle and gardens which covers both history and fairytales. There is also a restaurant, should you wish to dine here. Then, enjoy the return drive through the national park.

The Legend of Snow White

Above the hills over Bad Wildungen, visit Snow White’s House, complete with seven beds for seven dwarves. These tiny houses, which are only around 20m², used to be miners’ houses. Learn about the reality which inspired the fantasy story. The life of a woman named Margaretha von Waldeck was the inspiration for the tale. Discover where the seven dwarves came from by heading to the nearby copper mine. For around 450 years, the mine was worked by men described as short and strong.

Later, perhaps visit the nearby town of Fritzlar. A magical Old Town of half-timbered houses, Fritzlar is simply picturesque. The crooked houses look like they’ve fallen off the pages of a storybook. A perfect place to potter – explore this pretty little town.

Upon returning to the hotel, be welcomed back with a traditional German concept – Kaffee und Kuchen! A jug of warm coffee and a delicious cake from a local patisserie awaits.

Medieval Marburg

Spend the day in the medieval university town of Marburg, where the Grimms studied. Walk along the narrow and twisting alleys paved with cobblestones in the attractive upper town and venture to Landgrave Castle with sections dating back to the 10th century and fantastic views over the many higgledy-piggledy rooftops. Alternatively, spend the day experiencing Germany’s green heart in the Edersee national park, a UNESCO Heritage Park, where you can enjoy a cruise on the lake.

This evening, enjoy dinner in a local brewery to sample some of the areas famous produce – beer! Over a 3 course meal, you’ll be able to sample some of the brewery’s own tipple – Engelsbräu, or perhaps wine or soft drinks as four drinks are included in the package.

Depart Bad Wildungen

If time permits, enjoy some free time at leisure before departing from this beautiful fairytale world.  Make an overnight stop on the way back to Calais.

Return to the UK

Check out of your overnight hotel and proceed to the port at Calais. Cross the Channel to Dover and continue on to your local area.

Hamelin, Hannover or Göttingen

This area is simply overrun with beautiful towns. Why not extend your tour to investigate further.

Head to Hannover, a delightful city with an eclectic character. It boasts a wealth of museums and cultural sites such as the magnificent Town Hall. It also has wonderful green spaces like the spectacularly baroque Herrenhäuser Garden.

For a further infusion of fairytales, perhaps head to Göttingen. In this charming university town, the Brothers Grimm lived and taught between 1829 and 1837. There’s plenty to explore.