I wonder how much the town of Steinau an der Straße played a vital role in the lives of the Brothers Grimm? Probably a lot since this is their boyhood home.
Their house, which was built in the 1560’s, still stands to this very day; and is now a museum dedicated to their work. Just in case you haven’t heard of the Grimm brothers yet, think Hansel & Gretel, Cinderella, Snow White, and the Frog Prince. Yes, Disney would have nothing if weren’t for Jacob and Wilhelm.
Steinau looks just like a scene from one of Brothers Grimm books, complete with a 13th century castle, known as Schloss Steinau. The impressive castle is more of a Renaissance style than medieval, housing a local history museum and memorial to the two brothers. Its tower and inner courtyard would make for a great movie set.
The town’s military towers and old defense walls could also work for a movie backdrop.
Go see the Town Hall with its fairytale well and the Fairytale painted house (which is actually pretty cool looking). Steinau likes to keep the fairytale theme going with Fairytale Sunday Festival.
Non-fairytale sites around town include the Katharinenkirche which was built in the 13th century. Like a true lady, she’s older than she lets on as her foundations date back even further.
Another one of the town’s festivals is the Katharinenmarkt, which is a big festival with carnival rides and a chance to eat and drink some good Hessian food and wine.
If you get a chance to shop at the town’s Christmas Market at the end of the year, you’ll find some wonderful crafts to bring home.
When you’re done sightseeing for the day, how about some fishing or swimming at Steinau’s artificial lake? There’s an outdoor pool if you don’t want to swim with the fishes. ;-)
It’s not going to take much to see how great Steinau an der Straße really is; and think of it as your own fairytale vacation.
