Upon arrival in Trendelburg, you may be forgiven for believing you have fallen into a fantasy world. From its exquisite castle to its fairy tale inspiration, you are certain to enjoy the dreamy wonder of this special town.
Trendelburg can be found not just in the storybooks of the Brothers Grimm. It is an actual place in the Hesse region of Germany, along the Diemel River. It is 29 km (18 mi) north of Kassel and has a population of just over 5,000 people.
Trendelburg Castle is an absolute highlight of any trip to Trendelburg. This picturesque castle has it all — the drawbridge, crumbling old walls, and most famously, a soaring tower. It is this tower, according to local legends, where the famous words “Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your hair!” were uttered.
Yes, the tower of Trendelburg Castle is known as Rapunzel’s Tower. It is one of the highlights of the German Fairy Tale Road that runs from the Grimm Brothers’ hometown of Hanau up to the city of Bremen.
Even if you’re much too old for children’s fairy tales, you’ll certainly remember this damsel in distress. She was kept hostage by an evil witch, until a prince heard her beautiful singing voice from afar. She used her ridiculously long tresses as a ladder and, after some difficult trials and adventures, eventually got her happily-ever-after ending, escaping the witch and running off with the prince.
Visitors to Trendelburg can take great delight in touring this famous tower, as well as other parts of the castle. You’ll get to see wooden-beamed ceiling, suits of armor and white-washed walls covered in antique works of art. Best of all, the castle has been converted into a modern-day hotel. You can relive the famous story of Rapunzel as you stay in the very same place where she “lived” as a prisoner of the wicked witch.
There’s one more legend to be found here, apart from the famous Rapunzel. Trendelburg’s namesake, the man called Trendula, was killed in the city during as lightning storm. You can still visit the place where the town founder was struck down by the forces of nature. There are two craters in an open field, the “cloud bursts” that you can walk up to on the visitors walking path.
If you have ever wished to step into a fairy tale, Trendelburg may be as close as you can get!
