When one thinks of a road trip through Germany, it's natural to think of the Autobahn, the famous, high-speed highway that consistently makes driving fans' bucket lists. But there's a softer side to German road trips, one that offers a delightful blend of history, scenery and just the right mix of magic.
The Brothers Grimm, authors of such classics as Sleeping Beauty, Rapunzel and Snow White, grew up, studied and worked in towns along what is now known as the Fairy Tale Road.
A one-week tour makes for a great family vacation, as towns along the way offer a host of family-friendly activities. Those looking for something truly special will want to make the trip around Christmas and take in the many Christkindlmarkts along the way.
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Pick your car up in Frankfurt and head east to Hanau, the starting point of the Fairy Tale Route and the hometown of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm. Time your visit right and you just might arrive during the Brothers Grimm Festival. Other highlights include a visit to the wildlife park Alte Fasanerie and the Hanau Market Place.
Head to Steinau an de Straße and make a visit to the Brothers Grimm's house, which today is a museum. Open year-round, the museum focuses on the brothers' teen years and also features special, revolving exhibits.
Little Red Riding Hood once skipped along the forest path in the region of Schwalm. Today, visitors can hike along the same paths, deep into dark forests. Just beware of odd looking grandmothers with very large teeth-all the better to eat you with, my dear.
As you follow along, you'd be remiss in not making a visit to Grimmwelt Kassel, which as you might guess, covers all things Grimm.
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Next stop is Göttingen, where the brothers attended university. Stroll through the town's charming streets but don't leave before you kiss the statue of the little goose girl-it's said to be good luck.
Rapunzel, Rapunzel, let down your golden hair. You'll be humming along to Mother Knows Best as you visit the medieval castle and towers of Trendelburg, otherwise known as Rapunzel's home away from home.
And while Aurora slept for a hundred years, you won't want to miss a moment of your stay in the Castle Sababurg. Once tucked away behind ivy and a large wall, today it houses a theater, a civil registry office and a well-respected restaurant and confectionary.
It was said that the Pied Piper lived in the quaint town of Hamelin, where you can visit the rat catcher's house, and even take in a re-enactment of how he lured away the village children.
Bremen is the last stop on the journey and as legend has it, home to a rather well-known set of animal musicians who managed to outwit thieves.
After making a visit to the town square to see the statue in their honor, head on over to the Beck's brewery for a tour and a few samples and share a few stories of your own.
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