top of page
Search

10 fairytale places in Germany you won't want to miss.

Updated: Sep 17, 2025

From Disney-worthy castles and fairytale towns to the Fairytale Route, Germany is full of magical places.


Photo courtesy: Mira Drozdovsky/Shutterstock

Germany ,The birthplace of the Brothers Grimm fairy tale masters and the birthplace of the first Christmas market, Deutschland is a land steeped in folklore. The country’s charming towns, misty mountains, and vast forests are the perfect setting for adventures and, as writers and storytellers have proven for centuries, the perfect backdrop for legends and fairy tales.


Whether you want to visit a castle that inspired Walt Disney in the Bavarian Alps, explore the wild landscapes of the Black Forest, or wander through medieval half-timbered villages, Deutschland is the perfect destination for every fairy tale lover. For a magical adventure, check out these 10 fairytale destinations in Germany.

1. Oberammergau, Bavaria


The story of Hansel and Gretel takes place in Oberammergau. Photo: FooTToo / Shutterstock

Oberammergau is home to the House of Hansel and Gretel.

"Hansel and Gretel" is one of the most famous fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm, so the story is set in a Bavarian village Oberammergau — the perfect place to start your journey through the fairytale places of Germany.

Your first stop will be Hansel and Gretel's house, decorated with colorful murals depicting scenes from the fairy tale. (Spoiler alert: it's not actually made of candy and gingerbread!) Afterwards, make time toadmire the traditional German architecture, which can be found throughout the city; the buildings are decorated with unique frescoes and wood-carved facades made by local craftsmen.


2. Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria

It is no coincidence that Neuschwanstein Castle is the most famous in Germany. Photo: Rudi Balasko / Shutterstock

Neuschwanstein Castle is a Disney-approved Bavarian landmark.

If the castle Neuschwanstein If this castle looks familiar, you can thank Disney® — this majestic mountain landmark served as the inspiration for Sleeping Beauty’s castle in the 1959 film. This 19th-century masterpiece also has its own storied history: it was built by Bavarian “Mad King” or “Swan King” Ludwig II.

A guided tour will let you peer into the opulent chambers and admire the views of the surrounding peaks. However, with around 1.4 million people visiting each year, it’s worth booking tickets without queues, to be guaranteed entry. You can also combine your visit with visiting nearby attractions, such as CastleLinderhof and Oberammergau.

3. Romantic Road, Bavaria

The Romantic Road stretches for 220 miles (355 kilometers), so there is a lot to see. Photo: Sergey Figurny / Shutterstock

Bavaria's Romantic Road offers a journey that is truly made for lovers.

If you want to visit romantic villages in Germany, what could be better than an entire road dedicated to these places? Long and winding Romantic road — This is a 355 kilometer (220 mile) route from Fussen in the Bavarian Alps before Wurzburg , located among the vineyards of Franconia.

You can see all the sights during a leisurely car ride with your significant other, or see the highlights during one day excursion from Munich or Frankfur with stops at picturesque viewpoints, coastal castles and traditional German towns with cobbled streets and half-timbered buildings.

4. Castle Road, Bavaria

Yes, there really are castles on Castle Road: there are about 70 of them. Photo: Julia700702 / Shutterstock

The Castle Road spans one road, two countries and about 70 castles.

German The Road of Castles, With nearly 70 castles and dotted with picturesque medieval towns, the route is one of the country's oldest and most famous tourist routes. The route is a breathtaking journey of about 780 kilometers, starting in Mannheim in the southwest of Germany and ending in Prague in Czech Republic.

Along the way, you'll encounter castles of all shapes and sizes, from majestic medieval fortresses to hidden gems in the German countryside. Among the most famous is Heidelberg Castle,Nuremberg Castle And Bayreuth Castle.

5. German Fairytale Route: From Hanau to Bremen

Hanau – the start of the German Fairytale Route... and the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm. Photo: Sina Ettmer Photography / Shutterstock

Discover the origins of your favorite fairy tales on a journey from Hanau to Bremen in Germany.

The German Fairytale Road brings many popular fairy tales to life. The scenic route stretches 600 kilometers from Hanau to Bremen ,passes through dense forests, medieval castles and other attractions such as the Brothers Grimm Museum in Steinau and the Pied Piper's House in Gamlin, where the Pied Piper lived.

You can also visit Trendelburg Castle, where Rapunzel let her long hair down, and Sababurg Castle, also known as Sleeping Beauty's castle.

6. Bad Wildungen, Hesse

Bad Wildungen is not only a fairytale town, but also a resort. Photo: Sina Ettmer Photography / Shutterstock

Bad Wildungen is the town that became the prototype for Snow White.

Although it’s part of the Fairytale Route (described above), the picturesque German town of Bad Wildungen also deserves a special mention. This quaint spa town not only boasts 18 natural springs and lush scenery (the Kellerwald forest and Edersee lake are right on its doorstep), but it’s also known as the birthplace of Snow White.

The Brothers Grimm fairy tale is based on the 16th-century legend of Margaret von Waldeck, who is said to have died of poisoning at Friedrichstein Palace, located on the outskirts of town. To be on the safe side, it’s best to refrain from offering apples while you’re here.


7. Black Forest

The Black Forest in fog is truly captivating. Photo: Funny Solution Studio / Shutterstock

The Black Forest is the most enchanted forest in Germany.

Black Forest Region, The land of traditional wooden cuckoo clocks, luxurious chocolate and cherry cake, and idyllic German market towns, stretches along Germany's southwestern border with France and Switzerland .

While in the area, you can visit picturesque German villages, including spa towns. Baden-Baden , Freiburg and Bad Wildbad ; relax by the water Lake Titisee ; go hiking, mountain biking or cross-country skiing on forest trails, admiring the scenery , that inspired the Brothers Grimm.

8. Rothenburg ob der Tauber, Bavaria

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is located along the Romantic Road. Photo: irakite / Shutterstock

Rothenburg ob der Tauber is one of the most beautiful historic towns in Germany.

If there were an award for the most beautiful small towns in Germany,Rothenburg-ob der-Tauber , would probably take first place. It is also the most visited of all the fairytale towns on the Romantic Road. Steep cobbled streets, brightly painted half-timbered houses and perfectly preserved medieval city walls create a special atmosphere.Here you can stroll the streets or take a trip walking tour through the old town and you will find plenty of photo opportunities.

However, Rothenburg can be crowded, especially in winter when the famous Christmas market . But the views are worth braving the crowds; Disney's artists thought so too—Rothenburg served as the inspiration for the 1940 film Pinocchio.


9. Mountains of Saxon Switzerland, Saxony

In the mountains of Saxon Switzerland is the famous Bastei Bridge. Photo: Ugis Riba / Shutterstock

Spectacular hiking landscapes can be found in the mountains of Saxon Switzerland.

Germany's medieval castles and fairytale towns may be the biggest draws for tourists, but fairytale views await in the country's natural wonders, too. To escape the crowds, go on a mountain hike Saxon Switzerland National Park, where you can explore the rocky peaks of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains.

If you are looking to take stunning photos, you can head to the impressive Bastei Bridge or take a cruise through the Kamenice Gorge. And if you come during the snow season, the region will seem even more magical during winter tour'

10. Tüchersfeld, Franconian Switzerland.

Escape the crowds in Tüchersfeld. Photo: FooTToo / Shutterstock

Tüchersfeld is a fairytale village that Germany has forgotten.

Of all the fairytale-like towns in Germany, Tüchersfeld is the one you've probably heard the least about. This tiny village, tucked away in the Püttlach Valley, is between Nuremberg and Bayreuth , is known for its pretty half-timbered houses and stunning views of a pair of jagged rocks towering above the buildings.


There's not much to do in the village itself, with just a few streets to wander around, a small church and a single restaurant. However, if you're passing through, it's worth stopping and taking photos.


Comments

bottom of page