NORTHERN HESSE & THE BROTHERS GRIMM COUNTRY
Northern Hesse, the GrimmHeimat, is the enchanting, densely forested heart of Germany, a landscape of medieval castles and half-timbered villages where the Brothers Grimm collected their famous fairy tales.
This region is a land of legends and pristine nature. It blends world-class culture in Kassel with the serene beauty of national parks and historic towns lining the German Fairy Tale Route.
Most Popular Attractions
Grimm Brothers’ Legacy & Historic Cities:
GRIMMWELT Kassel: A modern, interactive museum dedicated to the life and work of the Brothers Grimm, showcasing the original manuscripts of their fairy tales.
Hanau: The birthplace of Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, featuring the Brothers Grimm National Monument in the Neustädter Marktplatz.
Steinau an der Straße: The town where the brothers spent their childhood; visit the Brothers Grimm House museum.
Marburg Old Town & Castle: A vibrant university city where the brothers studied. Walk the “Grimm-Dich-Pfad” (Grimm Yourself Path) with fairytale sculptures leading up to the Landgrafenschloss.
Kassel City Core: Home to the brothers for decades, where they compiled most of their “Children’s and Household Tales.”
Alsfeld Fairy Tale House (Rotkäppchenhaus): A picturesque half-timbered house linked to the story of Little Red Riding Hood.
Fritzlar Old Town: A 1300-year-old town with well-preserved half-timbered houses and an impressive Imperial Cathedral (Dom).
Fairytale Castles & Palaces:
Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Europe’s largest hillside park in Kassel, famous for the Hercules monument and its dramatic water features (Wasserspiele).
Schloss Wilhelmshöhe: A grand palace within the Bergpark housing important art collections, including one of the world’s largest collections of Rembrandt paintings.
Sababurg Castle (Sleeping Beauty Castle): A romantic, moated medieval castle in the Reinhardswald forest, traditionally known as the setting for the Sleeping Beauty tale.
Löwenburg Castle: A romantic faux-medieval castle in Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe designed as a picturesque ruin.
Waldeck Castle: A massive fortress overlooking the Edersee reservoir, now a museum and hotel.
Schloss Friedrichstein: A Baroque palace in Bad Wildungen with a museum of military history.
Natural Wonders & Fairytale Settings:
Kellerwald-Edersee National Park (UNESCO World Heritage Site): Home to ancient beech forests and a wildlife park (Wildpark Edersee), ideal for hiking.
Edersee Dam & Reservoir: One of Germany’s largest reservoirs, offering water sports, boat tours, and hiking around the scenic lake.
Reinhardswald Forest: Known as the “most fairy-tale forest in Germany,” home to Sababurg Castle and the Urwald Sababurg Nature Reserve.
Hoher Meißner: A mountain plateau believed to be the home of Mother Hulda (Frau Holle), a figure from the Brothers Grimm tales.
Habichtswald Nature Park: A low mountain range surrounding Kassel, offering dense forests and panoramic views.
Spa Towns & Regional Culture:
Bad Wildungen: A historic spa town with Europe’s largest spa park and a Snow White Museum in the nearby village of Bergfreiheit.
Bad Hersfeld: Known for its large ruin of a Romanesque basilica and the annual Bad Hersfeld Festival.
Bad Sooden-Allendorf: A charming spa town on the Werra river with historic timber-framed architecture.
Homberg an der Efze: A town with a well-preserved historic core, a medieval castle ruin, and half-timbered houses.
Activities & Experiences
Walk the German Fairy Tale Route: Follow in the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm through towns and villages linked to their famous stories, such as Sababurg Castle (Sleeping Beauty) and Alsfeld (Little Red Riding Hood).
Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe: Spend a day wandering through Europe’s largest hillside park in Kassel, culminating in a visit to Schloss Wilhelmshöhe and the iconic Hercules monument.
Attend the Kassel Documenta (if applicable): If visiting in the summer of a “Documenta year” (every five years), immerse yourself in one of the world’s most important and largest exhibitions of contemporary art.
Hike the Urwald Sababurg: Trek through the ancient, protected forest near Hofgeismar, one of Germany’s oldest natural forests, which evokes the atmosphere of a true “dark forest” from a fairy tale.
Visit the Brothers Grimm Museum (GRIMMWELT): Explore the modern, interactive museum in Kassel dedicated to the lives, work, and linguistic legacy of the famous brothers.
Take a Spa Day in Bad Wildungen: Relax and rejuvenate in one of the region’s famous spa towns, known for its therapeutic springs and historic thermal baths.
Cycle the Edersee Lake Trail: Rent a bike and ride around the stunning Edersee, Hesse’s second-largest reservoir, stopping for a swim or a boat ride along the way.
Discover Fritzlar’s Medieval Charm: Explore the perfectly preserved half-timbered town of Fritzlar, dominated by its impressive St. Peter’s Cathedral and historic marketplace.
Take a Culinary Class on Hessian Specialties: Learn to prepare local dishes like Ahle Wurst (cured sausage), Weckewerk (a hearty meat and bread mixture), or the traditional Hessian cheesecake (Käsekuchen).
Explore Waldeck Castle: Visit the commanding castle overlooking the Edersee, which now houses a museum detailing its history as a fortress and prison.
Kayak or Canoe on the Fulda River: Rent a watercraft and enjoy a leisurely paddle on the river, offering a peaceful, green perspective of the region and Kassel’s waterfront.
Seek Out the “Lost” Village in Edersee: Depending on the water level, the ruins of the old village of Asel, flooded to create the reservoir, occasionally re-emerge from the depths, a truly unique sight.
Local Tips & Transport
Car is Most Flexible: A rental car is the ideal way to explore Northern Hesse. The region is sprawling, and many of the most picturesque towns, castles, and hiking trailheads are only easily accessible by road. This gives you the freedom to follow the German Fairy Tale Route at your own pace.
Public Transport (NVV): The local public transport association, NVV (Nordhessischer VerkehrsVerbund), manages a comprehensive network of regional trains and buses across the entire region.
RegioTram (Kassel): This unique system runs on both tram tracks in the city and mainline train tracks in the countryside, providing fast connections between Kassel and surrounding towns like Hofgeismar and Melsungen.
Day Tickets: For day trips, look into the NVV day tickets (TagesTicket) for cost-effective travel across specific zones or the entire network.
Train Connections: Regional trains (RE and RB) connect major hubs like Kassel, Bad Hersfeld, and Marburg. They are an efficient way to travel between larger towns.
Kassel City Transport: Kassel has an excellent tram and bus network. Most major sights, including the Wilhelmshöhe Park and the city center, are easily reached by tram. Purchase tickets from machines at stops or on the tram itself.
Cycling: The region is very bike-friendly, with many dedicated cycle paths, often following rivers (e.g., Fulda and Eder). Radwege (cycle paths) are well-marked and a great way to explore the valleys.
Embrace the Fairy Tale Spirit: The region is built on the legacy of the Brothers Grimm. Instead of rushing, take your time in towns like Alsfeld and Marburg to read the plaques and soak in the atmosphere that inspired the world’s most famous fairy tales.
Dining Times & Hessian Cuisine: Locals eat lunch around 12:30 PM to 2:00 PM and dinner around 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, which is earlier than in Southern Europe.
Try the Classics: You must try two local specialties: Ahle Wurst (a strong, slow-cured pork sausage) and Grüne Soße (Frankfurter Grüne Soße is also popular here, a green sauce made from seven herbs, often served with boiled potatoes and eggs or meat).
The “Vesper”: In the late afternoon, many locals have a Vesper, a hearty snack that often includes bread, cheese, and cold cuts like Ahle Wurst.
Water Features (Wasserspiele) at Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe: If you are in Kassel between May and October, make sure to check the schedule for the Wasserspiele (Water Features). The cascade of water from the Hercules monument is a spectacular event that only happens on Wednesday and Sunday afternoons and on public holidays. Arrive early to get a good spot along the route.
Outdoor Gear is Essential: With the dense forests, numerous trails, and large lakes, the weather can change quickly. Pack layers and comfortable, sturdy shoes, especially if you plan on hiking in the Kellerwald-Edersee National Park or the Meißner region.
Hidden Gems:
Urwald Sababurg: Near the Dornröschenschloss (Sleeping Beauty Castle) Sababurg, this is one of Germany’s oldest protected forests, a magical, primeval landscape with centuries-old oak trees.
Rapunzel’s Tower: The Trendelburg Castle, near Hofgeismar, is widely believed to be the inspiration for Rapunzel’s tower. You can even stay overnight there, as it is a hotel.
Hoher Meißner Mountain: Legend has it that Frau Holle (Mother Hulda) from the Brothers Grimm tales lives on this mountain. It’s a great area for hiking and has a high moor landscape.
Documenta City: Every five years (the next is in 2027), Kassel hosts the world-famous contemporary art exhibition, Documenta. If you visit during that time, the entire city is transformed into a massive gallery. Even when the show isn’t on, many Documenta art installations remain in the city.
Top Restaurants
Alt Marburg [$20-$35] – A traditional and very cozy Gasthaus (inn) in Marburg, known for its authentic Hessian and German cuisine, focusing on local ingredients and classic dishes like Schnitzel.
Gaststätte Zum Grünen Baum [$15-$25] – A classic, no-frills local tavern in the Kassel area, popular for its honest, home-style German food and a warm, unpretentious atmosphere.
Die Blauen Ente (Espenau) [$25-$40] – Located just outside Kassel, this down-to-earth, rural inn is known for its focus on regional, seasonal, and farm-fresh ingredients, including char from the Reinhardswald.
Sudhaus (Kassel) [$20-$35] – A rustic restaurant set in a former brewery on the eastern banks of the Fulda river in Kassel, serving hearty, fresh-made regional delicacies and operating the region’s largest beer garden.
Gasthaus Neue Welt [$20-$35] – A beloved local spot in Kassel, often praised for its excellent quality Schnitzel varieties and traditional German portions in a classic, comfortable setting.
Landgasthof Jägerhof Maar (Lauterbach) [$25-$40] – A country inn slightly further afield, featuring the craft of a master butcher, famous for its homemade sausages and focus on high-quality regional meats, like Swabian Hallian pork.
Herbsthäuschen (Kassel) [$25-$40] – An idyllic woodland restaurant in the Habichtswald Nature Park near Kassel, offering a stylishly rustic atmosphere and a menu featuring hearty wild boar burgers and regional organic dishes.
Zur Post (Marburg) [$20-$35] – A traditional Marburg pub and restaurant with a long history, offering hearty regional food and a relaxed, local feel right in the city.
Wirtshaus Zur Burg (Marburg) [$20-$35] – Situated near Marburg’s Landgrave Castle, this traditional spot offers Hessian specialties and classic German fare, perfect for a satisfying meal after sightseeing.
Gasthof Erfurth (Baunatal) [$20-$30] – A highly-regarded traditional inn near Kassel, famous for its regional specialties, including some of the best Ahle Wurscht (cured sausage) dishes.
Zum Schwarzen Bären (Kassel) [$20-$35] – A long-established restaurant in Kassel, known for its classic German cuisine, solid service, and traditional, welcoming ambiance.
Ristorante Da Carlo – Alte Wache (Kassel) [$25-$40] – Located in an impressive historic brick building within the UNESCO World Heritage Site Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, this popular spot blends the finest Italian and German specialties, using regional ingredients.
Zum Renthof (Kassel) [$20-$35] – A friendly, local German restaurant near the city center, appreciated for its generous servings of classic German dishes and cozy atmosphere.
Gaststätte Reuter (Marburg) [$15-$25] – A genuine, down-to-earth Marburg institution, known for its cheap and cheerful daily specials and authentic local vibe, often filled with students and locals.
Zur Narrenmühle (Frankenberg) [$25-$40] – Housed in an old watermill, this restaurant offers a charming, rustic setting and a menu of traditional Hessian and German cuisine.
Falada im GRIMMWELT (Kassel) [$25-$45] – Located on Kassel’s Weinberg hill right next to the GRIMMWELT museum, this restaurant uses regional products for modern takes on comfort food, such as gourmet burgers and sweet potato fries, with a great panoramic view.
marburger Esszimmer by Denis Feix (Marburg) [$70-$120] – An acclaimed “Green Fine Dining” restaurant in Marburg focusing on smart, tasteful, and sustainable cuisine, using high-quality local produce. (Note: Higher price reflects fine dining, but its focus on local/sustainable makes it relevant).
Restaurant Pfeffermühle (Kassel) [$35-$60] – A well-regarded creative restaurant in Kassel that offers modern German and international cuisine with a focus on fresh, high-quality ingredients.
ENO tapas & wine bar (Kassel) [$30-$50] – A stylishly renovated spot in a late 19th-century building in Kassel, offering a delightful blend of Italian and Mediterranean cuisine with a focus on tapas and exquisite wines.
Kocher’s [$30-$55] – A modern and refined restaurant located in the Alte Post in Marburg, known for its creative, regional-inspired cuisine and high quality service.
L’étable (Bad Hersfeld) [$50-$85] – A Michelin Selected restaurant located slightly outside the core region but worth the drive, offering sophisticated classic and regional cuisine in a sleek setting.
Holy Nosh Deli (Kassel) [$20-$35] – A trendy café-restaurant in Kassel’s Vorderer Westen district, specializing in delicious, healthy ‘one bowl’ meals and fusion cuisine with a focus on vegetarian and vegan options.
Weingarten (Kassel) [$25-$45] – A refined spot that focuses on German and European cuisine, offering a modern take on classics with a curated wine list.
SonneStuben (Frankenberg) [$40-$70] – Part of a well-regarded hotel in Frankenberg, this restaurant offers elevated, sophisticated German and country cooking with a contemporary approach, often mentioned in guides.
Mutter Erde (Kassel) [$30-$50] – A restaurant focusing on regional, seasonal, and organic ingredients, providing a modern and conscious dining experience in Kassel.
Le Faubourg (Kassel) [$35-$60] – An upscale bistro offering French-inspired modern European cuisine in a chic setting in Kassel.
Das Kaminzimmer (Schwalmstadt) [$30-$50] – Located in a historic, half-timbered house, this restaurant offers a unique, cozy ambiance with a fireplace, serving creative German dishes with seasonal influence.
Die Leibspeis (Kassel) [$30-$50] – Known for its focus on seasonal and regional cuisine, this charming small restaurant offers a menu that changes frequently based on local availability, ensuring a fresh and authentic experience.
Restaurant Renthof (Kassel) [$40-$70] – Located in a beautifully restored historic building (a former monastery) in Kassel, the fine-dining restaurant offers a modern, high-quality German and European menu.
Gallo Nero (Marburg) [$30-$50] – A highly-rated Italian restaurant in Marburg that focuses on authentic, high-quality Italian cuisine, a popular local alternative to German fare.
Karthago (Kassel) [$20-$35] – A well-regarded restaurant offering Tunisian and Mediterranean cuisine, providing a flavorful international break in Kassel.
Die Welle (Kassel) [$25-$45] – A popular spot known for its fresh fish and seafood, a welcome option in a traditionally meat-heavy region.
Tibet Bistro (Kassel) [$15-$25] – A casual and authentic place for Tibetan cuisine, including momos (dumplings), offering an interesting and non-traditional experience.
Restaurant & Bar 136 (Kassel) [$30-$55] – A modern restaurant and bar known for its creative cocktails and a menu featuring contemporary international dishes, popular with a younger crowd.
Gasthaus Ahle Wurscht (Wolfhagen) [$20-$35] – As the name suggests, this spot outside Kassel is specifically dedicated to the famous North Hessian specialty, Ahle Wurscht, serving it in traditional and unique ways.
Roter Löwe (Marburg) [$25-$45] – A charming, slightly more upscale place in Marburg offering a mix of German and international cuisine with good service.
Kassel Market Hall (Markthalle Kassel) [$10-$30] – Not a single restaurant, but a vibrant indoor market with numerous local food stalls, butchers, bakeries, and small eateries, perfect for sampling local products like Ahle Wurscht and Weckewerk in a lively setting.
Landgasthof Landhotel Kern (Bad Zwesten) [$30-$50] – A historic hotel and restaurant in a smaller town, offering refined regional cuisine and a focus on high-quality service and local ingredients.
Marburger Esszimmer – Bistro (Marburg) [$25-$45] – The bistro counterpart to the fine dining restaurant, offering a more accessible menu of modern German and European cuisine with the same focus on quality.
Weinstube Kuttner (Marburg) [$20-$35] – A cozy wine bar/eatery in Marburg offering a good selection of wines paired with small, simple, but high-quality German and regional plates.
Hof Kindervatter (Gudensberg) [$20-$35] – A rustic farm-to-table concept outside Kassel, where you can enjoy local products and simple, delicious Hessian fare.
Zum goldenen Engel (Fritzlar) [$25-$45] – A traditional restaurant in the beautiful historic town of Fritzlar, offering classic German dishes with a high standard of execution.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Bar Seibert: A chic, urban lounge bar located on Friedrich-Ebert-Straße in Kassel, known for its muted colours, soft lighting, and an international range of drinks, including the bartender’s own creative cocktails.
The Hemingway Club: Descend into the spacious cellars of the Rathaus town hall in Kassel for this classic cocktail bar that has a special love for everything gin and often offers happy hour specials.
360° Bar & Lounge: Located in the Hotel Rosenpark in the heart of Marburg, this upscale bar offers a contemporary setting for enjoying signature cocktails, a dedicated Gin & Tonic menu, and whiskey.
Cocktail Bar Paradise: Situated near the Rathaus in Marburg’s Oberstadt (Old Town), this bar is a popular and cozy spot for a wide variety of mixed drinks and long-standing favorite cocktails.
Wohnzimmer Bar: A cozy, ‘living room’ style bar on Friedrich-Ebert-Straße in Kassel, known for its relaxed atmosphere, creative cocktails, and a great place to start an evening.
Palais Cocktailbar & Lounge: An elegant and modern bar located in central Kassel, perfect for a sophisticated evening with a wide selection of classic and unique cocktails.
The Shake Bar: Found on the bustling Friedrich-Ebert-Straße in Kassel, this spot specializes in expertly mixed cocktails and has a lively atmosphere, often popular with a younger crowd.
Spock Absinth: Tucked away in the Neustadt area of Marburg, this unique bar is famed for its specialty in Absinthe and is a must-visit for its distinctive decor and knowledgeable staff, also offering a friendly atmosphere for groups.
Joe’s Garage: A centrally located rock/alternative bar in Kassel that, while known for its music, also offers a wide range of standard drinks, making it a reliable choice for a fun night out.
Ulenspiegel: Found in a lively area of Kassel, this is a traditional German “Kneipe” (pub) that also serves a variety of classic drinks and beer, popular for its authentic, unpretentious feel.
Bierwerk: Located near the Lahntor in Marburg, this spot focuses heavily on craft beer, offering a deep and rotating selection of local and international brews for the beer aficionado.
Biergarten Orangerie Kassel: A scenic spot in Kassel right by the Karlsaue park and river, perfect for enjoying a beer or spritz in a relaxed, open-air setting during the warmer months.
Knösel: A rustic, traditional bar in Kassel near the city center, which provides a classic pub experience, specializing in local house schnapps and a great selection of cold beer.
Limerick Irish Pub Marburg: A genuine Irish pub in Marburg’s Oberstadt offering a relaxed environment, a wide range of whiskies and beers, and often hosts live music or pub quizzes.
The Shamrock – Irish Pub Kassel: A classic and inviting Irish pub in Kassel, known for its traditional Irish hospitality, Guinness, and a good selection of spirits and mixed drinks.
Musikpark A7: A large, multi-area nightclub located outside the immediate center of Kassel (near the A7 highway), famous for its pulsating beats, multiple dance floors, and themed events, attracting a massive party crowd.
Club 22: A modern and stylish club in the center of Kassel known for playing a mix of popular music, including commercial hits, R&B, and electronic music, making it a trendy spot for dancing.
Lolita Bar: A long-standing and popular club in Kassel near the main train station, known for its eclectic music programming, ranging from rock to electronic, and attracting a diverse crowd for late-night partying.
Carambolage: Situated in Marburg’s Oberstadt, this venue functions as a bar and a smaller club, popular with the student crowd for dancing and reasonably priced drinks in a lively atmosphere.
Tanzhaus West (Kassel Alternative): While a big name in Frankfurt, local venues in Kassel often replicate an industrial, electronic music-focused atmosphere. Unten (Kassel’s Gottschalkstraße) or similar alternative venues are key spots for techno and house music lovers.
Kulturzentrum Schlachthof: Located in Kassel’s Nordstadt, this is a cultural center that frequently hosts concerts by regional and international bands, but also transforms into a club for themed dance nights.
Kaiserkeller (Marburg): A basement club in the heart of Marburg’s student nightlife, known for its small, intense dance floor and playing a mix of rock, alternative, and party music late into the night.
Panoptikum (Kassel): A centrally located nightclub in Kassel that offers a mix of mainstream and electronic music, popular for its light shows and energetic weekend parties.
Starclub (Kassel): Found on the Friedrich-Ebert-Straße in Kassel, this venue is renowned for its diverse program, including live concerts and DJ sets across different genres, ensuring a high-energy night out.
Sudhaus: A quintessential Marburg student pub/bar in a cozy half-timbered house in the Oberstadt that evolves into a high-energy, packed late-night spot, offering a mix of drinks, food, and eclectic music.