fun things to do with kids in  germany    
  Travel for Kids
Germany
  | Lower Saxony
     
    Fairy Tale Road (Märchenstrasse)
From Bremen to Hanau is the land of the Brother's Grimm. In the early 19th century, the people in these towns told their stories to Wilhem and Jacob Grimm, who wrote some of the best beloved fairy tales – Little Red Riding Hood, Rumplestiltskin, The Piped Piper of Hamelin, Hansel and Gretel. Younger kids will enjoy these towns and shady forests along the way. And before you go, you'll want to read your favorite tales.
Bremen Town Musicians
  Bremen – In Bremen, head for the statue of the Bremen Town Musicians – the rooster perched on the cat, who is standing on the dog, who is standing on the donkey. You can imagine these animals "singing" to the robbers. Look for puppet shows around town.
    Hameln (Hamelin) – According to legend, in the 14th century, a mysterious stranger rid the town of rats, but when the town refused to pay, the piper led the children out of town, never to be seen again. At the Hochzeithaus (Wedding House) the carillon has mechanical figures of the Pied Piper. In the afternoon, the clock and carillon play, and the figures move. Look for bread in the shape of cute little rats in the bakeries.
   

Dornroschenschloss Sababurg (Veckerhagen, in Rheinhardswald) – This 14th century schloss) in the middle of the Rheinhard forest is a "Sleeping Beauty"castle. There are ruins, extensive gardens and forests to explore (who knows, you might find Sleeping Beauty or a wild boar), a children's playground and petting zoo.

   

Trendelburg – The castle in Trendelburg has a circular tower, the perfect spot to pretend that Rapunzel will lean out and let down her long hair.

Gottingen – The Brothers Grimm were professors at the University of Gottingen. In the center of town (central Markt), you'll find a statue of the little goose girl, Ganseliesel. For a bird's eye view of the city (Sundays only), climb up the tower of the Johanniskirche (St. John's Church). Or take a walk under the lime trees along the old ramparts of the city.
Kassel – Start your visit with a quick stop at the Brother's Grimm statue, then make your way to the Palais Bellevue which houses the Bruder Grimm Museum (Museum of the Brother's Grimm). In the museum you can see an original manuscript of the Fairy Tales. From the museum, go over to the Karlsaue park along the river Fulda, the perfect place to run around. If you like cascades and fountains (galore), visit the grounds of the Schloss Wilhelmshohe, the summer palace of Wilhem II.

Steinau an der Strasse – The Brothers Grimm grew up in Steinau. Look for Grimm figurines around town and puppet shows at the Marionettentheater. The Museum Bruder Grimm Haus, is the half- timbered house where the Grimms lived. The Renaissance Schloss has dioramas from the fairy tales, and a nice tower to climb up for a view of Steinau. If you want a day of fun at an amusement park (suited to little kids), visit the Erlebneispark outside of Steinau. The park has a petting zoo, small train, rides, and play areas.

    Hanau – Hanau (just outside of Frankfurt) is the birthplace of the Brother's Grimm. In the center of town is a statue of the Brother's Grimm. In Wilhelmsbad park, don't miss the Hessian Doll Museum (Hessische Puppenmuseum) which has a lovely collection of antique dolls.
kids books
     
The Brement Town Musicians  
The Bremen Town Musicians
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm, Bernadette Watts

A worn-out old donkey runs away to set up his own band. He meets up with a broken-down dog, an aging cat, and an old rooster. When the animals surprise a bunch of robbers in the forest, it's a humorous outcome! (Picture book)

 

     
Rumpelstiltskin
Paul O. Zelinsky

A miller's daughter is stuck trying to spin straw into gold. Rumpelstiltskin helps her out, but wants her first born child. Fabulous illustrations, especially the gnomish Rumpelstiltskin. (Picture book)

 

 
Rumpelstiltskin
     
Snow White - kids books Germany  
Snow White
Brothers Grimm, Charles Santore

In this best-loved story, Snow White is banished to the forest by her evil stepmother. The story is familiar, but original, fabulous illustrations take you into a fairy tale wood, where Snow White runs safely with the wolves and wild boar, and the seven dwarves weep real tears over Snow White, set against a Bavarian panorama of autumn foliage and endearing wildlife. (Picture book)

 

     
The Elves and the Shoemaker
Brothers Grimm, Jim LaMarche

Fresh, magical re-telling of the Grimm's classic, a poor shoemaker has only enough leather for one pair of shoes, but overnight, the shoes are beautifully made. Who are the mysterious cobblers – tiny elves. Such gorgeous illustrations, you'll want a pair of elf-made shoes. (Picture book)

 

 
The Elves and the Shoemaker
     
The Golden Goose  
The Golden Goose
Uri Shulevitz

Whimsical, lighthearted story of a young man who finds the golden goose, and the sisters, peasant, parson and royal guards who "wiggle and pull, they couldn't shake loose; they too, had to follow the simpleton's goose." (Picture book)

 

     
Little Red Cap
Lisbeth Zwerger, Brothers Grimm

Exquisitely illustrated retelling of a familiar fairytale – a girl in a lovely silk red cap, on the way to visit her grandmother, meets a crafty, beguiling wolf. The girl, the grandmother, the wolf and the hunter are beautifully imagined. (Picture books)

 

 
Little Red Cap
     
Grimm's Fairy Tales - kids books Germany  
Grimm's Fairy Tales
Emma Chichester Clark

New version of Grimm's fairy tales – favorites such Sleeping Beauty, Rumpelstiltskin, Snow White, Rapunzel, and gems such as "The Swans and the Brave Princess," "Little Mouse and Lazy Cat," and "The Magic Bear and Handsome Prince." A contemporary interpretation, filled with original illustrations.
(Chapter book)

 

(More children's books on other Germany pages)
travel for kids | germany | lower saxony | the fairy tale road