Our second destination during our mini-road trip along the German Fairy Tale Route was the picturesque medieval town of Alsfeld. The inspiration for the famous story of Little Red Riding Hood and perhaps one of the most beautiful German cities with over 400 restored half-timbered houses in the historic city center.
The German Fairy Tale Route, or Deutsche Märchenstraße, is a tourist route from Hanau to Bremen. Along this route, you will find the stories, legends, and fairy tales that inspired the Brothers Grimm to write the fairy tale collection ‘Kinder-und Hausmärchen’.
From Kassel, it’s just an hour’s drive to Alsfeld.
Also read: What to do in Kassel? | The German Fairy Tale Route
Things to do in Alsfeld?
Fairy Tale House
One of the most remarkable houses in the city is the Fairy Tale House or ‘Märchenhaus’ from 1628, where you can find a small museum dedicated to the fairy tales of the Brothers Grimm. In addition, you will also find dozens of dolls and dollhouses.
The museum is open during the German holiday period on weekdays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM, on Saturday from 10:30 AM to 12:30 PM and from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM, and on Sunday from 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM.
Tickets can be purchased on-site for €3 for an adult and €2 for a child.
Walking on the Berchtaweg
A fifteen-minute drive from Alsfeld, you can take a beautiful walk in the footsteps of the Little Witch Berchta. The walking route is 7.5 km long, goes through fields and forests, and offers impressive views of the landscape. According to tradition, this place was a Celtic sacrificial site.
There are two starting points: Sportplatz Berfa (Zum Sportplatz 6, Alsfeld-Berfa) and Kulturscheune Berfa (Braunsbach 4, Alsfeld-Berfa). From there, you can follow the signs. The route map can be obtained for free at the Alsfeld tourist office.
City Walk
A city walk through the historic city center is certainly a must. Start at the Market Square where you can find the beautiful town hall ‘Altes Rathaus’. Upon request, you can also take a guided tour of the second floor. From here, you’ll have the best view of the city. You can also find authentic halls with beautiful paintings in neo-Renaissance style there.
Behind the market square, you can find the Walpurgis Church. Go inside for a moment.
We continue walking towards Rittergasse, a picturesque street with charming houses where we can also find the town museum. If you have time, you can discover more about the history of the region during a visit to the museum.
Wander through alleys like Untergasse and Obergasse where you can find small shops and beautiful half-timbered houses. Be sure to stop by the former Weinhaus.
A guided walk is highly recommended, as they can show you hidden spots and bring the stories of the city to life.
Where to eat in Alsfeld?
We have lunch at the restaurant Kartoffelsack, right next to the Markplatz, with an impressive view of the half-timbered houses. We opt for the classic German schnitzel. The restaurant has a cozy decor, and the staff is very friendly.
Received a treat in a pastry or a coffee? Then definitely visit Stadtbäckerei Rahn. They have a diverse selection of cakes, cookies, pretzels, and bread. You can sit inside comfortably. Be sure to try the walnut cookie.
We dine at Aunt Mathilde, a charming restaurant of Hotel Raab. Here, they serve traditional Hessian dishes in an elegant, modern salon. End your meal with their original flower pot dessert – a sweet surprise that looks as delightful as it tastes.
Where to sleep in Alsfeld?
We sleep a fifteen-minute drive from the city center at the peaceful Naturcamping Heimertshausen. The campsite is charmingly old-fashioned, you can only pay with cash and there are spacious, quiet camping spots.
Any questions or comments? Feel free to send us a message.