The spa town of Heilbad Heiligenstadt is a wonderful place along the German Fairy Tale Route, in the state of Thuringia. The typical half-timbered houses in the town and the quiet spots and waterfall in the Kurpark form a beautiful contrast and an ideal combination of culture and nature. Heilbad Heiligenstadt might just be the biggest surprise on our route.
The German Fairy Tale Route runs from Hanau to Bremen and crosses several federal states. Previously, we visited Kassel, Alsfeld, and Hessich Lichtenau in the state of Hesse.
It is about a small hour’s drive from Hessisch Lichtenau through picturesque villages and green landscapes before we arrive in Heilbad Heiligenstadt. This place is primarily known as a spa town, but that is not the reason we are visiting today. It is also the location where the Brothers Grimm first worked on the German dictionary and the city where the German writer Theodor Storm found inspiration for the fairy tale of Regentrude.
The inhabitants of this town are called ‘Carrot Kings’. According to a legend, there was a siege of the city. A certain guardian couldn’t find a lance or sword to close the gate. So he used a giant carrot he found on the field earlier. Some time later, the guardian had forgotten about this carrot. There’s a new attack on the city, but in the meanwhile, the goat had eaten the carrot, leaving the gate wide open for the opponents.
The Fairy Tale of Regentrude
It is believed that Theodor Storm found inspiration for the fairy tale Regentrude in Heilbad Heiligenstadt. This fairy tale is not well-known here, so I would like to provide a brief version of the story.
In the Forgotten Woods lived Liora, a small Regentrude with the gift of bringing rain. One day, an evil sorcerer blocked the magical rain source, causing the woods to start withering and the animals and people to become thirsty.
Liora decided to save the forest. She crawled through dark caves and moved the heavy stone that sealed the spring. The forest bloomed anew, and since then Liora watches over the forest as a rain spirit, ensuring that the rain arrives on time.
Things to do in Heilbad Heiligenstadt
The Fairy Tale Park of the Brothers Grimm
The fairy tale park, or ‘Märchenpark‘, of the Brothers Grimm is a small park that takes you on a journey through the most famous fairy tale characters. It is located next to the modern wellness center Vitalpark. Expect to spend about half an hour walking through the park.
The theme park is open daily from April 12 to October from 10 AM to 8 PM. You have free access to the park.
City Walk
We start our walk at the Fairy Tale Park. We stroll through the Kurpark where we take an icy walk in the ‘Tretbecken nach Sebastian Kneipp’. It’s said to be beneficial for a good night’s sleep.
To earn the status of a spa, it is essential to find saltwater at the location. In Heilbad Heiligenstadt, they dug as deep as 530m to find water with a salt concentration of 27%. You can find this location at the Solebrunnen.
From there, we proceed through the woods to a small, picturesque waterfall where Theodor Storm is said to have drawn his inspiration for the fairy tale of Regentrude.
We continue walking to the St. Marienkerk, an impressive Gothic structure that is definitely worth a visit. In the past, the two towers were connected and there was accommodation.
From there, we walk further towards Rittergasse, a picturesque street full of characterful houses. Here you will also find the Literaturmuseum Theodor Storm, where we make a stop.
If you have time, it’s worth getting lost in the many side streets and alleys. Here, you’ll discover charming shops, artisanal products, and picturesque half-timbered houses that give the city its typical character.
Theodor Storm Literature Museum
In one of the oldest buildings in the city, a half-timbered house from 1436, you can find the Theodor Storm Literature Museum. The permanent exhibition showcases the life and work of this poet and writer.
Theodor Storm originally lived in northern Germany on the coast, but due to political unrest, he had to seek shelter elsewhere temporarily. Thus, he spent seven years of his life in Heilbad Heiligenstadt. His stories belong to realism and are still read in German schools today. Seagulls regularly appear in his tales. Children can therefore look for the various seagulls that are hidden in the museum.
Recently, an artistic addition was made to the museum to bring the fairytale of Regentrude to life.
The small-scale museum is open for visits from Tuesday to Friday from 10 AM to 5 PM, and on Saturday and Sunday from 2:30 PM to 4:30 PM.
Where to eat in Heilbad Heiligenstadt?
We will have dinner in the city center at the restaurant Rosmarin. The menu offers a mix of German, regionally inspired dishes, including burgers, steaks, fish, and vegetarian and vegan options.
Where to sleep in Heilbad Heiligenstadt?
We sleep at the campsite ‘Wohnmobilplatz Wiesenglück’ where, in addition to pitches, modern tiny houses and lodges with hot tubs are available for rent. This campsite is equipped with all modern conveniences, including 24/7 self-check-in.
Do you have any questions or would you like to know more? Don’t hesitate to send a message.