In the Footsteps of the Grimm Brothers: Driving The Fairy Tale Route
Germany, europe
600 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
# The Fairy Tale Route: Germany's Most Enchanting Drive
Ready for a road trip that feels straight out of a storybook? The Märchenstraße—or Fairy Tale Route—is one of Germany's most magical scenic drives, and it's basically a love letter to the Grimm Brothers and all those classic tales that shaped our childhoods.
This 600-kilometer (370-mile) route stretches from Hanau in central Germany all the way to Bremen on the North Sea coast. Along the way, you'll hit over 60 stops, each one connected to the Grimm Brothers' lives and the stories they collected. You'll cruise through the towns where they were born, the places they studied, and the villages where they gathered inspiration for Cinderella, Snow White, and all the others.
Here's the best part: the entire route is paved and totally doable for any vehicle. Sure, you'll encounter some winding sections as you snake through forests, picturesque villages, and past stunning castles, but nothing too intense. The route is super well-marked, so you won't get lost hunting for the next fairy tale landmark.
Since its establishment in 1975, the route has become a cultural treasure, packed with museums, guided tours, and festivals that bring these beloved stories to life. Many towns along the way host events and performances inspired by the tales, so you're not just sightseeing—you're actually stepping into the stories themselves. It's the kind of road trip that'll have you believing in magic again.
Where is it?
In the Footsteps of the Grimm Brothers: Driving The Fairy Tale Route is located in Germany (europe). Coordinates: 51.4761, 10.1940
Road Details
- Country
- Germany
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 600 km
- Difficulty
- easy
- Coordinates
- 51.4761, 10.1940
Related Roads in europe
hardWhere is Avoriaz located?
🇫🇷 France
Avoriaz is a world-renowned ski resort located in the heart of the Portes du Soleil, within the commune of Morzine, in France. Perched on a cliff at an elevation of above sea level, the station is famous for its avant-garde architecture and its legendary status in professional cycling. Where is Avoriaz located? The resort is situated in the Haute-Savoie department, in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region in the south-eastern part of the country, near the Swiss border. It was built in the 1960s on a former mountain pasture. Unlike most Alpine stations, Avoriaz was designed to be fully integrated into the landscape, with wood-clad buildings that mimic the surrounding rock formations. Morzine (Haute-Savoie) D338 (Route d'Avoriaz) Note: Avoriaz is a car-free resort. Mandatory winter equipment required from November to April. How challenging is the climb to Avoriaz? The road leading to the resort is fully paved. It’s called Starting from Morzine, the ascent—known as the —is 11.7km (7.2 miles) long. Over this distance, the elevation gain is 795 meters, with an average gradient of 6.85% . However, don't let the average fool you; several sections reach , especially through the series of hairpin bends that overlook the valley. The Tour de France Heritage Avoriaz holds a special place in cycling history. It was the very first ski resort to host a Tour de France stage finish in 1975 (won by Vicente López Carril). Since then, it has appeared in the race numerous times, serving as a battleground for legends. The climb is often used as a final test for the "GC contenders" due to its steady but demanding rhythm. Morzine (Haute-Savoie) D338 (Route d'Avoriaz) Note: Avoriaz is a car-free resort. Mandatory winter equipment required from November to April. Driving to a Car-Free Resort If you are planning to drive to Avoriaz, keep in mind that the resort itself is entirely . Visitors must leave their vehicles in the large indoor or outdoor parking lots at the entrance (known as ). From there, horse-drawn sleighs or electric shuttles transport guests to their accommodation, making it a unique destination in the Alps. Can I drive to Avoriaz year-round? The road is well-maintained as it serves a major ski hub, but during winter, snow chains or winter tires are mandatory. The D338 is a wide, safe road, but the descent can be fast and technical, requiring good braking skills and caution due to the frequent mountain traffic and cyclists. A gravel road to Lac de Plan d'Amont Embark on a journey like never before! Navigate through our to discover the most spectacular roads of the world Drive Us to Your Road! With over 13,000 roads cataloged, we're always on the lookout for unique routes. Know of a road that deserves to be featured? Click to share your suggestion, and we may add it to dangerousroads.org.
moderateWhere is Mont Revard?
🇫🇷 France
Okay, buckle up, road trip lovers! Mont Revard in the Savoie department of France is calling your name. You'll find this beauty nestled in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region of southeastern France. As you wind your way up the perfectly paved D913, get ready for some serious eye candy. Think jaw-dropping mountain vistas around every bend! The road, also known as Route du Revard, isn't crazy steep, but it's a steady climb for over 15km, gaining some serious altitude. Keep an eye out for cyclists – this pass has seen some Tour de France action! The Mont Revard ski resort sits right at the pass's northern edge, meaning the road is typically open year-round, though winter conditions can throw a curveball, so check before you go!
extremeAn iconic road to Griessee in the Swiss Alps
🇨🇭 Switzerland
# Griessee: A Wild Alpine Adventure Perched at a breathtaking 2,386 meters (7,828 ft) in Valais, southwestern Switzerland, Griessee is a stunning high mountain lake that rewards the brave with unforgettable views. But getting there? That's half the adventure. The road to the lake is paved, but don't let that fool you—it's narrow, steep, and genuinely thrilling. This isn't a leisurely Sunday drive. Even in summer, you'll encounter ice and snow, so stay sharp and respect the conditions. Winter closures are frequent whenever snow hasn't been cleared, so check conditions before you head up. Created in 1965, the lake sits at the end of what might be the most exhilarating drive in the Alps. The route features countless hairpin turns, dramatic exposed sections, and stretches that'll make your knuckles white on the steering wheel. It's the kind of road that demands your full attention—and delivers an incredible rush in return. The climb begins at Passo della Novena-Nufenenpass, and from there, it's all twists, turns, and stunning alpine scenery. This isn't a road for the faint-hearted, but if you're up for the challenge, the payoff is absolutely worth it.
moderatePalandöken Geçidi is an absolute must for road lovers
🇹🇷 Turkey
Hey, fellow adventurers! Ever heard of Palandöken Geçidi? This stunner of a mountain pass sits way up high in Turkey's Erzurum province, clocking in at a breathtaking 2,897 meters (that's 9,504 feet!). Winding through the Palandöken Mountains, this fully paved road – they call it provincial road 25-26 – stretches for about 59 kilometers (36 miles). You'll cruise from Erzurum, the province's capital, down to Taşkesen, heading north to south. Fair warning: this eastern Turkey gem can get seriously snowy, so closures are pretty common. But if you catch it right, you're in for some seriously amazing scenery on one of the country's highest paved roads! Just be prepared for some potential delays and pack your sense of adventure!