
Where does The Fairy Tale Route start?
Germany, europe
600 km
N/A
easy
Year-round
Ready for a magical road trip? Germany's Fairy Tale Route is calling! This 600-kilometer (370-mile) paved path winds from central Germany all the way to the North Sea, connecting the very towns, castles, and landscapes that inspired the Brothers Grimm.
Since its creation, the route has been a popular way to experience Germany’s heritage and culture. As you travel, you’ll discover the Brothers Grimm's birthplace in Hanau, the castle in Steinau an der Straße where they spent their childhood, and Hamelin, famous for the Pied Piper legend. Don’t miss Sleeping Beauty’s Castle, the Red Riding Hood museum, and of course, Bremen, home of the Bremen Town Musicians.
The whole route is paved and easy to navigate, perfect for any vehicle. Be prepared for winding roads that meander through enchanting forests, quaint villages, and past majestic castles. Along the way, keep an eye out for the well-placed signs. Immerse yourself in the fairy tale atmosphere with museums, guided tours, and festivals that bring these timeless tales to life. Many towns host special events and performances inspired by the stories, making it an adventure you won't forget!
Road Details
- Country
- Germany
- Continent
- europe
- Length
- 600 km
- Difficulty
- easy
Related Roads in europe
moderateWhen was Punta de Jandía lighthouse built?
🇪🇸 Spain
Okay, picture this: you're in Fuerteventura, Canary Islands, ready for an adventure! Head south from Morro Jable and get ready for the Carretera Punta de Jandía, the road to the Faro de la Punta de Jandía lighthouse. This 21.7 km (13.48 mile) ride to the island's southern tip is mostly unpaved, though there's a tiny bit of pavement thrown in there, and it'll take you about an hour. Don't worry, most cars can handle it. This isn't just a drive; it's a total visual feast! You'll be hugging the coast, with killer views of the sea on one side and dramatic black volcanic mountains on the other. And the reward? This awesome lighthouse, standing 62 feet (19 meters) tall, a seriously photogenic landmark against the wild ocean backdrop. Built way back in 1864 to guide ships heading to Africa, it's the perfect destination at the end of one of the most scenic drives on the island. Camera essential!
moderateLavarella Refuge
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in the Italian Dolomites, smack-dab in the Fanes-Sennes-Prags Nature Park. You're heading to Rifugio Lavarella-Berghütte Lavarella, a mountain hut chilling at 2,045 meters (that's 6,709 feet!). This isn't your average Sunday drive, though. The 10.3-kilometer road up from Strada Provinciale 27 is unpaved and rugged – think 4x4 territory only! Private vehicles aren't allowed, so plan accordingly. The road climbs 391 meters, with an average gradient of around 3.79%. Keep your eyes peeled; the scenery is epic, and the hut, built way back in 1912, has some serious history!
extremeHow is the drive to Skihaus Schöneben?
🇮🇹 Italy
Okay, picture this: you're in South Tyrol, Italy, practically spitting distance from Switzerland and Austria, about to tackle a seriously epic climb up to Skihaus Schöneben. This mountain hut is nestled high up, serving the Schöneben ski resort, and the road to get there? Let's just say it's not for the faint of heart! Starting from St. Valentin auf der Haide (San Valentino alla Muta), you've got about 7.6 km of winding, ascending road before you. The pavement is your friend...mostly. It's super narrow and crazy steep, with hairpin turns that'll have you working that steering wheel. Get ready to test your brakes on the way down, too! Because of the altitude, you've got to keep an eye on the weather; snow can shut this road down anytime. Once you hit the Skihaus at 2,105m, that's where the real fun begins. The asphalt says "see ya," and a gravel track dares you to go higher. This section is strictly 4x4 territory! You'll need that extra clearance and those grippy tires to handle the loose gravel. Oh, and did I mention the unprotected edges with serious drop-offs? Yeah, it's that kind of adventure. Biggest heads-up: this road is NARROW. Think one-car width in many spots. Be ready to throw it in reverse to find a wider spot if you see someone coming the other way. Winter can bury this road, and even summer storms can make that upper gravel track slick as ice. Check the weather in the Venosta Valley before you even think about heading up. Before you go, make sure your car's cooling system is in tip-top shape; that climb is short, but brutal. And fuel up down in the valley because there are no gas stations up there. If you're rocking a larger van or camper, those hairpins are going to be extra tricky, so take it slow and steady. The road is unlit and has no safety barriers on the highest sections, so focus on the view and the road.
moderateDriving the scenic Schlegeis Alpenstrasse in Tyrol
🇦🇹 Austria
# Schlegeis Alpenstraße: Austria's Alpine Thrill Ride Ready for a mountain driving adventure? The Schlegeis Alpenstraße in Tyrol, Austria, is exactly what you're looking for. This 13.3 km (8.26 miles) toll road takes you from the charming village of Ginzling—just south of Mayrhofen—all the way up to the stunning Schlegeis reservoir. Built back in 1907 and fully paved, it's been thrilling drivers for over a century. Here's the thing: this isn't a leisurely cruise. The road climbs 806 meters in elevation, starting at 1,000 meters and finishing at 1,806 meters, with some seriously tight sections that'll keep you on your toes. Eight hairpin bends and four tunnels carved right into the rock face make this route genuinely challenging—even for confident drivers. Some sections narrow down to single lanes controlled by traffic lights, and those tunnels have a 3.6-meter height restriction, so keep that in mind. The steepest sections hit a 12% gradient. The payoff? Absolutely incredible scenery. As you wind through the tunnels and tackle those hairpins, you'll be treated to jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Zillertal Alps. Waterfalls cascade alongside the road, and on clear days, you can spot the glacier. It's the kind of drive that makes you forget all about white-knuckle moments. The season is short though—plan your visit between mid-May and late October when weather allows. Winter? Forget about it. But during those warmer months, this is pure alpine magic.