Steinau an der Straße

The town of Steinau is yet another brilliant, little German city that rests in a valley surrounded by rolling green hills. It is often the second stop on the German Fairy Tale Route and is where brothers Wilhelm and Jacob Grimm spent part of their childhood. For us it was the first stop and was a splendid place to spend a Sunday afternoon.

The childhood home of Brothers Grimm and the Schloss Steinau are the two main historical features of this city. The castle in its current form was constructed between 1525 and 1555 from the original medieval castle that stood there before.

Like many Germany castles of its time, it features a separate tower or what is referred to as a Bergfried in German. Since the city was set in a valley, it made it vulnerable to attacking armies, so a high look-out tower was an important feature.

Outside the castle is a market square. In the center is a fountain surrounded by the city hall, church, along with restaurants, eateries, and other retail shops. We met a young, local boy there who was eager to show us the way to the best ice cream in town and led us on a tour.

Down the street from the city plaza is what was the Brothers Grimm house. The father was the district magistrate, so the family lived in a grand home and enjoyed a comfortable life during the time they lived there.