Alsfeld: The Complete Guide

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Mylius

Alsfeld is a town located in the Vogelsbergkreis district of the state of Hesse, Germany. It has a population of approximately 17,000 people and covers an area of 76.84 square kilometers.

Alsfeld has a long and rich history, dating back to the early Middle Ages. The town was first mentioned in historical records in the year 1069, and has since then developed into an important center of trade and commerce. During the 16th and 17th centuries, Alsfeld became known for its flourishing cloth industry, which brought great prosperity to the town.

One of the most notable features of Alsfeld is its well-preserved historic town center, which has been designated as a protected historic monument. The town’s many half-timbered houses, which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, give it a charming and picturesque atmosphere. Some of the most famous buildings in Alsfeld include the town hall, the Alte Kanzlei (Old Chancellery), and the Walpurgiskirche (St. Walpurga’s Church).

In addition to its historic buildings, Alsfeld is also known for its annual Alsfelder Märchen- und Sagenfest (Alsfeld Fairy Tale and Legend Festival), which takes place every September. The festival celebrates the town’s connection to the Brothers Grimm and their collection of fairy tales, many of which are set in the surrounding area.

In the world of fairy tales, Little Red Riding Hood plays a special role in Alsfeld. It is said that the Brothers Grimm were inspired by the traditional costume of Schwalm with its red cap.

Today, Alsfeld is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors from all over Germany and beyond. It is also an important center of commerce and industry, with a thriving economy and a strong sense of community.

History of Alsfeld

Early History of Alsfeld

Alsfeld, a town in the state of Hesse, Germany, has roots that trace back to the early Middle Ages. The first documented mention of Alsfeld dates to 1069, although the area was likely settled much earlier due to its advantageous location along trade routes. Its position at the intersection of significant roads facilitated its growth as a trading hub.

Alsfeld in the Middle Ages

The town flourished during the medieval period, gaining market rights in 1222, which significantly boosted its economy and development. In the 13th and 14th centuries, Alsfeld experienced a building boom, resulting in many of the half-timbered houses and other structures that define its charming appearance today. The town’s fortifications, including its walls and towers, were also constructed during this time.

The Renaissance and Alsfeld

Alsfeld continued to thrive in the Renaissance period. In the early 16th century, the town hall, one of Alsfeld’s most iconic buildings, was constructed. This era also saw the town becoming a center for arts and culture, influenced by the broader Renaissance movement sweeping through Europe. The architecture from this period, characterized by its detailed woodwork and ornamentation, still stands as a testament to Alsfeld’s prosperity during these years.

Reformation and the Thirty Years’ War

The Reformation brought significant changes to Alsfeld in the 16th century. The town became predominantly Protestant, aligning with the broader religious transformations occurring in Germany. The Thirty Years’ War (1618-1648) brought hardship to Alsfeld, as it did to many parts of Europe. The town suffered from military occupation, plundering, and economic decline.

19th Century and Industrialization in Alsfeld

The 19th century saw Alsfeld adapting to the changes brought by industrialization. While it retained much of its medieval charm, new industries and transportation links, such as the railway, began to integrate the town more closely with the broader economic developments of Germany. This period also saw efforts to preserve Alsfeld’s historical buildings, recognizing their cultural and architectural value.

Alsfeld in the 20th Century

Alsfeld faced challenges during the 20th century, including the impacts of both World Wars. However, it managed to preserve its historical heritage through dedicated restoration efforts. After World War II, Alsfeld became part of the state of Hesse in West Germany. The town’s picturesque old town, with its well-preserved medieval and Renaissance buildings, attracted tourists and helped boost the local economy.

Alsfeld Today

Today, Alsfeld is celebrated for its historical architecture and vibrant cultural scene. The town’s commitment to preserving its heritage has made it a popular destination for visitors interested in history, architecture, and traditional German culture. Alsfeld’s old town, with its narrow streets and charming buildings, stands as a living museum, showcasing centuries of architectural and historical evolution.

Visiting Alsfeld for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Alsfeld on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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This complete guide to Alsfeld not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Alsfeld and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Schwälmer Brunnen

Schwalmer Brunnen, also known as the The Little Red Riding Hood statue is an ornamental fountain in Alsfeld, in northern Hesse. The Schwalm fountain was built in 1958 to show the connection between the town of Alsfeld and the traditional costumes of the Schwalm. The fountain shows the Gänseliesel in typical Schwalm costume with the red cap.

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Visiting Schwälmer Brunnen

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Weinhaus (Wine House)

CC BY-SA 3.0 / KlausFoehl

Started in 1538 by Hans von Frankfurt, the wine house served to store and serve wine and was therefore a municipal privilege. Transitional forms between Gothic and Renaissance can be clearly seen in the steep stepped gables with fan rosettes. The originally unevenly arranged charming "curtain arch windows" were replaced by round arch windows in 1840/43, some parts of the…

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Visiting Weinhaus (Wine House)

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Alsfeld . Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

Walpurgiskirche

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Oliver Abels (SBT)

Municipal main church with a complicated building history, which is reflected both in the interior design and in the exterior structure. The oldest existed in the form of a small 3-apse basilica, proven by the uncovering of the foundations in 1971/72. In the late 13th century, an early Gothic basilica with a stretched but low chancel and west tower was…

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Location: Walpurgiskirche (Stadtkirche) - Evangelische-luth. Kirchengemeinde Alsfeld, Kirchplatz, Alsfeld, Germany | Distance: 0.0km

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Visiting Walpurgiskirche

Explore Alsfeld yourself with our self-guided walking tour!

Alsfeld Town Hall

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007

The Town Hall was constructed in medieval, Rähmbau style timber framing between 1512 and 1516. This is one of the most important German half-timbered town hall buildings. Erected over a late Gothic stone substructure, this building with its attractive woodwork, bent chevron bracing and protruding moulded beam-ends, is an outstanding example of a “Rähmbau” (frame construction). The ground storey, built…

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Visiting Alsfeld Town Hall

Regional Museum Alsfeld

CC BY-SA 3.0 / KlausFoehl

The Alsfeld City Museum, also known as the Regional Museum Alsfeld, is located in a half-timbered building in the historic old town of Alsfeld, Germany. The museum showcases the cultural history and development of the city of Alsfeld and the surrounding region. The museum has several permanent exhibitions that cover various topics, including the history of the city and its…

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Location: Geschichts- und Museumsverein Alsfeld e.V. Rittergasse 3-5 36304 Alsfeld Germany | Hours: Mon – Fri 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Sat 10 a.m. to 4 p.m Closed on Sundays and public holidays | Website | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Regional Museum Alsfeld

Neurathhaus, Alsfeld

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Mylius

Neurathhaus is a historic half-timbered house located in the town of Alsfeld in the state of Hesse, Germany. It was built in 1619 by a wealthy cloth merchant named Johannes Neurath and is one of the most well-preserved half-timbered houses in the town. The building features a striking façade with ornate carvings and a distinctive stepped gable, typical of traditional…

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Location: Neurathhaus, Rittergasse, Alsfeld, Germany | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Neurathhaus, Alsfeld

Beinhaus, Alsfeld

CC BY-SA 3.0 / KlausFoehl

Late Gothic Chapel originally built in 1368 and reconstructed in 1510, on the north side of the churchyard. Later used for preserving the skeletons from the surrounding cemetery. (The cemetery was too small to cope with the number of deaths in the 30 Year War and the various plagues.) The chapel was later misused for profane purposes. At the beginning…

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Location: Beinhaus, Kaplaneigasse, Alsfeld, Germany | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Beinhaus, Alsfeld

Alsfeld Fairy Tale House

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007

The Alsfeld Fairy Tale House (German: Märchenhaus) is a historic half-timbered house located in Alsfeld, Germany. The building was constructed in 1628 and is notable for its decorative facade, which is covered in intricate carvings and paintings depicting scenes from fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Sleeping Beauty, and Hansel and Gretel. The house is now a museum…

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Location: Sackgasse 2, 36304 Alsfeld, Deutschland | Hours: Saturdays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Sundays from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. | Price: Adults € 3.00, Children € 2.00 | Distance: 0.1km

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Visiting Alsfeld Fairy Tale House

Leonhardsturm, Alsfeld

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ymblanter

Leonhardsturm or Leonard's Tower is the last remaining Tower of the city's defences. A rounded tower with cone and battlement crest, it is 27 meters high. Entrance was from the city wall, through a doorway half way up the tower. At the base of the tower was the dungeon, which was used for holding prisoners sentenced to death. The tower…

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Location: Leonhardsturm, Alsfeld | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Leonhardsturm, Alsfeld

Grabbrunnen, Alsfeld

CC BY-SA 3.0 / KlausFoehl

The Grabbrunnen is a square named after the fountain of the same name in Alsfeld's old town. This well was used for dyeing cloth. According to legend, storks from the 'Storks' Nest' flew to the well to collect the babies and deliver them to the families who had ordered them. The old well base has been redesigned with this saga…

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Location: Grabbrunnen, Alsfeld, Germany | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Grabbrunnen, Alsfeld

Dreifaltigkeitskirche (Trinity Church)

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007

Built in the second half of the 14th century, the Dreifaltigkeitskirche, or Trinity Church, originally served as a monastery church for the Augustine hermits. The church features a long choir for the clergy and, around 1435, an asymmetrical hall was added with naves and side aisles. Since the monks belonged to a begging order, there is no church tower. Upon…

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Location: Dreifaltigkeitskirche - Evangelische-luth. Kirchengemeinde Alsfeld, Roßmarkt, Alsfeld, Germany | Distance: 0.2km

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Visiting Dreifaltigkeitskirche (Trinity Church)

A day trip from Alsfeld offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Alsfeld provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary. If you are looking to rent a car in Germany I recommend having a look at Discover Cars, first, as they compare prices and review multiple car rental agencies for you.

Marburg

Marburg is a small historic town located in the central part of Germany, in the state of Hesse. It is situated on the river Lahn and is known for its medieval architecture, picturesque streets, and rich cultural heritage. The town has a population of around 75,000 people and is home to one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in…

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Visiting Marburg

Bad Wildungen

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Flodur63

Bad Wildungen is a small town located in the northern part of the state of Hesse, Germany. It is known for its picturesque setting, charming old town, and natural hot springs. The town has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to the Stone Age. In the Middle Ages, Bad Wildungen was an important centre for salt…

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Visiting Bad Wildungen

Schlüchtern

Schlüchtern is a charming town located in the Main-Kinzig district of Hessen, Germany. Nestled in the picturesque Bergwinkel region, between the low mountains of Vogelsberg, Spessart and Rhön, Schlüchtern is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered. With a population of nearly 16,000, it offers a tranquil retreat from the hustle and bustle of big cities. The town is named…

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Visiting Schlüchtern

Steinau an der Straße

Public Domain / siehe Disk-Difflink

Steinau an der Straße or Steinau on the street is a small town in the Main-Kinzig district in the state of Hesse, Germany. It is situated in the Spessart hills and has a population of around 10,000 people. The town is known for its well-preserved half-timbered houses, charming old town, and scenic location. The town was first mentioned in 1140 and…

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Visiting Steinau an der Straße

Hessisch Lichtenau

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hessisches Landesarchiv

Hessisch Lichtenau is a small town located in the northern part of the state of Hesse, Germany. It is situated on the edge of the vast forested area known as the Kaufunger Wald, and is surrounded by rolling hills and beautiful countryside. Hessian Lichtenau, the gateway to Frau Holle-Land at the foot of the Hoher Meißner and on the German…

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Visiting Hessisch Lichtenau

Gelnhausen

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007

Gelnhausen is a picturesque town located in the state of Hesse, German, founded in 1170. It is situated along the eastern bank of the Kinzig river, about 50 kilometers east of Frankfurt. The town has a rich history and was once an important centre of trade and commerce in the region. Gelnhausen is known for its well-preserved medieval old town,…

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Visiting Gelnhausen

Kassel

Kassel is a city in northern Hesse, Germany, located on the Fulda River. It is the third-largest city in Hesse, with a population of approximately 200,000 people. The city has a rich cultural heritage, and it is known for its museums, parks, and historic landmarks. One of the most famous attractions in Kassel is the Bergpark Wilhelmshöhe, a UNESCO World Heritage…

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Visiting Kassel

Hanau

CC BY-SA 3.0 / Pedelecs

Hanau is a city in the state of Hesse, Germany. It is located about 25 kilometres southeast of Frankfurt and has a population of approximately 100,000 people. The city has a rich history that dates back to the 12th century. It was once the residence of the Counts of Hanau and was later ruled by the Electorate of Hesse. Hanau…

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Visiting Hanau

Eisenach

Eisenach, located in the region of Thuringia, is a charming city surrounded by hills, forests, and cultural landmarks. It's best known for its impressive Wartburg Castle, perched high above the town and offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The compact city center is easy to explore on foot and features a mix of historic architecture, inviting cafés, and small…

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Visiting Eisenach

Hannoversch Münden

CC BY-SA 2.0 / Dirk Schmidt

Hannoversch Münden is a charming town located at the confluence of the Werra and Fulda rivers, where they merge to form the Weser River in Breman and Lower Saxony in Central Germany. The town is known for its well-preserved medieval and half-timbered buildings, many of which date back to the 16th and 17th centuries, and is often referred to as…

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Visiting Hannoversch Münden