Hanau, Germany: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

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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 was also the birthplace of the famous Brothers Grimm, who collected and published many of the world's most beloved fairy tales.

Today, Hanau is a modern and vibrant city that is known for its cultural heritage and historical landmarks. The city has a number of museums and galleries, including the Brothers Grimm Museum, the German Goldsmiths' House, and the Hanau Art Museum. In addition to its cultural offerings, Hanau is also home to a number of beautiful parks and natural areas. One of the most popular parks is Wilhelmsbad, which features extensive gardens, fountains, and a picturesque lake.

Hanau is also a thriving economic centre, with a strong industrial and commercial sector. The city has a diverse economy that includes industries such as automotive engineering, electronics, and logistics. Overall, Hanau is a dynamic and diverse city that offers something for everyone. Whether you're interested in history, culture, or nature, you're sure to find plenty of things to see and do in this charming German city.

History of Hanau

Hanau has a rich and diverse history, spanning centuries and leaving its mark on the city’s appearance and way of life. The origins of Hanau can be traced back to 1143, when a castle was built on the banks of the Kinzig River. This fortified castle was expanded over time and eventually transformed into a grand palace, known as the Stadtschloss.

In the 19th century, Hanau-born Elector Wilhelm II. ordered the demolition of the oldest medieval part of the palace, despite its historical significance. Following the annexation of the Electorate of Hesse by Prussia in 1866, the palace was no longer needed as a residence for noble families, and was purchased by the city of Hanau in 1890. The various buildings were repurposed as homes and government offices, with one building serving as the mayor’s residence for a time.

In 1597, Calvinist refugees from the Spanish Netherlands and France founded the Neustadt, or “New City,” in Hanau. These refugees brought with them a wealth of capital and knowledge, and their settlement in the flourishing Neustadt attracted goldsmiths, weavers, and other craftsmen.

These events are just a few of the many that have shaped the fascinating history of Hanau, leaving an indelible imprint on the city that can still be seen and felt today.
In the early 17th century, the Dutch-Walloon double-church was erected in Hanau. Sadly, it was destroyed during WWII, leaving only the smaller Dutch section to be rebuilt. The ruins of the Walloon part were kept as a memorial.

During the Thirty Years’ War, Hanau served as the base for the Swedish Army led by General Ramsay. The city was besieged for nine months in 1635 by imperial troops under General Lamboy. The citizens suffered greatly, but the city was eventually liberated by Wilhelm V of Hesse Kassel, an ally of the Swedish king Gustav II Adolf. In remembrance of this event, Hanau holds an annual church service that has evolved into the Lamboyfest festival.

WWII inflicted massive destruction on Hanau, with only seven houses left standing in the city centre after a British air strike on March 19th, 1945. Sadly, American troops invaded only ten days later, and the war ended. A commemorative service is held annually at the main cemetery on March 19th in memory of those who lost their lives on that day.
After the war, the city underwent rapid reconstruction, with little regard for historical ruins or aesthetic appeal, as the need for living space was urgent. Consequently, only a few old buildings were restored in the 1950s and 60s.

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Visiting Hanau 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 Hanau 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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9 Best places to See in Hanau

This complete guide to Hanau 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 Hanau and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

1. Dutch-Walloon Church

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Built from 1608 for Dutch and Walloon Protestant refugees, the Dutch-Walloon Church is a rare “double church” complex that reflects a community shaped by exile and coexistence. What visitors remember most is the deliberate contrast: the smaller Dutch section was rebuilt after World War II, while the larger Walloon church remains an open-air ruin, its surviving walls and doorways left as a memorial to wartime destruction. Inside the restored space, the atmosphere is spare and calm, and the 1766 pipe organ by Johann Heinrich Stumm—still used today—adds a strong musical dimension. Concertgoers often praise the warm acoustics and tranquil feel during lunchtime or candlelight performances.

Location: Wallonisch-Niederländische Kirche, Gärtnerstraße, Hanau, Hesse, Germany | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1km

Visiting Dutch-Walloon Church

4.6(287)

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2. Brothers Grimm National Monument

Hanau the home of the storytellers of the Brothers Grimm

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Set on the central market square, the Brothers Grimm National Monument honors Jacob and Wilhelm with life-sized bronze figures standing side by side on a stone pedestal engraved with their names. Unveiled in 1896 and designed by sculptor Syrius Eberle, the statue captures the brothers in a thoughtful, scholarly pose, with finely worked details in their coats and faces that reward a slow walk around. The open square makes it easy to frame photos that include the surrounding historic façades and town-hall backdrop. Many visitors mention the personal thrill of seeing the hometown memorial to the storytellers whose folktales shaped childhood reading.

Location: Brüder-Grimm-Denkmal, Am Markt, Hanau, Germany | Hours: 24 Hours | Price: Free | Distance: 1.1km

Visiting Brothers Grimm National Monument

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

3. Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus

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Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus is a museum dedicated to jewellery and decorative metalwork, set in a historic building once connected to the former castle complex. Its galleries trace craftsmanship from medieval liturgical objects and Baroque silverware to contemporary design pieces, with displays that make the tools and techniques of goldsmiths part of the story. Visitors often remember the intimate, floor-by-floor layout—several levels of small displays, with an elevator for easy access—and the close-up view of intricate work behind glass. Rotating exhibitions can shift the focus to specific themes in gold and silver. Reviews note a modest fee or donation and a calm, boutique-museum feel.

Location: Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus, Altstädter Markt, Hanau, Germany | Hours: Tuesday to Sunday / Tuesday through Sunday 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Closed on Mondays | Price: €2.50 for adults | Website | Distance: 1.4km

Visiting Deutsches Goldschmiedehaus

4.5(227)

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4. Schloss Steinheim

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Schloss Steinheim is a fortified castle overlooking Steinheim’s old town, first built in 1222 and long tied to the Electorate of Mainz. Much of its medieval structure remains, while early-19th-century classical renovations give the building a layered look you can spot in its façades and interiors. Since 1938, the rooms have housed a museum focused on local archaeology, with finds ranging from Stone Age tools and Bronze Age objects to Roman-era artefacts and early medieval everyday items. A standout exhibit is the detailed model of Steinheim as it appeared around 1560, which helps you picture the town’s former defenses. Visitors often remember the calm setting and the view from the grounds toward the Main.

Location: Steinheim Castle, Hanau, Germany | Hours: Saturdays & Sundays: 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M | Price: Adults: €4.00, Children Free | Website | Distance: 2.2km

Visiting Schloss Steinheim

4.5(149)

Click here to read our blog about Exploring Germany’s Fairy Tale Route 2026: Complete Guide & Itinerary

5. Philippsruhe Castle

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Schloss Philippsruhe is a riverside Baroque palace built between 1700 and 1725 for Count Philipp Reinhard, later reshaped in the Wilhelminian era into the look visitors see today. The ornate “Bel Etage” now houses the Historical Museum, with displays spanning the 17th–20th centuries, including local crafts such as faience and silverwork and a dedicated Brothers Grimm area that many visitors linger over. Outside, the landscaped park is free to enter year-round, with broad lawns, shaded paths, and calm views toward the Main. In early summer, the grounds host a Fairytale Festival in a 1,300-seat open-air amphitheatre, adding a theatrical note to the gardens.

Location: Schlossterrasse - Schloss Philippsruhe, Philippsruher Allee, Hanau, Germany | Hours: 11am-6pm Tue-Sun | Price: adult/concession €4/3 | Website | Distance: 2.5km

Visiting Philippsruhe Castle

4.6(3,150)

6. Museum Grossauheim

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Museum Großauheim occupies two atmospheric historic buildings: a former power station and a 1908 art nouveau bathhouse, so the setting is part of the visit. Inside, the industrial galleries put you close to hefty machinery—Josef Bautz scythes, a mobile threshing machine, and an 1896 steam-powered tractor with a rope winch—alongside everyday products like “Original Hanau” sunlamps and Dunlop racing tyres. The bathhouse rooms shift the mood with sculptures by local artist August Gaul and paintings by August Peukert. A memorable modern twist is Erwin Stache’s interactive sound sculpture, where vintage switches let you remix real machine noises; visitors often note the friendly staff and a modest entry fee.

Location: Museum Großauheim Pfortenwingert 4, 63457 Hanau | Hours: Saturdays & Sundays: 11 A.M. TO 5 P.M | Website | Distance: 2.8km

Visiting Museum Grossauheim

4.6(68)

7. Hessian Doll Museum

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The Hessian Doll Museum explores dollmaking as craft and social history, with more than 10,000 dolls spanning the 18th century to today. Displays move from early wooden figures to bisque, wax, porcelain, and modern plastic dolls, showing how materials and fashions changed over time. Many visitors linger over the miniature worlds: intricate dollhouses and period furniture, including a standout dolls’ house built like a grand department store, plus a detailed Japanese town-and-market scene. Housed in a historic building connected to the former Hanau Castle complex, it feels intimate rather than sprawling—reviewers often note you can tour it in about an hour, then linger longer on the tiny details.

Location: Hessisches Puppen- & Spielzeugmuseum, Parkpromenade, Hanau, Germany | Hours: Tue/Wed/Thu 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m Fri/Sat/Sun and public holidays 10:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m | Price: Adults 3.50 euros Children and young people up to 18 years accompanied by families - Free | Website | Distance: 4.1km

Visiting Hessian Doll Museum

4.7(392)

8. Wilhelmsbad

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Wilhelmsbad is an 18th-century landscaped pleasure park created for Landgrave Wilhelm IX, where Enlightenment-era garden design turns strolling into a sequence of surprises. Winding paths pass a serene lake, fountains, an unexpected pyramid, and deliberately “ruined” castle walls set up for romantic views. A memorable stop is the historic hilltop carousel—often described as the oldest in the world—lovingly restored, with windows that let you glimpse the figures inside and, at times, the mechanics beneath. From the rise around it, the park opens into wide lawns and long sightlines that make the architecture feel theatrical yet calm. It’s a place for unhurried walks, picnics, and quiet contemplation.

Location: Staatspark Hanau-Wilhelmsbad Parkpromenade 7 63454 Hanau | Hours: Daily | Price: Free Entrance | Website | Distance: 4.2km

Visiting Wilhelmsbad

4.8(134)

9. Wildpark Alte Fasanerie Klein-Auheim

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Wildpark Alte Fasanerie is a large woodland wildlife park spread over about 80 hectares in Klein-Auheim, where broad forest paths lead past spacious, semi-natural enclosures. The focus is on regional fauna: expect red and fallow deer, wild boar and mouflon, plus harder-to-spot predators like lynx and wolves, with information boards that add context as you walk. Families tend to linger at the petting area with goats and sheep and the small play spaces, then continue on shaded loops that can easily fill a few hours. The atmosphere feels more like a nature reserve than a zoo, with lots of room to roam and quiet corners for photography.

Location: Wildpark Alte Fasanerie, Fasaneriestraße, Klein-Auheim Hanau, Germany | Hours: Opening times March to October: 9am to 6pm (park clusure is one hour later), November to February: 9am to 5pm (park closure is at 5:30pm) | Price: Entrance fee: adults 7 €, pensioners 5 €, children 3.50 €, families (2 adults plus up to 4 children) 19 € | Website | Distance: 4.7km

Visiting Wildpark Alte Fasanerie Klein-Auheim

4.5(5,748)

Best Day Trips from Hanau

A day trip from Hanau 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 Hanau 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.

1. Gelnhausen

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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,…

Visiting Gelnhausen

2. Steinau an der Straße

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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…

Visiting Steinau an der Straße

3. Schlüchtern

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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…

Visiting Schlüchtern

4. Alsfeld

Alsfeld Town hall and southern side of the marketplace

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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…

Visiting Alsfeld

5. 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…

Visiting Marburg

6. Würzburg

Würzburg sits amid the rolling vineyards of the Main Valley in northern Bavaria, Germany, making it a perfect base for exploring both river-side promenades and hillside wine trails. Its compact city center is easily walkable, with pedestrianized lanes linking café-lined squares to the Baroque grandeur of the Residenz and the cathedral. Strolling along the Alte Mainbrücke at sunset—where locals gather…

Visiting Würzburg

7. Heidelberg

Heidelberg, located in the region of Baden-Württemberg, is one of Germany’s most picturesque and romantic cities. Nestled along the Neckar River and surrounded by forested hills, it offers a stunning natural setting paired with classic architecture. The city’s famous castle ruins, cobbled old town, and riverside walks create a relaxed yet inspiring atmosphere that appeals to couples, photographers, and curious…

Visiting Heidelberg

8. Bad Mergentheim

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Bad Mergentheim is a spa town located in the northeastern part of the German state of Baden-Württemberg. The town is situated in the scenic Tauber Valley and is known for its beautiful architecture, rich cultural heritage, and therapeutic mineral springs. One of the town's most famous landmarks is the Deutschordensschloss, or the Castle of the Teutonic Order, which was built…

Visiting Bad Mergentheim

9. Röttingen

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Röttingen sits in the heart of Bavaria’s Lower Franconia region, offering a wonderfully compact old town that’s perfect for leisurely exploration. Begin by wandering the medieval walls and gates that encircle the Market Square, where charming half-timbered houses give way to artisan bakeries and cozy cafés. Mid-morning, settle at an outdoor table overlooking the Tauber River to enjoy a freshly…

Visiting Röttingen

10. Bad Wildungen

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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…

Visiting Bad Wildungen

Where to Stay in Hanau

Staying in the city center is best for exploring Hanau’s history, including its connection to the Brothers Grimm. Those seeking a quieter stay can find accommodations near Philippsruhe Castle or in the surrounding countryside.

A 1 to 2-day stay is enough to visit the Grimm Brothers’ birthplace, the castle, and the historic market square. A 3-day stay allows for exploring nearby Frankfurt or the Spessart Nature Park.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Hanau. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Hanau Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Hanau

Visiting Hanau in Spring

Spring in Hanau is characterized by mild temperatures and blooming flowers. It’s a perfect time to explore the town’s parks and gardens, such as the beautiful Philippsruhe Park.

Visiting Hanau in Summer

Summer in Hanau brings warm weather and various cultural events. Visitors can enjoy outdoor concerts, festivals, and the lively atmosphere in the town’s squares and cafes.

Visiting Hanau in Autumn

Autumn in Hanau features colorful foliage and cooler temperatures. It’s an ideal time to visit the town’s historical sites and enjoy scenic walks along the Main River.

Visiting Hanau in Winter

Winter in Hanau is festive, with holiday markets and decorations. The town’s Christmas market offers traditional crafts, food, and drinks, creating a magical atmosphere.

Annual Weather Overview

January 6°C
February 8°C
March 12°C
April 18°C
May 21°C
June 25°C
July 27°C
August 27°C
September 23°C
October 16°C
November 9°C
December 7°C

How to get to Hanau

Traveling to Hanau by Train

Hanau is well-connected by train, with regular services from major cities like Frankfurt and Wiesbaden. The main train station is centrally located, making it convenient for travelers.

Traveling to Hanau by Car

Driving to Hanau is easy, with major highways like the A66 providing direct access. Several parking options are available in and around the town center.

Traveling to Hanau by Bus

Hanau is accessible by bus, with regional and local services linking it to nearby towns and cities. The central bus station is a convenient hub for travelers.

Traveling to Hanau by Plane

The nearest airport to Hanau is Frankfurt Airport (FRA), located about 30 kilometers away. From the airport, visitors can take a train, bus, or car to reach the town.