Steinau an der Straße: The Complete Guide
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 became a market town in the 14th century. In the 16th and 17th centuries, Steinau was ruled by the Counts of Hanau-Münzenberg and became an important centre of trade and commerce. During this time, many of the town’s most beautiful half-timbered houses were built, including the famous Brüder-Grimm-Haus, where the famous Brothers Grimm lived from 1791 to 1796.
Today, the town is a popular tourist destination, attracting visitors with its historic buildings, picturesque streets, and charming atmosphere. In addition to the Brüder-Grimm-Haus, visitors can also explore the Steinau Castle, the St. Peter and Paul Church, and the town’s many other beautiful half-timbered buildings.
The town is also known for its cultural events, such as the Steinauer Märchenwochen, a two-week festival celebrating the town’s fairy tale heritage. The festival includes performances of fairy tales, music, theater, and other events.
Overall, Steinau an der Straße is a charming town with a rich history and beautiful architecture, making it a must-visit destination for anyone traveling in the region.
Visiting Steinau an der Straße 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 Steinau an der Straße on the first visit. Top help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!
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5 Best places to See in Steinau an der Straße
This complete guide to Steinau an der Straße 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 Steinau an der Straße and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!
Museum Brüder Grimm-Haus Steinau
Museum Brüder Grimm-Haus Steinau or the Brothers Grimm House is a museum in the town of Steinau an der Straße, Germany, dedicated to the lives and works of the Brothers Grimm. The museum is located in the former home of the Grimm family, where Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm lived for several years during their childhood. The house was built in 1562 and has been restored to look like it did in the 18th and 19th centuries.
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Address: Magistrat der Stadt Steinau an der Straße, Brüder-Grimm-Straße, 36396 Steinau an der Straße, Deutschland | Hours: March to October daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November to February daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. | Price: Adults 6.00 euros (Brothers Grimm House and Museum Steinau) | Website | Distance: 0.77km
Steinau Museum
Since June 23, 2006, the Steinau Museum has found its place just across from the Brothers Grimm House, inviting visitors to embark on a captivating journey into the town's rich history. Housed within the former Amtshof barn, the museum offers a fresh and innovative approach, shedding light on Steinau's significant position as a bustling town along a prominent trade route.
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Address: Museum Steinau an der Straße, Stadtborngasse, Steinau, Germany | Hours: March to October daily from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. November to February daily from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (admission up to 30 minutes before the end of opening hours) | Price: Admission for both museums (as of January 1, 2014) (Brothers Grimm House and Museum Steinau) Adults: EUR 6.00 Adults in groups of 15 or more people: EUR 4.00 Children (entitled to a discount): EUR 3.50 Children in groups 15 or more people: 2.50 euros Families (4 or more people): 12.00 euros | Website | Distance: 0.77km
Fairytale Fountain or Märchenbrunnen
In celebration of the Brothers Grimm's 200th birthday, a fairy tale fountain was constructed on the market square. The fountain, crafted by sculptor W. Finger-Rokitnitz from Würzburg, features both famous and lesser-known fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm. A central column protrudes from the circular fountain, encircled by reliefs depicting fairy tale motifs connected by plant designs. The use of limestone and sandstone gives the fountain its enchanting appearance. Additional fairy tale characters can be observed at the edge of the fountain, including a dragon spouting water, a crab, and a princess. The bronze figures of the princess and the frog prince, which are the fountain's defining features, can be seen in the fountain basin. The Sleeping Beauty Castle graces the top of the four-meter-high fountain column.
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Address: Märchenbrunnen Brüder Grimm, Marktackerstraße 36396 Steinau an der Straße Germany | Distance: 0.84km
St Catherine Church, Steinau
St Catherine Church dates back to 1273 and was first documented during that period. While conducting construction work, the remains of a chapel from the 9th century were discovered in the foundations. Despite being affected by iconoclasm, the stone Holy Sepulcher within the church, which is around 500 years old, was preserved. The primary bell in use today was cast in 1477 and dedicated to Saint Catherine. Additionally, from 1730 to 1777, the grandfather of the Brothers Grimm, Pastor Friedrich Grimm, preached at this church as a Reformed pastor. The discovery of the fresco, "The Attempted Sacrifice of Isaac by Abraham," in the chancel of the church is a remarkable sensation, further adding to its historical significance.
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Address: Katharinenkirche, Steinau an der Straße, Germany | Distance: 0.88km
Steinau Castle
Steinau Castle is a well-preserved castle complex from the early modern period. It was built by Philip II and later Philip III of Hanau-Münzenberg between 1525 and 1560, including the former medieval castle. Some documents suggest that the construction may have begun as early as 1508. The construction was overseen by master stonemason Asmus from Steinau.
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| Hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Sun Mar-Nov | Price: adult/concession €4/3.50 | Website | Distance: 0.90km
