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. To 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!

Steinau Museum

Museum Steinau An Der Strabe — Public Domain / User:Mattes

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 […]

Location: 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: 0.8km

Visiting Steinau Museum

Click here to read our blog about Exploring Germany's Fairy Tale Route

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 […]

Location: Märchenbrunnen Brüder Grimm, Marktackerstraße 36396 Steinau an der Straße Germany | Distance: 0.8km

Visiting Fairytale Fountain or Märchenbrunnen

Museum Brüder Grimm-Haus Steinau

Steinau An Der Straße Gebrüder Grimm Haus — CC BY-SA 3.0 / Tilman2007

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. […]

Location: 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: 0.8km

Visiting Museum Brüder Grimm-Haus Steinau

St Catherine Church, Steinau

Katharinenkirche Steinau An Der Strasse — CC BY-SA 3.0 / plant enthusiast

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 […]

Location: Katharinenkirche, Steinau an der Straße, Germany | Distance: 0.9km

Visiting St Catherine Church, Steinau

Steinau Castle

Steinau An Der Straße, Schloss Steinau — CC BY-SA 4.0 / Tilman2007

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 […]

| Hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Sun Mar-Nov | Price: adult/concession €4/3.50 | Website | Distance: 0.9km

Visiting Steinau Castle

Best Time to Visit Steinau an der Straße

The best time to visit Steinau an der Straße, a charming town in Germany, depends on your preferences for weather, activities, and crowd levels. Here’s a breakdown of the seasons:

Spring (March to May): Spring is a lovely time to visit Steinau an der Straße, with mild temperatures and blooming flowers. The weather is comfortably cool, making it ideal for exploring the town’s historic streets, visiting local attractions such as the Brothers Grimm House, and enjoying outdoor activities like hiking and cycling. Additionally, spring sees fewer tourists compared to the peak summer months, allowing for a more relaxed and authentic experience.
Summer (June to August): Summer is a popular time to visit Steinau an der Straße, with warm temperatures and plenty of sunshine. This is the best time to enjoy outdoor activities such as picnics in the town’s parks, boat rides on the Kinzig River, and attending cultural events and festivals. However, be prepared for higher temperatures and larger crowds, especially during the summer holidays.
Autumn (September to November): Autumn is another great time to visit Steinau an der Straße, with mild temperatures and colorful foliage. The weather remains pleasant, allowing you to continue enjoying outdoor activities such as hiking in the nearby Spessart Forest, exploring the town’s historic sites, and sampling seasonal cuisine at local restaurants. Additionally, autumn offers opportunities to experience local festivals and events celebrating the harvest season.
Winter (December to February): Winter is a charming time to visit Steinau an der Straße, especially if you enjoy festive holiday atmospheres. The town is adorned with Christmas decorations, and you can experience traditional German Christmas markets, ice skating, and other seasonal activities. While temperatures may be cold, the town’s cozy cafes, historic buildings, and warm hospitality create a magical winter ambiance.

Ultimately, the best time to visit Steinau an der Straße depends on your preferences and what you hope to experience during your trip. Whether you prefer the mild temperatures of spring and autumn, the festive atmosphere of winter, or the vibrant energy of summer, Steinau an der Straße offers something for every traveler throughout the year.

Average Temperatures in Steinau an der Straße

January 5°C 9
February 9°C 8
March 13°C 7
April 18°C 6
May 21°C 9
June 24°C 9
July 27°C 9
August 27°C 10
September 23°C 7
October 16°C 7
November 9°C 8
December 7°C 9

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