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.
Table of Contents
- History of Steinau an der Straße
- 5 Best places to See in Steinau an der Straße
- Steinau Museum
- Fairytale Fountain or Märchenbrunnen
- Museum Brüder Grimm-Haus Steinau
- St Catherine Church, Steinau
- Steinau Castle
- 10 Best Day Trips from Steinau an der Straße
- Where to Stay in Steinau an der Straße
- Best Time to Visit Steinau an der Straße
- How to get to Steinau an der Straße
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

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
Fairytale Fountain or Märchenbrunnen

Location: Märchenbrunnen Brüder Grimm, Marktackerstraße 36396 Steinau an der Straße Germany | Distance: 0.8km
Visiting Fairytale Fountain or Märchenbrunnen
Museum Brüder Grimm-Haus Steinau

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

Location: Katharinenkirche, Steinau an der Straße, Germany | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting St Catherine Church, Steinau
Steinau Castle

| Hours: 10am-5pm Tue-Sun Mar-Nov | Price: adult/concession €4/3.50 | Website | Distance: 0.9km
Visiting Steinau Castle
Best Day Trips from Steinau an der Straße
A day trip from Steinau an der Straße 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 Steinau an der Straße 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.
Schlüchtern

Visiting Schlüchtern
Gelnhausen

Visiting Gelnhausen
Hanau

Visiting Hanau
Alsfeld

Visiting Alsfeld
Würzburg

Visiting Würzburg
Marburg

Visiting Marburg
Bad Wildungen

Visiting Bad Wildungen
Bad Mergentheim

Visiting Bad Mergentheim
Eisenach

Visiting Eisenach
Röttingen

Visiting Röttingen
Where to Stay in Steinau an der Straße
Steinau’s compact Altstadt is the heart of its visitor experience, where half-timbered houses and the Brothers Grimm Museum line the pedestrianized Markt. Staying here means you’re just steps from cafés, bakeries, and the historic town hall. A classic choice is Hotel Deutsches Haus Steinau, which combines traditional décor with modern amenities and a hearty breakfast spread before you set off to explore Grimm heritage sites.
Just a short stroll east lies the Bahnhofviertel around Steinau’s rail station, ideal for those arriving by train or planning day trips through Hesse. You’ll find practical, budget-friendly accommodations alongside casual eateries and easy parking. A reliable pick is Gasthaus Zum Brüder Grimm, offering clean, comfortable rooms and 24-hour reception—perfect for flexible arrival times and quick connections to nearby cities.
For a tranquil retreat immersed in the Kinzig valley’s rolling hills, consider the villages and guesthouses on Steinau’s outskirts. Vineyards, meadows, and forest trails begin almost at your front door, beckoning you to hike, bike, or simply unwind in nature. A charming countryside stay is Landhotel Gruberhof, where spacious rooms overlook wooded glens and a farm-to-table restaurant serves seasonal specialties sourced from the surrounding farmland.
Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Steinau an der Straße. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.
Steinau an der Straße Accommodation Map
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.
Annual Weather Overview
- January 3°C 42°F
- February 7°C 48°F
- March 11°C 55°F
- April 16°C 64°F
- May 19°C 69°F
- June 22°C 76°F
- July 25°C 80°F
- August 25°C 81°F
- September 21°C 73°F
- October 14°C 62°F
- November 7°C 49°F
- December 5°C 45°F