Märchenbrunnen, Steinau an der Straße

Fountain in Steinau an der Straße

Marchenbrunnen Bruder Grimm
Marchenbrunnen Bruder Grimm
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Maulaff

The Märchenbrunnen is the kind of small-town landmark that stops you mid-stroll: a circular fountain in Steinau an der Straße's market square, built like a fairytale scene you can walk around and “read” in stone. Even if you're only passing through, it's one of the things to see in Steinau an der Straße because it sits right in the historic core, framed by the town's most photogenic buildings and everyday café life.

What makes it memorable is how much detail is packed into it. The carvings and figures reward slow looking, and it's an easy highlight to fold into a relaxed walking tour of Steinau an der Straße-especially if you like places where culture is out in the open rather than behind a ticket desk.

History and Significance of the Märchenbrunnen

Steinau an der Straße is proudly tied to the Brothers Grimm story, and the Märchenbrunnen was created as a civic celebration of that identity. It was erected in 1985 on the Marktplatz “Am Kumpen” to mark the 200th birthday of the Brothers Grimm, placing a fairytale monument right among the town hall, castle, church, and other historic buildings that define Steinau's old-town character.

The fountain is also a reminder that Grimm heritage here is not just museum material-it’s part of the streetscape. Instead of one single statue, the monument works like a visual anthology: you move around it the way you might move through a book, picking up scenes, symbols, and characters in layers.

Things to See and Do in the Märchenbrunnen

Start by walking a full circle around the basin and scanning the reliefs: they depict well-known and lesser-known Grimm tales arranged across stacked “drums,” linked by plant-like decorative forms that make the whole piece feel alive rather than rigid. It’s carved in limestone and sandstone, which gives it that soft, old-world look even though it’s a modern work.

Then move in closer to spot the standout characters. A water-spouting dragon, a crab, and a princess appear at the edge, while the Frog King sits in the basin-paired with the princess as the fountain’s signature bronze figures. Look up, too: the column is crowned with a rocky “castle” finish featuring Sleeping Beauty’s castle, which is an especially fun detail once you notice it.

How to Get to the Märchenbrunnen

The closest major airport for most international travelers is Frankfurt Airport (FRA), and from there Steinau an der Straße is best reached by train connections via the Kinzig Valley. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Steinau an der Straße on Booking.com.

Steinau an der Straße is served by regional trains, and you can then walk into the old town from the station for the market square location. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

If you're driving, the simplest approach is via the A66 with exits for Steinau or Schlüchtern Süd, then follow signs toward the historic centre and Marktplatz “Am Kumpen.” 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.

Regional buses also link Steinau with nearby towns in the Main-Kinzig area, which can work well if you're pairing the visit with Schlüchtern or Bad Soden-Salmünster.

Practical Tips on Visiting the Märchenbrunnen

  • Entrance fee: Free
  • Opening hours: 24 Hours
  • Official website:
  • Best time to visit: Come early or near sunset for softer light on the carvings and a calmer, more local feel in the square.
  • How long to spend: 15-30 minutes is enough to appreciate the details, or longer if you’re photographing each relief.
  • Accessibility: The market square setting is generally easy, but expect typical old-town surfaces that may be uneven in places.
  • Facilities: You’re surrounded by cafés and shops in the centre, so it’s an ideal quick stop between other sights.

Where to Stay Close to the Märchenbrunnen

For a culture-heavy itinerary, base yourself in Steinau’s Altstadt near the Marktplatz so you can walk to the main sights; if your trip is more about countryside drives and the Spessart, a village inn with parking can be the better fit.

For a stay right in town, Burgmannenhaus keeps you close to the historic core, making it easy to dip back into the square for an evening stroll. If you’re arriving by car and want a quieter, countryside-feel base, Landgasthaus Bayrischer Hof is a practical choice for day trips. Another good option in the wider Steinau area is Landgasthof Deutsches Haus, which suits travelers who prefer a rural setting and don’t mind a short drive into the centre.

Is the Märchenbrunnen Worth Visiting?

Yes-especially because it’s low-effort and high-reward. You don’t need tickets, timing, or planning, and yet you get a distinctive sense of Steinau’s Grimm identity in one compact, beautifully made landmark. It’s also a perfect “connector” sight: a memorable pause that makes the surrounding old town feel more meaningful, not just picturesque.

For Different Travelers

Families with Kids

Treat it like a real-life picture book: walk clockwise, let kids “spot the characters,” and turn it into a quick scavenger hunt (dragon, princess, frog, castle). Because it’s in the open, it’s easy to combine with a snack stop and keep the pace light without museum-style rules.

Couples & Romantic Getaways

Visit in the quieter hours when the square feels like a stage set-carvings, old façades, and a gentle fountain soundtrack if it’s running. Pair it with a slow wander through the Altstadt and a café break, letting the fountain be the charming highlight rather than the whole plan.

Budget Travelers

This is a strong free stop that still feels special, and it sits naturally on a self-guided loop of Steinau’s historic centre. Use it as your “anchor sight,” then build the rest of your time around walking streets, viewpoints, and inexpensive bakery cafés.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.9 (28)

Märchenbrunnen Brüder Grimm at Am Kumpen in Steinau an der Straße is a compact, charming fountain and town landmark adorned with bronze figures and detailed reliefs depicting 19 Grimm fairy tales; visitors say it rewards a close look at the motifs, is perfect for photos and a brief stop, delights children and nostalgic adults alike, and was celebrated locally on its 40th anniversary.

N I K A
6 months ago
"The Märchenbru en (Fairy Tale Fountain) is a cute and symbolic place in Steinau, featuring characters from the Grimm Brothers’ stories. It’s nothuge, but it’s full of charm and perfect for a quick stop and a few photos. Our guide told us a fu y local legend: On a certain traditional day in Germany, girls used to come here to collect water and wash their faces, believing it would make them more beautiful. But apparently, boys would a oy them them and make girls to spill the water, and that's why, according to the guide's playful joke, German girls stayed less beautiful!! All in all, it’s a sweet and quirky spot that adds a bit of magic and humor to your walk through town...."
Michael R.
6 months ago
"I've known the fountain ever since it was built. Today, June 22, 2025, the 40th a iversary was celebrated, and I was there. It's hard to believe thatwas 40 years ago. 19 fairy tales are depicted in great detail on the fountain, and the Fairy Tale Fountain remains an eye-catcher and a landmark of Steinau. Here's to the next 40!..."
Roland Desch
10 months ago
"Very beautiful square and great fountain...you should take some time to look more closely at all the fairytale motifs...📷👍"

FAQs for Visiting Märchenbrunnen

Getting There

It’s on the town’s market square, known locally as the Marktplatz “Am Kumpen.” If you’re already in the historic centre, you’ll naturally pass through it on foot.
Head toward the Marktplatz area and look for the cluster of landmark buildings around the square. The fountain sits centrally, so you don’t need a specific “entrance” to find it.
Walk from the station into the old town, aiming for the market square. The route is straightforward, and the town is compact enough that it feels like a short orientation walk rather than a commute.
Driving is worth it if Steinau is one stop on a broader day out, especially in the Spessart region. Once you’re in town, park and do the centre on foot for a more relaxed visit.

Tickets & Entry

The fountain is outdoors in a public square, so viewing it is free. There’s no separate paid area for the fountain itself.
No booking is needed because it’s an open public landmark. Just turn up and explore at your own pace.
Be mindful that it’s a shared public space, not a fenced attraction, so keep pathways clear. If you’re photographing, step aside for locals crossing the square.

Visiting Experience

Even 10 minutes works if you do one slow circuit and look for the main figures. If you enjoy details, you’ll naturally linger longer as you spot more motifs.
Yes, because it fits effortlessly into a day where you’re already in the old town. It’s a quick highlight that adds context to the town’s Grimm identity.
Link it with the nearby historic buildings around the square and then continue toward one museum or one viewpoint. This creates a satisfying loop without overplanning.

Tours, Context & Itineraries

Yes, it sits where most self-guided routes naturally pass, because it’s in the market square. Even without a formal tour, it functions like a natural “meeting point” sight.
Independent works well because the fountain is designed to be read visually. A guide helps most if you want deeper Grimm context rather than basic orientation.

Photography

Very-there are wide shots with half-timbered surroundings and close-up detail shots of figures and reliefs. It’s especially rewarding if you like texture and storytelling in images.
Start with a slightly low angle that includes the column and the upper “castle” detail. Then take a second series circling the basin for the character close-ups.

Accessibility & Facilities

Because it’s in a public square, access is generally straightforward, but old-town surfaces can be uneven. If you need the smoothest route, approach via the flattest streets into the square.
There’s no dedicated visitor building for the fountain, but you’re surrounded by town-centre businesses. Plan on using cafés or nearby attractions for facilities.

Nearby Attractions to the Märchenbrunnen

  • Brüder Grimm-Haus: A museum dedicated to the Grimm family in their former Steinau residence, ideal for adding context to the town's fairytale identity.
  • Schloss Steinau: A Renaissance-era castle complex where exhibitions and the setting itself deepen the historic feel of the old town.
  • Museum Steinau … das Museum an der Straße: A local museum with engaging town and travel-history themes that works well as a rainy-day pairing.
  • Theatrium Steinau: A charming puppet theatre that fits perfectly with Steinau’s storybook atmosphere.
  • Erlebnispark Steinau: A family-friendly adventure park nearby if you want to balance culture with something energetic outdoors.

The Märchenbrunnen appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Steinau an der Straße!

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Planning Your Visit

Hours:

24 Hours

Price:

Free

Address: Märchenbrunnen Brüder Grimm, Marktackerstraße 36396 Steinau an der Straße Germany
Steinau an der Straße: 1 km

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