Steinau Fairy Tale Sunday
23rd Edition – the Brothers Grimm Town becomes a fairy tale 'Little Brother and Little Sister'
About Fairy Tale Sunday Steinau
The City of the Brothers Grimm
Steinau an der Straße is one of three official Brothers Grimm cities in Germany, as Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm spent part of their childhood here. This inspired the 2002 initiative to transform the historic old town into an immersive fairytale world once a year. Since then, the first Sunday in August has been dedicated to a classic Grimm tale.
2026: Brother and Sister
The theme for the 23rd edition on Sunday, August 2, 2026, is the fairytale "Brother and Sister"—the story of two siblings fleeing their wicked stepmother into the forest. In keeping with the theme, the old town will be transformed into a magical realm from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Theater, Music, and Crafts in the Alleys
The concept is classic and well-loved: in the winding alleys around the market square, Steinau Castle, and the Reinhardskirche, theater troupes perform scenes from the fairytale, musicians play in courtyards and squares, and local artisans showcase their crafts. Children can dress up, get creative with crafts, and be whisked away into the world of the Grimms by professional storytellers. The festival opens at 11 a.m. with the mayor, who will introduce and crown the new Steinau Fairytale Queen.
A Family Festival with Admission
Unlike many other town festivals in Hesse, the Märchensonntag requires an admission fee—a deliberate choice to fund the elaborate transformation of the old town. Children up to 3 years old and visitors with severe disabilities enter for free; children aged 4–17 pay 1 €, and adults pay 7 €. In return, the entire old town becomes a single festival venue—serving as a stage, playground, and backdrop all at once.
From the Vogelsberg to the Kinzig
Steinau is located at the transition between the Vogelsberg mountains and the Kinzig valley in the Main-Kinzig district, just an hour and a half by train from Frankfurt. Visitors to the Märchensonntag should also make time to explore the Brüder-Grimm-Haus and Steinau Castle—the legacy of the Brothers Grimm is everywhere here.
Fairy Tale Sunday Steinau — edition 2026
The 23rd edition is dedicated to the Grimm fairy tale 'Little Brother and Little Sister'. Fairy tale scenes are created in the alleys, actors, music groups, and craftspeople populate the old town from morning to evening.
Programme Fairy Tale Sunday Steinau 2026
Sunday, August 2, 2026, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. – Fairy Tale: 'Brother and Sister'
- Starts with a fairy tale church service
- 11 a.m.: Official opening by the Mayor and coronation of the new Steinau Fairy Tale Queen
- Live theatrical performances of the Grimm fairy tale 'Brother and Sister' throughout the old town alleys
- Music and dance in courtyards and public squares
- Arts, crafts, and interactive activities for children
- Food, drink, and market stalls throughout the historic old town
The event takes place in the historic old town, centered around the market square, Steinau Castle, the Brothers Grimm House, and the Reinhardskirche. Detailed schedules and performance times will be published by the city of Steinau in advance at steinau.eu.
Highlights Fairy Tale Sunday Steinau 2026
- 23rd edition – A tradition since 2002
- 2026 Fairy Tale: 'Brother and Sister'
- 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. throughout the historic old town
- Opening ceremony at 11 a.m. featuring the coronation of the Fairy Tale Queen
- Theatrical scenes, music, artisan crafts, and a children's program
- Follow in the footsteps of the Brothers Grimm
Prices Fairy Tale Sunday Steinau 2026
Adults 7 €. Children aged 4–17: 1 €. Children under 3 and visitors with a disability ID (plus one accompanying person): free. Tickets available at the entrances to the old town.
Practical information — Fairy Tale Sunday Steinau
Getting There
Train: Hourly connection Frankfurt Hbf – Steinau (Straße) (approx. 80 min). 10-minute walk from the station to the old town. Car: A66 Frankfurt–Fulda, exit Steinau, then city center.
Admission
Adults €7, Children 4–17 years: €1, Children up to 3 years and severely disabled persons with ID: free.
Date
Sunday, August 2, 2026 – every year on the first Sunday in August.
Tip
Combine the Fairy Tale Sunday with a visit to the Brothers Grimm House and Steinau Castle – shortest distance, greatest fairy tale effect.
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Where it takes place Fairy Tale Sunday Steinau
Historische Altstadt Steinau
Altstadt Steinau an der Straße, 36396 Steinau an der Straße