Steinau Fairy Tale Sunday

The Town of the Brothers Grimm

Steinau an der Straße is one of the three German Brothers Grimm towns – Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm spent parts of their childhood here. This led to the idea in 2002 of transforming the historic old town into a walkable fairy tale world once a year. Since then, the first Sunday in August has been dedicated to a Grimm fairy tale.

2026: Little Brother and Little Sister

The theme of the 23rd edition on Sunday, August 2, 2026, is the fairy tale 'Little Brother and Little Sister' – the story of two siblings who flee into the forest from their wicked stepmother. Appropriate scenes are created in the alleys of the old town: forest villages, a well, a witch's hut, a royal camp.

Theater, Music, and Crafts in the Alleys

The concept is classic and proven: In the winding alleys around the market square, Steinau Castle, and Reinhardskirche, acting groups perform scenes from the fairy tale, musicians perform in courtyards and squares, and craftspeople demonstrate old techniques (pottery, blacksmithing, basket weaving). Children can dress up, do crafts, and be taken into the world of the Brothers Grimm by storytellers.

A Family Festival with Admission

Unlike many other town festivals in Hesse, the Fairy Tale Sunday requires an admission fee – a deliberate concept to finance the elaborate transformation of the old town. Children up to 3 years old and severely disabled persons have free admission, children aged 4–17 pay €1, adults pay €7. In return, the entire old town becomes a single festival venue – stage, play area, and backdrop all at once.

From Vogelsberg to the Kinzig

Steinau is located at the transition between Vogelsberg and Kinzigtal in the Main-Kinzig district, about an hour and a half by train from Frankfurt. Visitors to the Fairy Tale Sunday should also visit the Brothers Grimm House and Steinau Castle – the traces of the Brothers Grimm are everywhere here.