Cinderella, Rapunzel, Rumpelstiltskin, Hansel & Gretel, Little Red Riding Hood, Snow White… 

It’s thanks to the Brothers Grimm collecting folk tales in the 1800s that the modern concept of fairy tales is completely intertwined with Germany. Walt Disney later brought many of these stories to a modern American audience and contributed to this image by referencing German locations in his films and amusement parks. 

Start your adventure in the medieval town of Rothenburg ob der Tauber, so cute that it became the setting for Disney’s 1940 Pinocchio. It’s Germany’s best-preserved walled town, where you can hike the original city walls and wander the cobblestone lanes of half-timbered houses or join an evening nightwatchman’s tour. Then drive south on the tiny back roads of Bavaria with views that appear straight out of a Brothers Grimm tale. 

Along the road, fairytale castles and churches seemingly appear out of nowhere.

Like St. Coloman Church in Schwangau, the rococo splendor of nearby Wieskirche is basically surrounded by open fields. Stepping inside, you’d expect a princess to be seated amongst the over the top details, bright colors and golden flourishes of this pilgrimage church built in the 1740s.

Nearby Oberammergau is a small medieval town where the stories popularized by the Brothers Grimm decorate the walls of its colorful houses. Along with these are religious and architectural themes in the exterior frescos, some dating back to the 1700s.

Because the village is also famous for traditional wood carving it’s the perfect place to immortalize your adventure with a cuckoo clock.

It’s thanks to Walt Disney that the modern stereotype of a fairytale castle is nearby Neuschwanstein. Neuschwanstein not only inspired the castle in the Sleeping Beauty movie, but was the basis for her castle in Disneyland and Cinderella’s castle in Disneyworld. A stylized version was also used for years in the Disney logo.

Because there is no nearby parking, the most magical way to make the journey to the castle is by horse drawn carriage.

Note: This trip can be done anytime of year, but December is the most magical. You may not be lucky enough for snow, but regardless of the weather visiting Germany in December means Christmas markets. Carousels, twinkle lights, and holiday treats like gingerbread, mulled wine, and giant sausages all add to its fairy tale magic.