Located on the river Main in Hesse, this German city is the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm. Its business school is the only AACSB-accredited institution in Germany.
Located 25 kilometers east of Frankfurt, Hanau is the birthplace of the Brothers Grimm and their famous fairy tales. You'll find goldsmiths working precious metals in workshops that date back to the 16th century. Walk through the baroque Philippsruhe Palace gardens, ride Germany's oldest wooden carousel at Wilhelmsbad, or follow the path of fairy tales north along the German Fairy Tale Route.
Transportation Hub
You can reach Hanau by train from Frankfurt (20 minutes), Fulda (1 hour), and Aschaffenburg (15 minutes). The city has seven train stations, including Hanau West and Hanau-Wilhelmsbad, making it easy to move between neighborhoods. City buses connect all major sites and residential areas.
The Brothers Grimm in Hanau
Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm were born in Hanau in 1785 and 1786. Their bronze statue marks the city center square. Each summer, actors perform fairy tales in the amphitheater at Philippsruhe Palace during the Brothers Grimm Festival. From Hanau, you can follow the German Fairy Tale Route 600 kilometers north to Bremen, stopping at towns and villages connected to their stories.
Wilhelmsbad Spa Complex
Walk through the English gardens of this 1780s spa complex to find Germany's oldest wooden carousel. The grounds include a devil's bridge and a stone pyramid. Inside the complex, the Hessian Doll Museum displays European dolls from ancient times through today, with detailed information about manufacturing techniques and cultural significance.
Markets and Local Life
The farmers market fills the main square on Wednesdays and Saturdays with over 100 vendors selling regional vegetables, fruits, flowers, and Hessian specialties like green sauce and handmade cheese. During December, wooden stalls sell mulled wine, lebkuchen cookies, and hand-carved wooden ornaments at the Christmas market.
Philippsruhe Palace and Museum
This 1700s baroque palace overlooks the Main River. Inside, the historical museum displays gold and silver work from local craftsmen through the centuries. Several rooms focus on original manuscripts and personal items of the Brothers Grimm. Take time to walk through the orangery and sculpture garden surrounding the palace.
Alte Fasanerie Wildlife Park
Walk along forest paths to see European wildlife in spacious enclosures. The park focuses on central European species, including wolves, European bison, wild boars, and elks. Information boards along the trails explain the animals' behavior and habitat. The park maintains large meadows and forest areas that mirror the animals' natural environment.
