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The Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in fairy tale legends and to learn about the brothers behind the famous tales.

The Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in fairy tale legends and to learn about the brothers behind the famous tales. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

The Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in fairy tale legends and to learn about the brothers behind the famous tales.

The Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, gives visitors a chance to immerse themselves in fairy tale legends and to learn about the brothers behind the famous tales. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

A bust of Wilhelm Grimm on display at the Brüder Grimm-Haus  in Steinau an der Strasse. Wilhelm lived from Feb. 24, 1786, to Dec. 16, 1859.

A bust of Wilhelm Grimm on display at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse. Wilhelm lived from Feb. 24, 1786, to Dec. 16, 1859. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

A bust of Jakob Grimm on display at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse. Jakob lived from Jan. 4, 1785, to Sept. 20, 1863.

A bust of Jakob Grimm on display at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse. Jakob lived from Jan. 4, 1785, to Sept. 20, 1863. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

The Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, is the original home where the Brothers Grimm lived from 1791 to 1796. When their father died in 1796, the family had to move, because the house belonged to the district magistrate, a position Philipp Grimm filled until his death.

The Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, is the original home where the Brothers Grimm lived from 1791 to 1796. When their father died in 1796, the family had to move, because the house belonged to the district magistrate, a position Philipp Grimm filled until his death. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

The Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, is the original home where the fairy tale authors Jakob and Wilhelm lived from 1791 to 1796.

The Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, is the original home where the fairy tale authors Jakob and Wilhelm lived from 1791 to 1796. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

A reconstruction of the Grimm family's kitchen is among the features at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany.

A reconstruction of the Grimm family's kitchen is among the features at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

Sculptures depicting a scene from the fairy tale "The Frog Prince" decorate the yard at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany. In modern versions of the fairy tale, the frog's spell is broken by kissing him. In the original Brothers Grimm tale, the frog turns into a prince after he's thrown against the wall by a frustrated and angry princess.

Sculptures depicting a scene from the fairy tale "The Frog Prince" decorate the yard at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany. In modern versions of the fairy tale, the frog's spell is broken by kissing him. In the original Brothers Grimm tale, the frog turns into a prince after he's thrown against the wall by a frustrated and angry princess. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

The wolf from "Little Red Riding Hood" is depicted in various forms on a wall at the  Brüder Grimm-Haus in Stein an der Strasse, Germany.

The wolf from "Little Red Riding Hood" is depicted in various forms on a wall at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Stein an der Strasse, Germany. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

A "Little Red Riding Hood" display at the  Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, reflects depictions of Little Red Riding Hood through the ages and from different cultures. Items such as dolls, dishes, mugs and toys demonstrate how deeply the fairy tale is immersed in modern culture.

A "Little Red Riding Hood" display at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, reflects depictions of Little Red Riding Hood through the ages and from different cultures. Items such as dolls, dishes, mugs and toys demonstrate how deeply the fairy tale is immersed in modern culture. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

A reconstruction of an 1880 paper theater of "Hansel and Gretel" at the  Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany. Paper theater was a miniature form of plays that were usually assembled at home and performed for family and guests. This form of theater dates to the early 19th century in Europe.

A reconstruction of an 1880 paper theater of "Hansel and Gretel" at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany. Paper theater was a miniature form of plays that were usually assembled at home and performed for family and guests. This form of theater dates to the early 19th century in Europe. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

The crown room at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strase, Germany, allows visitors to don headphones and listen to Grimm fairy tales (in German only). The room also features a giant crown where children can enter and play a fairy tale game on a computer (in English and German).

The crown room at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strase, Germany, allows visitors to don headphones and listen to Grimm fairy tales (in German only). The room also features a giant crown where children can enter and play a fairy tale game on a computer (in English and German). (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

An American edition of "Grimm's Popular Tales and Household Stories" from 1860 is just one of the publications on display at the  Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany.

An American edition of "Grimm's Popular Tales and Household Stories" from 1860 is just one of the publications on display at the Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

One of the unique areas of the (Brothers Grimm House) is A room at the Brüder Grimm-Haus is adorned with dioramas featuring scenes from the Grimm's fairy tales. Guests can test their fairy tale knowledge by guessing what story is displayed and then opening a sign beside the diorama to see if the guess was correct.

One of the unique areas of the (Brothers Grimm House) is A room at the Brüder Grimm-Haus is adorned with dioramas featuring scenes from the Grimm's fairy tales. Guests can test their fairy tale knowledge by guessing what story is displayed and then opening a sign beside the diorama to see if the guess was correct. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

Some modern pieces are on display at the Brüder Grimm-Haus as well, such as the mask and costume of the witch from "Hansel and Gretel" that was used in the Frankfurt Opera's 1999 production of the classic tale.

Some modern pieces are on display at the Brüder Grimm-Haus as well, such as the mask and costume of the witch from "Hansel and Gretel" that was used in the Frankfurt Opera's 1999 production of the classic tale. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

The barn ladder on which the Grimm children played is still intact and in the same spot at the Museum Steinau located across a small courtyard from the  Brüder Grimm-Haus. Admission to the Museum Steinau is included in the price of a ticket to the Grimm house. The museum also houses the 1710 Bible used by the Grimm brothers' grandfather, a coach, inn signs and pistols.

The barn ladder on which the Grimm children played is still intact and in the same spot at the Museum Steinau located across a small courtyard from the Brüder Grimm-Haus. Admission to the Museum Steinau is included in the price of a ticket to the Grimm house. The museum also houses the 1710 Bible used by the Grimm brothers' grandfather, a coach, inn signs and pistols. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

A room of the Brüder Grimm-Haus is dedicated to various visual artists from 19th century to current times, including one from Jakob and Wilhelm's younger brother, Ludwig Emil, who was a painter and etcher. Pictured here is a 2010 work from Frankfurt artist Klaus Puth.

A room of the Brüder Grimm-Haus is dedicated to various visual artists from 19th century to current times, including one from Jakob and Wilhelm's younger brother, Ludwig Emil, who was a painter and etcher. Pictured here is a 2010 work from Frankfurt artist Klaus Puth. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

The Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, features plenty of artwork from fairy tales around the world. This one is from a French version of "Little Red Riding Hood."

The Brüder Grimm-Haus in Steinau an der Strasse, Germany, features plenty of artwork from fairy tales around the world. This one is from a French version of "Little Red Riding Hood." (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

An old story poster of "Rapunzel" at the Brüder Grimm-Haus. The once-popular posterlike versions of fairy tales featured a shortened adaptation of a  fairy tale put on one sheet of paper with accompanying illustrations.

An old story poster of "Rapunzel" at the Brüder Grimm-Haus. The once-popular posterlike versions of fairy tales featured a shortened adaptation of a fairy tale put on one sheet of paper with accompanying illustrations. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

An 1811 book of hero songs, ballads and fairy tales translated from Danish by Wilhelm Grimm is one of many remarkably preserved publications on display at the  Grimm  house.

An 1811 book of hero songs, ballads and fairy tales translated from Danish by Wilhelm Grimm is one of many remarkably preserved publications on display at the Grimm house. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

The first illustrated version of the Grimm fairy tales is displayed at the Brüder Grimm-Haus. The success of the 1823 version from London opened the Grimm brothers' eyes to the possibilities of using illustrations to accompany their stories.

The first illustrated version of the Grimm fairy tales is displayed at the Brüder Grimm-Haus. The success of the 1823 version from London opened the Grimm brothers' eyes to the possibilities of using illustrations to accompany their stories. (Mark Patton/Stars and Stripes)

Once upon a time, there lived a pair of brothers in Germany who would one day become arguably the best known fairy tale collectors and writers in the world. Their names were Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm.

If you don’t already know the Brothers Grimm by name, you’ll definitely know some of their characters. It’s like reading a who’s who of fairy tale legends: Hansel and Gretel, Snow White, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel are just a sampling of the all-too recognizable names that graced the pages of their story collection “Kinder- und Hausmärchen” (“Children’s and Household Tales”).

Guests can immerse themselves in the world of the Brothers Grimm by visiting their childhood home in Steinau an der Strasse, which now serves as a museum for Grimm and fairy tale history and is about an hour’s drive from Wiesbaden.

The Brüder Grimm-Haus was Jacob and Wilhelm’s home from 1791 to 1796. They spent much of their preadolescent years in the Steinau house. The large house served as the home of the Grimm family and office of the district magistrate, a position their father, Philipp, filled until his death in 1796.

The lower floor features a reconstruction of the family’s kitchen, personal possessions, 19th century scientific and linguistic writings by the brothers, a history of the family in Steinau and a gallery of drawings and graphic art from their youngest brother, Ludwig Emil.

This area of the house offers an eye-opening look at the scholarly influence for much of the brothers’ ambition, and highlights their achievements, such as their work on compiling a comprehensive German dictionary, that were overshadowed by their fairy tale success.

The entire upper floor is a dream come true for fairy tale junkies. Colorful displays, memorabilia and interactive experiences make it a place where visitors could live happily ever after enjoying the various displays. For example, one room offers dioramas showing amazingly detailed scenes from famous Grimm tales. Visitors can guess what fairy tale is being shown and then check their knowledge by raising a door that hides the answer.

“The fairy tale is part of everyday popular culture,” museum curator Burkhard Kling said.

That statement is illustrated with a fun “Little Red Riding Hood” exhibit, which highlights the impact the tale has had on pop culture from the 19th century to present.

Guests learn that the brothers invited visitors to tell them stories and later wove them into some of their tales. Other fairy tales they invented themselves and still others they put their unique twist on existing characters.

Initially, Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm didn’t intend “Children’s and Household Tales” to be primarily for children, thinking scholars and adults would be the main readers. It was only after the illustrated versions became popular that they realized they could appeal to adults and children, Kling said. Later editions streamlined the text and took advantage of the dual appeal.

Some translations of their tales and adaptations have changed parts of the tale, but the moral lessons remain intact. For example, I was surprised to learn that in the Brothers Grimm tale “The Frog Prince” it wasn’t a kiss that turned the frog into a prince, rather an angry throw against the wall that caused the transformation.

A visit to the Brothers Grimm House and the charming town of Steinau, featuring half-timbered houses that look like the setting for one of the brothers’ fairy tales, is highly recommended for all ages.

pattonm@estripes.osd.mil

On the QT:Directions: Brüder Grimm-Strasse 80, 36396 Steinau an der Strasse, Germany. From Wiesbaden, take autobahn A66 to Frankfurt and stay to the right for autobahn A3. At exit 54 (Fulda), turn right onto highway B45. After a mile, exit right on highway B43A to Fulda. Keep right to get onto autobahn A66 to Fulda and take exit 47 for Steinau. Take a right after the exit and turn left in about a mile (follow the signs to Brüder Grimm-Haus). The house is about one mile on the left. Street parking is available.

Times: Open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Closes the Sunday before Christmas and reopens Jan. 2.

Costs: Admission for both the Brothers Grimm House and Museum Steinau is 5 euros for adults and 3 euros for children. Tickets for groups of 15 or more adults are 3 euros a person and children in groups of 15 or more are 2 euros. A family of four or more can get in for 10 euros. Guided tours are available (in English or German) by calling in advance and cost 33 euros plus a reduced entry fee per person.

A combination ticket granting admission to the Brothers Grimm House, Museum Steinau and the nearby castle is 6 euros for adults, 5 euros for children and 12 euros for a family.

Food: Not on site, but there is a wide variety of options within a short walk of the Grimm house.

Information: Website for the museum is in German only. There is a QR code you can scan with your smartphone on the website — and through pamphlets at the Grimm house — which will take you to a text and audio guide (in multiple languages, including English) of some features of the house. Call the Grimm house at (06663) 7605, or email info@museum-steinau.de.

— Mark Patton

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