July 1, 2025, 4:34 am | Read time: 4 minutes
Above the small Hessian town of Hofgeismar stands the mighty Sababurg, dating back to the 14th century. Located in the heart of the Reinhardswald Nature Park, it is often associated with one of Germany’s most famous fairy tales. The ancient structure might have inspired the Brothers Grimm’s “Sleeping Beauty.” There are even, well, compelling clues to support this. TRAVELBOOK investigated on site.
In the small town of Hofgeismar in northern Hesse lies one of the most enchanting places in our country. And that’s meant quite literally, as the nearly 700-year-old Sababurg, perched high above the town, is often associated with perhaps the most famous story by the Brothers Grimm. Since the 19th century, the structure, more of a castle, has been considered an inspiration for the legendary Sleeping Beauty and her century-long slumber. In fact, there are even substantial clues that there might be some truth to the tale.
According to the website of the Reinhardswald Nature Park, Sababurg was initially built in 1334 as a place of protection for pilgrims and was then known as Zapfenburg. Severely damaged during the Thirty Years’ War, a landgrave began the first renovations in 1654. These lasted until 1730, but just 30 years later, the structure fell into ruin again. Occupied by the French during the Seven Years’ War, the castle continued to deteriorate. From 1824 to 1826, the west, east, and south wings were demolished. It must have been around this time that Sababurg was first linked to the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale.
Inspiration for the Legend?
The castle also includes a wildlife park, documented since 1571 (Germany’s oldest wildlife park, according to the editors)—and at that time, it was essentially just a forest area. Nobles kept aurochs, white deer, fallow deer, chamois, moose, and reindeer there. What’s particularly interesting about the site’s history is that it was supposedly surrounded by a massive thorn hedge—just like the castle of Princess Sleeping Beauty. In the story, a brave prince eventually overcomes the dangerous thicket and awakens the beauty from her hundred-year sleep. A staff member of the Reinhardswald Nature Park tourist information speculates to TRAVELBOOK: “Perhaps the castle’s architectural style and its fairy-tale aura also contributed to the legend.”
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The fact is: The Brothers Grimm, Jacob and Wilhelm, were born in Hanau, Hesse—at that time, just about a two-day journey from Hofgeismar and its Sababurg. Today, the small town is part of the German Fairy Tale Route—along which lie all the places believed to have inspired the writers. Since its first appearance in 1812, the Sleeping Beauty fairy tale has enjoyed great popularity, and people have repeatedly associated the castle with it. Even today, there is a rose garden on the grounds that visitors can see every Saturday and Sunday from May to October, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
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Everything Revolves Around Sleeping Beauty
Actors from the theater in Kassel also recount the fairy tale at Sababurg. The first performance is at 2 p.m. At 2:30 p.m., the story is also told in English. And otherwise, everything in Hofgeismar revolves around its most famous “daughter.” “Every year at the beginning of May, we have a Sleeping Beauty festival here. Even fairy tale characters from other cities come, such as the Pied Piper of Hamelin. There are street performers and a grand parade. The Sleeping Beauty factor certainly brings us a significant boost in tourists,” says the tourist information staff member.
Among them are many who travel by RV along the German Fairy Tale Route. Unfortunately, Sababurg itself is currently closed to visitors due to extensive renovations. It belongs to the state of Hesse, and a reopening date has not yet been set. However, visitors can still enjoy other attractions. “There are great cycling and hiking trails in the area. We also have the Sababurg primeval forest, which is part of the Reinhardswald Nature Park and has been untouched by humans for 80 years. And, of course, there are numerous other castles in the vicinity.” Plenty of activities for a fairy-tale outing.